Latest news with #metalworking
Washington Post
3 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
Is blacksmithing a viable career path? Yes — and so much more.
Warning: This graphic requires JavaScript. for the best experience. You're reading Shifts, an illustrated history of work. Sign up to get it in your inbox. In her first blacksmithing class, Caitlin Morris was the smallest person in the forge — and the only woman. She expected that her body would be a disadvantage. But learning to shape metal without brute strength has influenced her technique, her teaching philosophy and the way she moves through life. Before I got into blacksmithing, it felt like there was nothing permanent in my world. I was working in IT. When I went home at the end of the day, even if I had done a lot of work, I couldn't point to something and say, 'I made this.' I decided I needed a hobby, so I opened a spreadsheet and wrote down all the things I wanted to try. My goal was to go down the list, trying them all. I found a blacksmithing class, but it required taking a week's vacation, which seemed … absolutely nuts! Story continues below advertisement Advertisement It was a little disorienting walking into the shop for the first time. It was filled with all these rusty old tools that might have been in a shop 200 years ago. And the air smelled of coal. Story continues below advertisement Advertisement Suddenly, here I was taking these tiny pieces of scrap metal and watching them turn into these incredible sunset colors. I could hit them with a hammer and turn them into something beautiful. And at the end of the day, I could hold it in my hand and say, 'I created this.' After that class, I wanted to quit my job, become a blacksmith and start a craft school. The first day back at work, I made myself business cards. It was seven years before I achieved all of those goals. First, I had to figure out a way to practice. Story continues below advertisement Advertisement The Blacksmiths' Guild of the Potomac had a forge where you could practice any time you wanted, as long as you weren't alone. I would kidnap my friends, not one of whom was a blacksmith, to go with me. It ended up being good practice for teaching. Later on, a coppersmith friend who lived close by allowed me to set up shop with them so I could practice more frequently. This is where I eventually set up my school. Every time I set foot in the forge, I would take a piece of metal and turn it into a leaf keychain. The first time, it took me three hours. The second time, it took me three hours. The third time, it took maybe 2 hours and 59 minutes. Now, I can do it in 10 minutes. People often get bored of tasks they have to do over and over. But repeating simple projects has taught me so much. Story continues below advertisement Advertisement Mastering this skill really comes from knowing how to use your body efficiently. I had a partner who taught me a lot about body mechanics. He was training to become a massage therapist and learning how to apply force in a way that didn't burden his energy. A lot of students mistakenly think that, to be a good blacksmith, you need to hit things as hard as you can. In reality, using a hammer should be as easy as walking — if you understand your body. Since I got into blacksmithing, my tolerance for physical discomfort has dropped. I've become so attuned to my body that I can't ignore when something feels off. That sensitivity has made me more aware of my environment — heat, vibration, movement. It has also led me to let go of clothing and habits that didn't support my comfort or authenticity. I'm more in tune with myself now, and more me than I've ever been. Story continues below advertisement Advertisement I get a lot of different reactions when I tell people I'm a blacksmith. But usually, they are some variation of the same question. I can connect it to almost any human endeavor. We have been blacksmithing since at least the Iron Age. It is a gateway to creativity, self-development and community. It can help us understand everything from history and geopolitics to physics and material science to color, art and light. It is an entry point to understanding humanity. Blacksmiths around the world were often the unsung centers of the community, making tools, art and even health care instruments. I hope to bring back that sense of community around the craft. So, is it still possible to have a career as a blacksmith? The craft looks very different today than it did a century ago. Our daily needs are met by factories and manufacturing. And that has freed blacksmithing to become so much more.
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
New MTU-IACMI Partnership Expands Metallurgy Education And Outreach
Casting—pouring molten metal into molds to create new components—is one of the fundamental skills ... More covered by IACMI's METAL program. With all the focus currently on skilled trades training and recruiting, one vital area that hasn't gotten a lot of attention is the fundamental processes of making things from metal. The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning program was founded in June 2024 to help with that, and its latest win is a new partnership with Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. METAL is led by the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation with funding from the Department of Defense's Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program, It focuses breakthrough education and awareness efforts on the metallurgical processes of casting, forging and plate rolling. The new partnership will provide workforce training to strengthen metalworking industries. As METAL's newest hub operator, Michigan Tech joins The Ohio State University, the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and Pennsylvania State University in helping deliver METAL's nationally recognized curriculum, facilitate instructor certification, and launch boot camps and academic pathways for metalworking professionals. MTU will also integrate METAL training into its existing Summer Youth Programs, offering an introduction to metalworking, metallurgy and materials science to high school students from across the Upper Midwest. Plate rolling—running hot metal through progressive roll mills to create thinner slabs—is another of ... More the basic processes in the METAL program. 'We're trying to create exposure,' Greg Harrell, workforce coordinator at IACMI, told me in an interview. 'K through gray is what we call it, from kindergarten all the way through to adults, to expose them to different types of metallurgical-type processes.' 'So Michigan Tech, one of the ones things they're doing is summer youth programs,' added Michael Kubacki, project coordinator at IACMI added. 'We're able to help fund those so that they have more casting and forging curriculum, or expand on it, add more summer youth programs to try to get more kids interested. It can also drive them to take a metal or material science or engineering course at school so you can help drive admissions into the higher degree pathways for engineering.' The MTU hub curriculum will combine interactive online learning with in-person casting and forging boot camps at MTU's state-of-the-art labs. Future educational modules will incorporate training on automation in casting and forging and will open pathways to employment in critical industry roles. 'We have a fully working foundry,' Alexandra Glover, assistant professor of materials science and engineering at MTU, said in an interview. 'We have full-time staff who work there. So it's a really easy thing for us to slot in. As a department, we've taught a very rigorous castings class for a very long time, and so curriculum-wise, a lot of the activities line up really well with METAL. We're used to having large groups of students in our foundry all the time.' Forging—using powerful presses to shape hot metal—is another of the METAL program's fundamental ... More metallurgical processes. Glover sees additional educational opportunities arising as the program moves forward. 'We're making some upgrades to the facilities, just to have better teaching spaces, designated spaces where we don't have to deconflict research and teaching as much. We are getting a mill and a lathe so we can incorporate some machining into our program… Right now, they are mostly focused on casting. My background is actually in forging. For me, I would love to get more into the metalworking space.' Growing the program is also a focus for IACMI as well. 'We're going to continue to grow our network,' said Kubacki. 'We have a proposal out there that is not yet to be executed, but we're told soon that'll help us get eight to 10 more sites. … We also have Ohio State, and one of their deliverables is plans for a mobile foundry.' 'We're also trying to integrate the METAL program into our high schools,' added Harrell. 'We're doing one in Grange County here in Tennessee. We're integrating our place like a workshop where the kids will melt tin, they'll create a mold, they'll pour that, and we'll have some curriculum-building around that with the teachers there. We have a lot of outreach programs we're doing there to try to spark more interest in the metallurgical-type processes.' From her perch at Michigan Tech, Glover sees both the need for, and the tremendous opportunities that can arise from, programs like METAL. 'There's a ton of need for people to enter this workforce, a ton of opportunity to develop new technologies. Our factories and our forging houses and our metalworking spaces need to be modernized. They need a high level of investment over the next couple decades just to meet the manufacturing needs of this country. And that really hasn't been the case for a long time. So it's a really exciting time, and it's also a great area for employment. Michigan Tech grads have a super-high employment rate. I think that's true for engineering in general, and this is a great industry that has had a lot of hiring and continues to have a lot of hiring. And that's true both on the college side and on the trade side. You can make a really good career out of being a trades person in a metalworking space.'
NHK
16-06-2025
- Business
- NHK
Osaka Expo displays giant copper kettle from Niigata Prefecture
A giant kettle created by a metalworking firm in Niigata Prefecture is on display at the World Expo in Osaka through Wednesday. The maker in Tsubame City was established more than 200 years ago. Craftspeople used a hammering technique called "tsuikidoki" to make the kettle from two copper sheets. It measures 1.16 meters tall and 0.95 meters across. A brim around the kettle prevents it from falling off a stove. The company says this design was invented by its founder. During the three-day exhibit, craftspeople will carve seven herons on the kettle's surface. A company official said they hope to encourage people who are discovering the world of copperware for the first time to visit the production site in Niigata.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
METALTECH & AUTOMEX 2025 IGNITES A NEW ERA OF SMART AND GREEN MANUFACTURING
Southeast Asia's premier metalworking and automation trade show champions sustainability, AI integration, and international collaboration. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southeast Asia's manufacturing, automation, and engineering sectors converged today as METALTECH & AUTOMEX 2025 officially opened its doors at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Now in its 29th edition, the event continues to lead the charge in smart, sustainable manufacturing with the region's largest showcase of advanced technologies, automation solutions, and next-generation innovations. Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, this year's edition reaches new heights with the co-location of the Advanced Machinery & Engineering Summit (AMES) 2025, an initiative by the Machinery & Engineering Industries Federation (MEIF). This strategic collaboration strengthens the link between technological innovation and policy discourse, further accelerating industrial transformation across the region. "MEIF has long supported METALTECH & AUTOMEX as a committed industry partner. That continuity has deepened our understanding of the challenges, shifts, and emerging needs of the sector," said Mac Ngan Boon, President of MEIF. "We now launch AMES, not to duplicate what already exists, but to create space for focused dialogue, sharper insight, and coordinated action." The ceremony was officiated by Datuk Mohd Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General (Industry) of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), who praised the dual event format as both "practical and symbolic." "It reflects a broader shift we are witnessing - where industrial transformation is no longer confined to technical implementation or policy frameworks alone - but where both must be designed and delivered together," he said in his opening address. Themed "Sustainable Manufacturing: From Smart Solutions to AI Innovations," METALTECH & AUTOMEX 2025 features over 1,500 exhibitors and brands from 40 countries and regions, including groups and pavilions from Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, Mainland China, and Singapore. With more than 5,000 advanced technologies on display, including CNC machinery, robotics, AI, IoT, smart sensors, and energy-efficient manufacturing systems, the event is expected to draw over 20,000 trade visitors across four days. In a keynote speech at AMES 2025, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Chairman of MIDF Berhad, called attention to the financial tools and partnerships that can bring industrial innovation to life. "These are not just loans - they are investments into the future of Malaysian and regional industries," he said. "MIDF supports this national agenda by empowering SMEs and manufacturers across key sectors - including machinery, engineering, and automation - to adopt modern, advanced technologies and upgrade their capabilities." He also underscored the importance of aligning financing with the goals of NIMP 2030 and Industrial Revolution 4.0."We are seeing a fundamental change in how industries operate, driven by automation, data, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing. These transformations are reshaping global supply chains and redefining industrial competitiveness - and this is something we should not miss out on." Gerard Leeuwenburgh, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Malaysia, further emphasised the role of sustainability in shaping future industry standards. "Sustainability is no longer a trend; it's a necessity. From energy-efficient machinery and low-waste production methods to sustainable material sourcing and circular design, the innovations we're seeing across the show floor prove that going green is not just good for the planet - but for business as well." Since its inception, METALTECH & AUTOMEX has evolved into a cornerstone of the regional industrial calendar, attracting more than 400,000 industry professionals and generating millions in trade value. With the debut of AMES 2025, the platform takes another leap - bringing policy, practice, and progress under one roof. This year's exhibition features live product demonstrations, technical seminars, and knowledge-sharing forums. Topics range from sustainable manufacturing practices and energy optimisation to digital transformation for SMEs and AI integration. "The machinery and engineering sector is the enabling layer for advanced manufacturing, energy-efficient processes, and industrial resilience," Datuk Hanafi concluded. "We at MITI are committed to supporting these efforts - by aligning policy tools with market needs and ensuring Malaysia's industrial ambitions are matched by execution on the ground." Monitor ERP, this year's Gold Sponsor, was recognised for their integrated enterprise solutions that help manufacturers connect, optimise, and scale operations efficiently. Special thanks also go to AM Machinery, the event's Woven Bag Sponsor, for their continued support of METALTECH & AUTOMEX 2025. Informa Markets Malaysia was lauded for its role in transforming METALTECH & AUTOMEX into a regional powerhouse of industrial advancement and collaboration. In a strategic move to broaden its national impact, the International Automation Technology Exhibition (AUTOMEX) will debut as a standalone event from 4–6 November 2025 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Penang. After more than 14 years of co-location with METALTECH, this expansion reflects AUTOMEX's growing influence and the rising demand for smart automation, robotics, AI, and machine vision technologies, especially in Malaysia's northern manufacturing corridor. With momentum at an all-time high, the organisers are already gearing up for a landmark celebration - the 30th anniversary of METALTECH & AUTOMEX, set to take place from 20–23 May 2026 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. This milestone event promises to be the biggest and boldest edition yet, spotlighting three decades of breakthroughs, partnerships, and progress that have shaped Malaysia's industrial landscape. METALTECH & AUTOMEX 2025 runs from 14–17 May 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur. For registration and more information, visit About METALTECH & AUTOMEX For over three decades, METALTECH & AUTOMEX has been the pulse of Malaysia's manufacturing industry. This premier event connects industry leaders across metalworking, machinery, robotics, and automation. Over 1,500 leading providers from 19 countries and regions showcase their cutting-edge solutions, including renowned group pavilions from industry giants like Mainland China, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea. With 33 specialised profiles, METALTECH & AUTOMEX provides a dynamic platform for suppliers to connect with local and regional buyers. The co-located International Automation View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE METALTECH & AUTOMEX Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
