SUZANNE TKACH
Suzanne Tkach, founder and innovator of Tkach Metal Forming Consultants, understands the challenges faced by forging manufacturers and their clients. With nearly three decades of experience in the metal forming industry, she knows that small changes in processing can have a large impact on a product’s quality and performance. Suzanne brings a unique perspective that combines extensive shop floor experience in process development and production trials with an advanced technical background in process design and improvement. Her focus is on providing non-biased, scientifically sound recommendations that match you with the right technology, the right industry experts, and the right suppliers.
Prior to launching Tkach Metal Forming Consultants in 2006, Suzanne managed multi-million dollar capital projects, product development, and engineering management for a leading international automotive components manufacturer. She oversaw the introduction of warm forging at the company’s Columbus, Ohio facility, including technology transfer from Germany, equipment installation, forging process development, and production launch.
Suzanne’s experience with finite element modeling goes back to 1997. She currently conducts DEFORM™ finite element simulation services for the full range of materials and metal forming processes. Clients can expect fast, accurate simulation results thanks to her comprehensive knowledge and skills.
She also is a writer, editor, trainer, mentor, and speaker, sought after by trade organizations and manufacturing partners. Suzanne is active in the Forging Industry Association and was the first female President of the Board of Trustees for the Forging Industry Educational Research Foundation (FIERF). She remains active with FIERF technical committees and is a regular guest lecturer at Ohio University, Wittenberg University, and The Ohio State University.
Suzanne graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (BSChE) and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME), from the Russ College of Engineering and Technology at Ohio University, and has served on their Industrial Advisory council since 2001.
FOSTERING GROWTH
Tkach Metal Forming Consultants is committed to ensuring a bright future for the metal forming industry in North America by inspiring and supporting the next generation of students and young professionals. Suzanne regularly makes leadership gifts to support research and development through scholarship opportunities and serves as a mentor.
She also is an advocate for the forging industry and meets with members of Congress annually during the Forging Industry Association Lobby Days in Washington DC to raise awareness of the forging industry’s critical role in our economy and the issues and policies affecting it.
INVOLVEMENT
Since 2001
Mechanical Engineering Industrial Advisory Board, Ohio University
Nominated for joint Tau Beta Phi
ASME 2017 Outstanding Woman Engineer Award
• Represent women in heavy manufacturing and forging and provide an international perspective
• Guide curriculum
• Assist in ABET accreditation activities for the program
• Mentor Senior Design Capstone teams
• Graduate IAB
Since 2011
Technical Committee Member, Forging Industry Association (FIA)
2012-2014; Chairperson
- Evaluate Forging Industry Association magnet school research proposals.
- Make support & funding recommendations to the Forging Industry Education & Research Fund (FIERF)
Since 2016
Board of Directors, Forging Industry Association Women’s Scholarship
- Develop and Identify future industry leaders and decision makers.
- $5,000 contributor for up to 2 years for undergraduate or graduate level students.
Since 2017
Member, Forging Defense Manufacturing Consortium Technical Advisory Committee (FDMC-TAC)
- Technical advisor to research projects funded by the Defense Logistics Agency through ATI and the Forging Industry Association FDMC
Since 2021
Lightweight Alloys Technical Committee Member, Forging Industry Association (FIA)
- Facilitate the collaboration of FIA member companies, suppliers, Universities & National laboratories on forging industry projects and technology transfer.
- Assist in the organization of the FIA Technical Conferences
2016-2021
Executive Board Member, Forging Industry Education & Research Fund (FIERF)
2018-2021; President | 2016-2018; Vice President
2018-2019 Technical Committee Chairperson
- Facilitate collaboration between FIA member companies, suppliers, universities, and national laboratories on forging industry projects and technology transfer.
- Assist in the organization of the FIA Technical Conference.
- First female to be granted membership and first female to be elected president of the organization.
