Sparks flew and it was metal on metal as more than 40 competitors faced off for the title of Grinding Master. Metalworking has been used since before the Iron Age. This year, 3M Poland sponsored and hosted the Clash of the Grinders competition at the 3M Customer Innovation Center in Wroclaw, Poland.

The competitors faced off in tasks ranging from re-arming a grinder under time pressure to removing 30 grams of metal from a piece of steel with 3M abrasives. This is the first ever contest sponsored by 3M to give grinders a chance to show off their skills.

Ultimately, the Metalbud Nowicki Company won the competition. The winner earns a spot in the grand finale competition in 2017. All finalists went home with 3M abrasives and welding helmet prizes.