Research Meets Industry: IAM-MMI Hosts TRR 188 Industrial Colloquium for the First Time

Damage-controlled forming processes and the challenges of materials for a circular economy took stage at the TRR 188 Industrial Colloquium at KIT. Strong participation from companies across Baden-Württemberg highlighted the topic’s relevance to regional industry.

IAM-MMI has been part of Collaborative Research Centre/Transregio 188 “Damage Controlled Forming Processes” for six years. The consortium is currently in its third funding period. One of its defining strengths is its regular and close exchange with the metalworking industry. Held every two years, the industrial colloquia bring scientific advances together with industrial needs. Usually hosted at the TRR’s main locations in Aachen and Dortmund, the event took place at KIT for the first time.

Numerous industry representatives joined researchers from across the consortium in KIT’s Senate Hall, with particularly strong participation from companies based in Baden-Württemberg. Discussions focused on recent research findings and how damage-controlled forming processes can improve the performance and reliability of industrial components.

The challenges that materials for a circular economy pose for forming technology sparked particularly lively discussions. The open exchange highlighted the importance of close collaboration between research and industry in addressing these challenges and translating scientific findings into practical applications.

A day filled with fresh perspectives, lively discussions and new ideas vividly captured the spirit of TRR 188: a shared enthusiasm across research and industry for shaping the future of forming technology. Excellent research meets industrial ingenuity, opening up opportunities for sustainable manufacturing and strengthening regional competitiveness. This is “Science for Impact” in action: research and industry joining forces to turn scientific advances into tomorrow’s manufacturing solutions.