The Association of Former Employees of the Institute of Metal Forming Technology at the University of Stuttgart e. V. was founded on November 24, 1980. The main aim of the non-profit association is to promote the scientific work of the Institute of Forming Technology (IFU) at the University of Stuttgart. In addition, special emphasis is placed on technology transfer between research and industry. However, the association not only promotes the exchange of ideas between the institute and the member companies, but is also intended to lead to contacts between the member companies. The annual members' meeting, which is held regularly at various member companies, is a particularly important part of this. It is often in this context that joint research projects are initiated by the members.