20th International Forgemasters Meeting - IFM 2017

The paper describes an analysis of the main topics of all IFM-Conferences from the 1st Meeting in London 1954 to Graz 2017. The result of the analysis of 1152 papers is presented. The focus of these main topics will be analyzed in more detail. This analysis will highlight a trend where it is necessary to place the focus of research and development in future, namely on the requirements for excellent and reproducible manufacturing in steelmaking and forging. Final conclusions will include remarks concerning economic aspects and market conditions, climate change and hence the trends derived from these and the needs in the field of heavy open die forging.