Center for Precision Forming (CPF) Operating Principles / IAB Bylaws

July 23, 2009

The VISION of the CPF is to be the leading North American R & D organization that supports metal forming companies in developing innovative, cost effective and environmentally friendly processes, tooling and equipment.

The MISSION of the CPF is to conduct scientifically challenging and industrially relevant research in cooperation with member companies.

The OBJECTIVE of the CPF is to:

– Improve existing processes/products and develop new innovative processes, tooling and equipment.

– Conduct projects in close collaboration with industry and transfer the results to the member companies.

– Train and educate engineers who are familiar with the fundamentals and practice of metal forming science and technology.

The CPF Industrial Advisory Board (IAB)

Member company representatives from the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB). The IAB members act as “gatekeepers” for their organizations. The board elects a Chair and a Secretary, who serve for two years. The NSF Director and Center Evaluator will provide guidance to the IAB.

The IAB Chair and Secretary

The IAB Chair and Secretary are elected by a majority vote of the IAB members. They will serve for a two-year term with the secretary automatically doubling as chair elect.

IAB Meetings

The IAB meetings are held semi-annually, in the Spring and Fall. The Spring meeting decides the research agenda for the year.

Prospective Member Participation at IAB Meetings

Prospective members may attend the evening reception before the meeting day and the general welcome on the meeting day. They may also attend presentations or discussions about previously published/presented material. They may not have access to or attend discussions of ongoing research or future research plans.

New Member Participation at IAB Meeting

New members may attend all sessions except discussion of research results from the year prior to their joining CPF.

Attendance and Voting at the IAB Meeting

Any number of members per company can attend IAB meetings, however each company has only one vote. Each full member gets 30 voting points and each associate member gets 15 voting points to distribute among projects.

Project Mentors

CPF project mentors are IAB members who are in contact with the principal investigators either due to an interest in the subject or to provide investigators with guidance and assistance on the project. The contacts may be initiated by either the PI’s or the mentors. As a mentor, the IAB member makes himself/herself available to the investigators, among other things, as a liaison to the IAB.

Membership for one company through multiple sites

If a subsidiary of one company wants CPF membership, it should be considered as a separate membership with separate membership agreement and IAB members. Any company can purchase as many memberships as they choose. Each membership has one vote with the corresponding number of voting points (Full = 30, Assoc. = 15).

Full Membership = $30k / year

Associate Membership = $15k / year