The proposed research project on form-fit and force-fit joining with adapted auxiliary joining components aims to investigate a new approach to the forming-based joining of materials using auxiliary joining components. The central research idea of this subproject is the individual inline adaptation or execution of the auxiliary joining parts in the process in combination with a correspondingly adapted process control during joining, so that the process can be individually adapted to each joining point. The general process sequence is initially divided into three sub-steps: 1. thermo-mechanically form the individually adapted auxiliary joining part. 2. Joining with the auxiliary joining part and finally 3. Separating the auxiliary joining part. The auxiliary joining part is manufactured and adapted in the joining tool from semi-finished products, such as wire sections or tubes, using a new process similar to pressing, and remains on the starting material until separation. This enables the individualization of each individual joint. The special thermo-mechanical process control enables the created auxiliary joining part to be optimally adapted to the locally required joining conditions, including heat treatment by the process-induced frictional heat. The aim is to open up the widest possible range of joining connections and joining partners with a single joining device. As part of subproject C03, a holistic approach (analysis, simulation, etc.) is to be used to develop a new process for the production of friction-stir welded joints. The special thermo-mechanical process control enables the created auxiliary joining part to be optimally adapted to the locally required joining conditions, including heat treatment by the process-induced frictional heat. The aim is to open up the widest possible range of joints and joining partners with a single joining device. As part of subproject C03, a holistic approach (analysis, simulation, design, integration into corresponding manufacturing process chains, and quality assurance) will be used to investigate fundamental research into process strategies for form-fit and force-fit joining with adapted auxiliary joining parts. The aim is to create a versatile and robust overall joining process that can be used for a wide range of material combinations and thicknesses, such as metal/metal to metal/FRP joints, with minimal setup effort or redesign of existing process chains, and can be adapted to specific requirements.