For almost 30 years „Tribology“ as a term related to friction, wear, and lubrication has found its way into the awareness of numerous experts who are concerned with the unacceptable effects of friction and wear, and who have to find solutions to minimize these effects. It has become clear that the lubricant alone is insufficient to solve the relevant problems. On the contrary, it is the last link in the chain that begins with the designing of the tribological contact and includes materials selection, metal cutting, and forming as well as surface treatment. Much has been achieved in these years but quite a number of questions still wait for satisfactory solutions. For this purpose, this colloquium aims at facilitating the exchange of expert knowledge from all over the world. The 17th International Colloquium Tribology focuses on discussing and solving tribological problems. One of its most important features is that the presentations are related to practice.