Surface news

The Association for the Surface Finishing of Aluminum (VOA) will hold its 2026 annual meeting in Augsburg from June 17 to 19, 2026. In addition to association matters, the event will focus on technical developments and expert presentations.

In talks with members of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, ZVO addressed the economic, energy and labor market burdens facing companies in the surface technology sector. The main focus was on energy prices, regulation and the competitiveness of Germany as an industrial location.

Plating Electronic has handed over management to the second generation and is modernizing its brand presence with a focus on structure, service and end-to-end system responsibility.

C. Jentner GmbH has successfully obtained DIN EN ISO 50001 certification for its energy management system, underscoring its commitment to sustainable and resource-efficient operations.

At a meeting with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment in Brussels, ZVO presented the surface technology industry’s positions on ongoing regulatory proceedings. The focus was on the further development of the Industrial Emissions Directive and the drafting of the STM BREF.

DIN EN ISO 2081:2026 is the updated standard for chromium(VI)-treated galvanic zinc coatings on iron and steel, with adjustments for practical application in the surface treatment industry.

The Association for the Surface Finishing of Aluminum (VOA) has presented its 2025/2026 annual report. The focus is on further training, quality standards, and representing the interests of the industry both nationally and internationally.

Werner Ruhl and Willi Perschbacher, the two founders of Ruhl & Co. GmbH, passed away in January 2026. Their work shaped the development of today's B+T Group in the field of surface technology.

Alvarez Schaer is presenting a compact anodizing system called Anodikit Zone at PaintExpo 2026. The system combines reduced space requirements with Qualanod-compliant anodizing.

In its latest annual report, the VOA focuses in particular on practical training, political lobbying, and networking within the aluminum surface industry.

ZVO scholarship recipient Andreas Winter has successfully completed his master's thesis on the anodization of recycled aluminum casting alloys, gaining important insights into surface technology in the process.

The application deadline for the Stuttgart Surface Technology Award "Die Oberfläche" is approaching. Innovations from all areas of surface technology can be submitted until February 20, 2026.

Rising gold prices are increasing cost pressure in electroplating and surface technology. Auruna hard gold electrolytes from Umicore Metal Deposition Solutions aim to achieve uniform layer distribution and reduced precious metal consumption.

The next Girls' Day will take place on April 23, 2026. The German Surface Technology Association (ZVO) and its women's network Female SurFaces are encouraging companies from the electroplating and surface technology sectors to participate.

On January 1, 2026, the newly elected board of the Central Association for Surface Technology (ZVO) officially began its three-year term of office. The personnel decisions had already been made in the fall of 2025.

Ultrasonic-based inline measurement technology enables the reliable detection of gas bubbles in liquid processes, including alkaline electrolysis. In this way, LiquiSonic sensors from SensoTech support process safety and plant availability.

Saxonia Galvanik GmbH is expanding its metal electroplating capacities. With a third system, the company is strengthening its position in the selective coating of components for high-voltage applications.

During a two-day meeting, representatives from ZVO, industry and universities discussed how complex challenges in technical and organizational environments can be better understood and dealt with in the future.

With the electrolyte manager, DiTEC is expanding its PROGAL.PLATTFORM with a digital module for the automated maintenance of electroplating baths. This year, the company can also look back on 30 years of automation expertise.

Since October 2025, atb Elektronische Steuerungen GmbH has been a member of the Zentralverband Oberflächentechnik (ZVO). The company has extensive experience in electroplating plant construction, electrical engineering and plant control.