Surface news

Despite the weak industrial economy and ongoing uncertainties, the new VOA member survey reveals a remarkably diverse picture of the surface sector. While many companies are still under pressure, capacity utilization and incoming orders remain surprisingly stable - and a quarter of companies are…

Dürr has presented a process for the dry coating of electrodes that uses a free-standing film of active material. Following a successful proof of concept, the technology is now to be tested on an industrial scale.

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.

At Euroguss 2026, Plasmatreat will be demonstrating how atmospheric plasma technologies prepare metal surfaces for coating, sealing, bonding and printing - with a focus on ultra-fine cleaning, corrosion protection and inline process capability.

With FlexOS V7, Coatmaster is expanding its measurement and control technology to include a closed-loop control concept based on the measured coating thickness - a step towards more stable processes and lower material consumption.

The Wenglor Sensoric Group presented numerous further developments in sensor technology and image processing at the SPS trade fair in Nuremberg. The technical highlight was the world's first time-of-flight sensor series with blue laser light.

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.

Henkel is introducing a colored version of its organic thin-film technology for the first time. The new TOC version combines corrosion protection and process stability with a visually striking finish.

22-year-old Elena Artmann from Bavaria came out on top against ten competitors at the German Championships for Vehicle Painters.

AkzoNobel and Axalta intend to combine their activities in a share-based merger. The merger is intended to create a globally present company with a broad portfolio and synergies in the high three-digit million range.

To mark its 100th anniversary, SATA is launching a special edition of its current model and at the same time commemorating its technical beginnings in 1925.

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.

The cleaning specialist Vapic celebrates 30 years of company history and at the same time completes a generational change at the top.

Hobart impressed the jury of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector

with the FLOW Line conveyor dishwasher with AI-supported warewashing technology in the Measurement and Control Technology, Digitalization and Industry 4.0 category.

The technotrans Group continued its positive business performance in the third quarter of 2025 and achieved revenue growth of 4.6 percent despite a challenging environment.

BASF Coatings has put its Lean Lab into operation at the Würzburg site. The concept is intended to make the development of water-based basecoats for the automotive industry more efficient and resource-saving.

Dr. Ruth Bieringer is to become President of the German Chemical Society from January 2026. She will be supported by Carla Seidel and Susanne Rehn-Taube as Deputy Presidents.

Umicore and HS Hyosung Advanced Materials are combining their expertise to transfer silicon carbon anode materials for electric vehicle batteries into industrial production.

With Tree House, Ice Water and Sour, Mankiewicz presents three trend colors for 2026, reflecting social developments and focusing on resilience as a design leitmotif.

A modernized Harter GmbH website strengthens its digital presence in industrial drying technology. The focus is on the possible applications and functionality of heat pump drying.