Surface news

AI-Based Robotics for Automated Wet Painting of Complex Components and Batch Size 1. A robot that scans complex components and independently generates and executes painting paths is pushing the current boundaries of automated painting. The system impressed seasoned professionals at workshops hosted…

Dürr is equipping Volvo Cars’ new electric vehicle plant in Košice, Slovakia, with final assembly technology. The scope of supply includes conveyor, filling and testing systems for largely automated production. Production is scheduled to start in 2027, with the plant designed for a maximum capacity…

Surventis has appointed Dr Rebecca Koch as Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the Executive Committee effective 1 September 2026. She will lead the coating technology company’s global HR organisation, with a focus on corporate culture, leadership and people development.

IST METZ is presenting its modular swap4cure platform for label printing at LOUPE Americas 2026. The system combines UV, LED-UV and thermal drying and allows users to switch between the technologies within a single machine concept.

Tioxide has resumed production of titanium dioxide pigments at its Greatham site near Hartlepool. Following the acquisition of the plant by LB Group earlier in 2026, the facility is initially operating on a single-stream basis. Production capacity is set to increase gradually, with full operational…

The German Federal Association of Automotive Refinishers (BFL) will present training, craftsmanship and technological developments in the automotive refinishing profession at Automechanika Frankfurt from 8 to 12 September 2026. Digital applications, automation and recruitment of young talent will be…

Surventis and Aumovio have entered into a strategic development and collaboration agreement for microstructured optical functional films. The aim is to advance and industrialise optical films for automotive displays and head-up displays.

BASF has expanded its dispersion production capacity at its Durban site in South Africa. The aim is to provide a more stable supply of dispersions for customers across Africa serving coatings, construction and paper applications.

Dürr will host its Open House from April 21 to 23, 2026. The spotlight will be on concepts for flexible, energy-efficient paint shops and digital solutions designed to optimize processes.

In its anniversary year, FreiLacke will be presenting comprehensive coating system solutions at PaintExpo 2026 – from PFAS-free powder coatings and low-temperature technologies to water-based and UHS liquid coatings and composite innovations.

On April 28 and 29, 2026, the DFO invites you to the Automotive and Plastics Coating Practice Forum at FANUC in Neuhausen a. d. F. – with a focus on automation, AI, and sustainable coating solutions.

Erma Concept presents automated painting lines that combine high volumes, precise application, and optimized production processes—including testing and training services.

With the acquisition of its distribution partner MEI, ViscoTec is establishing its own branch in Mexico. The dosing technology specialist is thus strengthening its presence in North and Central America and moving closer to important industrial customers.

At PaintExpo 2026 in Karlsruhe, Oltrogge will be combining coating technology and compressed air to create integrated system solutions. The focus will be on efficient mixing and dosing technology as well as reliable high-gloss applications.

BASF is gradually increasing the production of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) at its Ludwigshafen site, thereby securing supplies for European customers along the entire acetylene value chain. BDO is a key raw material for numerous industrial and anti-corrosion coatings.

Eisenmann is expanding its automation portfolio for paint shops with the flexible E-Gripper Wheel hybrid gripper. The system enables precise, reliable, and gentle handling of wheels for passenger cars and electric vehicles.

With FLUORBEST, a Fraunhofer consortium led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability, LBF is developing an AI-supported evaluation methodology for substituting fluoropolymers in technical applications.

Oellers is working with the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences on bio-based functional substances for anti-corrosion coatings. One of the raw materials used is processed pig manure.

With EcoNextJet, Dürr is introducing an automated application system for direct printing of graphics and lettering in the coating process. The system works with drop-on-demand technology.

Hesse GmbH & Co. KG is introducing a digital learning platform. This will enable skilled workers from carpentry and joinery workshops to receive further training in modern painting techniques without having to take long periods of leave from work.