Surface news

With the ZA17 vertical module in combination with the ZS05 axis, Gema enables targeted, precise positioning of coating guns – ideal for complex components and demanding powder coating 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.

Kabe Farben expands its portfolio to include PFAS-free fine-textured powder coatings. The entire range is now available without perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances—with no change to performance or processing.

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.

Reiter presents the new AGR-E automatic gun for the electrostatic application of coating materials. The focus is on fast changeover times, low weight, and flexible usability.

PaintExpo 2026 will focus on digital and automated solutions for painting and coating processes. Numerous exhibitors will present practical applications.

Dr. Herrmann GmbH & Co. KG will join the IFO / QUBUS Group in July 2026. The aim is to pool expertise in surface technology.

Mankiewicz will be presenting an advanced single-coat solution for industrial applications at PaintExpo 2026. The coating system combines corrosion protection and surface requirements in a single process step.

Artificial intelligence and automation are shaping painting and coating processes. PaintExpo 2026 will use concrete practical solutions to show how data-based systems are advancing efficiency, quality, and sustainability in surface technology.

With Truefuze, IBA Powder Coatings is presenting a press-hardened powder coating system at Paint Expo 2026 that, for the first time, provides wood-based materials with a reliable, functional, and design-flexible coating.

Asis will be presenting automation solutions for coating and surface processes at PaintExpo 2026 in Karlsruhe. The focus will be on retrofit concepts, partial powder coating, and software-supported process analyses.

The Bühler Group is focusing on continuity in corporate management at the start of 2026. Long-standing employee Samuel Schär is taking over the CEO position from Stefan Scheiber.

Kabe Pulverlack Deutschland GmbH is restructuring its sales organization in northern Germany and handing over customer service to experienced coating expert Arben Nokaj.

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.

At PaintExpo 2026, Wagner will present systems and applications for liquid and powder coating. The focus will be on resource-saving processes, digital functions, and practical automation solutions.

In February, Kaeser Kompressoren will be showcasing solutions for optimizing the energy efficiency of compressed air stations at Nortec in Hamburg. The focus will be on heat recovery systems and energy-efficient, networked compressed air technology for the manufacturing industry.

International sales employees from the Plantag Group came together in Detmold at the end of October 2025 for a two-day sales conference. Among other things, new forms of collaboration were discussed.

Dürr has further developed the design of the EcoGun ACE pro low-pressure paint spray gun. The changes affect the weight, operating concept and range of variants with the aim of simplifying handling in industrial use.

Around 200 experts from industry and research came together at the Dörken Days 2025. The focus was on regulatory developments on PFAS, technical approaches in corrosion protection and international exchange along the value chain.