Surface news

On November 20, 2026, QUALICOAT will host its international conference in Munich. The focus will be on architectural projects featuring coated aluminum, technical and regulatory developments, sustainability, and quality assurance. The event also marks two anniversaries: 40 years of QUALICOAT and 30…

At Aluminium 2026, Henkel will showcase new and improved Bonderite solutions for pretreatment, anodizing, and compaction. The focus will be on lower process temperatures, chromium-free processes, and a new rinse-free bonding agent.

Surface technology companies can still include research and development activities from 2022 for the research tax credit. If the fiscal year coincides with the calendar year, the regular four-year assessment period generally ends on December 31, 2026.

Brillux Industrielack has received approval for a powder coating system for military applications in Switzerland. This means that relevant components can now be coated with certified powder coatings for the first time. The approval covers both topcoats and primers, enabling a complete coating…

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.

With X.Cellify DC, Dürr presents a process for dry coating battery electrodes. The technology does not use solvents and enables a closed material cycle right up to lamination.

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.