In the morning of the first day, good corrosion protection even on sharp edges and new NT systems were on the agenda. After the first coffee break, the focus was on non-contact coating thickness measurement, where imaging coating thickness measurement in the edge area was presented as an innovation. Previously, it was not possible to carry out meaningful non-contact coating thickness measurements using point measurements in the edge area. Another presentation addressed the topic of carbon footprint and how a chemical supplier is working intensively on preparing the relevant data and information and making it available to its customers.
The presentation of the concept of micro gas turbines, which offer the advantage over conventional combined heat and power plants of supplying exhaust gas at temperatures of up to 300°, which can be used to heat powder furnaces, was also interesting. With the right design, such turbines offer excellent efficiency in terms of fuel utilization and can also be converted to run on hydrogen.
"From the paper file to the cloud" was the title of another presentation, which showed that it is even possible to use trained AI to automatically read handmade sketches of components to be coated with dimensional data and transfer them to the calculation or to automatically read order data from customer emails. Furthermore, the successful application of closed loop control with a handheld device at an Austrian coater was presented. It is well known that an external look at the processes in one's own company can reveal a lot of potential for improvement. However, the costs and the time required prevent many from trying it. In this context, low-bureaucracy support options were presented to make the first step easier. The Gottlieb Daimler School showed new ways of recruiting trainees, and prospective technicians presented an elaborate trial project, which was a valuable experience precisely because not everything went smoothly.
Skills shortage also due to image problem
The discussion during the breaks also showed that the issue of a shortage of skilled workers is very problematic and that powder coating is not very high on the young people's list of favorites. There are companies that have not received a single application all year.
On the morning of the second day, the focus was on cases of damage. On the one hand, an experienced expert reported on interesting cases of damage, and on the other hand, another presentation dealt with the topic of complaints and the correct behavior towards insurance companies. In particular, it was shown how easily companies breach their obligations as policyholders, usually out of goodwill towards the customer. Even a replacement delivery can be seen as an admission of guilt and release the insurer from liability.
Problems with microbial contamination were discussed in the last presentation of the event, where a company reported from its own experience how persistent such problems can be and how it ultimately managed to get them under control.
Both the participants and the 45 or so exhibitors were very satisfied with the course of the event and the professional exchange. Read the detailed follow-up report with more details on the content of the presentations in issue 1-2/2024 of the magazine for surface technology. You will also soon find a video report of the event with interviews with speakers here on oberflaeche.de.
Be the First to Comment