Hannover. A visit to a trade show should be as efficient as possible – and at the same time deliver exciting new insights. The attractive supporting program at SurfaceTechnology GERMANY (formerly known as O&S) will feature themed clusters, group presentations as well as the SurfaceTechnology Forum. The goal is to give visitors a comprehensive overview of all the latest topics and important trends. SurfaceTechnology GERMANY will take place in Stuttgart from 5 to 7 June 2018.

"Our goal is to provide a clear and concise survey of the very diverse surface technology sector," explains Olaf Daebler, Global Director SurfaceTechnology at Deutsche Messe. "Thanks to the spacious Hall 1 venue of SurfaceTechnology GERMANY 2018, all the display categories will be located in close proximity to one another." The spotlight will be on electroplating, abrasive blasting, thermal spraying, industrial plasma and laser-based surface treatment, coating materials, environmental engineering and supply systems, services, pre-treatment, cleaning, and measuring, testing and analysis. The event will also boast themed presentations devoted to wastewater/environmental protection and nano/microtechnology.

A leading showcase for the electroplating sector, the ZVO group pavilion is an integral part of SurfaceTechnology GERMANY. This group pavilion organized by the industry association ZVO will occupy a total area of 3,500 square meters. Around 75 contract finishers and plant/equipment suppliers will take this opportunity to present market-ready products and innovative research projects.

A further highlight is the pavilion staged by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) . The exhibitors will showcase abrasive blasting systems (wheel based and compressed air based) and electrochemical surface treatment systems for metals. The group presentation will revolve around the motto "Resource-efficient solutions for surface treatment: eco-friendly – economic – innovative". It is targeted primarily at users in the metalworking industry, mechanical engineering, the automotive sector and architecture, as well as foundries, smelting works and rolling mills.

Another outstanding attraction at SurfaceTechnology GERMANY is the group pavilion entitled Process Chain Surface Technology , which covers a broad thematic spectrum and gives valuable insights into the various segments of the surface treatment industry. The focus will also be on future trends, new statutory regulations (e.g. REACh) and on ways of achieving high-quality results using available plant and peripherals.

Young enterprises seeking contacts with foreign markets will gather at the pavilion organized by Germany's Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) . To qualify for support these enterprises must be less than 10 years old, employ fewer than 50 persons and report annual sales or an annual balance sheet total of no more than €10 million.

Surface Technology Forum

This bilingual forum is an absolute "must" for the international visiting public. The program will center on current research findings and future developments. Delivered by eminent speakers from industry and the research community, the papers will address the following topics: energy and material efficiency; the role of surface treatment technology in lightweight design; new electroplating techniques; physical surface treatment; sample applications for modified surfaces; Industry 4.0 in the surface treatment industry; new and optimized plant/devices/processes; quality management and process optimization; cleaning and pre-treatment.

Guided Tours

The daily Guided Tours enable visitors to experience the successive process steps that constitute surface technology. In this way, visitors can acquaint themselves with solutions, innovations and suppliers for each individual processing requirement. SurfaceTechnology GERMANY will coincide with the reissue of a useful guide on the basic principles of surface technology (Basiswissen Oberflächentechnik)

LASYS, CastForge and automotive shows

Exhibitors and visitors to SurfaceTechnology GERMANY will profit from other trade fairs taking place simultaneously at the Stuttgart venue. These are as follows: LASYS, international trade fair for laser material processing in Hall 4; and CastForge, trade fair for casting, forging and machining. These will be accompanied by various automotive shows in halls 7, 8, 9 and 10: Automotive Testing Expo Europe; Engine Expo Europe; Global Automotive Components and Suppliers Expo; and Autonomous Vehicle Technology World Expo. One admission ticket entitles the holder to attend all of these events.