There is still no sign of any significant easing in the economic situation for the companies in the surface technology industry. As Christoph Matheis, CEO of the Central Association of Surface Technology (ZVO) reports: "Fiscal 2025 was yet another very difficult year for most companies in the electroplating and surface technology sector, and the industry remains under considerable pressure. As a key interdisciplinary technology with high technological and ecological relevance across virtually all industrial sectors, its development is closely tied to the overall economic conditions – which continue to weaken significantly amid geopolitical, domestic, and foreign policy uncertainties. Regulatory requirements, technological innovations, and shifting market conditions are generating additional pressure toward transformation. To continue operating successfully, the companies must rise to the challenge of developing solutions from ongoing crises. SurfaceTechnology GERMANY 2026 provides the right platform for doing precisely that – turning crisis and change into an opportunity for strategic realignment."

Today, innovative technologies, investment in research and development, and close collaboration with partners and customers are more crucial than ever in the struggle to overcome current challenges. SurfaceTechnology GERMANY reflects these needs and, through its combination of exhibition and the STG.ExpertForum on hot topical issues, offers both exhibiting companies and attendees a broad range of solutions and opportunities for dialog.

New products teamed with innovations

"More than 200 domestic and international exhibitors are bringing exciting innovations and products to Stuttgart – also including the joint stands of the ZVO and the Surface Technology Process Chain (organized by WOTech GbR). VDMA SURFACE TECHNOLOGY will be on hand with an information stand," says Ramtin Randjbar-Moshtaghin, Project Manager of SurfaceTechnology GERMANY at Deutsche Messe. Dr. Martin Riester, Consultant Surface Technology at the VDMA (German Engineering Federation) adds: "The surface technology sector must shape its future in a challenging market environment. Digitalization remains a key lever in this process, and interoperable production solutions strengthen competitiveness. The VDMA expects SurfaceTechnology GERMANY to spark an in-depth exchange on best practices and fresh impetus for the industry to keep moving forward – even in difficult times."

Exhibitors & Products

Expert forum as knowledge platform and source of inspiration

"The STG.ExpertForum delivers concentrated expertise in 20-minute sessions (with simultaneous DE/EN translation) across all three days of the show. This year's forum is once again fully booked, with around 50 presentations covering a wide range of topics. We look forward to compelling talks and presentations on both fundamental and current industry issues," adds Ramtin Randjbar-Moshtaghin. The topics at a glance: "Cleaning and pre-treatment", New electroplating processes" , "Training employees in light of the shortage of skilled workers", "Avoiding PFAS in surface technology", "AI support in surface technology", "Surfaces for energy technology", "Energy and material efficiency – carbon footprint", "Digitalization in surface technology practice", "Systems / Equipment / Processes for surface treatment", and "Physical surface treatment processes – thermal spraying, PVD/CVD and related technologies". As is tradition, the Fraunhofer IPA will once again present the Stuttgart Surface Technology Award "DIE OBERFLÄCHE" this year.

STG.ExpertForum

Two shows running concurrently to SurfaceTechnology GERMANY: GrindingHub and MedtecLIVE

Exhibitors and visitors to SurfaceTechnology GERMANY will benefit from the two concurrent events, with GrindingHub taking place in Halls 7, 9 and 10, and MedtecLIVE in Hall 3. A single ticket grants access to all three trade fairs.

Parallel Events