From January 19 up to and including April 8, 2024, it is once again possible to apply for the Stuttgart surface technology prize DIE OBERFLÄCHE. Participation individuals and organizations are invited to take part in the competition, organizations that have played an innovative role in shaping the surface technology industry, whether in in electroplating, painting technology, thermal spraying or other industrial areas related to surface areas related to surface technology.

In addition to sustainability, the three-member jury also evaluates the degree of innovation, of the technology or application as an enabling technology and the industrial feasibility. industrial feasibility. "Every component inevitably interacts with its surface. This is why surface technology plays a key role in the degree of innovation and progress progress in numerous industries. We want to promote and recognize this," says juror Martin Metzner, Head of the Electroplating Department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA. First place in the Surface Technology Award went to THE SURFACE 2022 went to Dürr Systems AG. The paint shop manufacturer from Bietigheim- Bissingen, together with partners from the paint and automotive industry, had developed a completely overspray-free wet painting system.

Award ceremony at the Surface Technology Germany trade fair

In addition to Metzner, the interdisciplinary and independent expert jury also includes Martin Riester (VDMA Surface Technology) and Michael Hilt (Research Association for Pigments and for Pigments and Coatings e.V.). The Stuttgart surface technology prize DIE OBERFLÄCHE is awarded every two years and will be presented for the ninth time in 2024. The award ceremony will take place on June 4, 2024 at the specialist forum of the international trade fair Surface Technology Germany trade fair in Stuttgart.

All necessary documents for the application as well as further information are available at

www.ipa.fraunhofer.de