Digitization in surface technology

OPC UA is an open interface standard that defines the mechanisms of cooperation in the industrial environment. It enables to digitally network the production in the mechanical engineering sector. Machines and plants can thus be redesigned as required via plug & work - regardless of the manufacturer of the machines and components in production. Together with its member companies, the VDMA develops OPC UA Companion Specifications, also for the surface technology sector. VDMA Surface Technology organizes the development of Companion Specifications in four OPC UA Working Groups

  • Organic Coating Machinery,
  • Shot Blasting Machinery,
  • Plasma Surface Treatment Machinery
  • Cleaning- and Pretreatment Machinery
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    The aim is to provide the user with standardized machine and process data and to significantly reduce the integration effort of these machines into a production process.

    The VDMA coordinates the activities of the mechanical engineering industry for a cross-industry definition of machine-to-machine communication. OPC UA Companion Specifications have already been published for some machine types and others are currently being developed.

    European Machinery Regulation

    The new EU Machinery Regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on June 29, 2023. This regulation replaces the Machinery Directive and will apply from January 20, 2027. As a consequence of this changeover, around 850 machinery safety standards, including those relating to surface technology, must be revised by the beginning of 2026 so that the presumption of conformity of the standards to the new legislation can apply from the date of application. VDMA Surface Technology is coordinating the revision of surface technology standards and involving experts from industry and occupational safety in Germany and Europe.

    LABS guide

    The guideline for the specifciation VDMA 24364 " Testing for paint wetting impairment substances (LABS-conformity)" was first published in 2018 and established at international level in very short time. Due to the high demand, an English and a Spanish language version is available in addition to the German version.

    VDMA 24364 describes requirements for the testing of products for paint wetting impairing substances (LABS) based on a classification related to the intended use of the product. The VDMA LABS guide provides information on the practical implementation of the test and describes measures for LABS-compliant production.

    VDMA experts are looking forward to a lively exchange with interested trade visitors at SurfaceTechnology GERMANY 2024 in Stuttgart.

    Paint wetting impairment substances - a practical guide