VOA laboratory workshop for anodizers celebrates successful premiere

At the first VOA laboratory workshop from 16 to 17 September 2024, the participants - divided into small groups - carried out various laboratory and measurement techniques themselves under professional guidance, thereby expanding their special insight into the subject matter. Together with the fem Forschungsinstitut in Schwäbisch Gmünd, where the workshop was held, the VOA deliberately focused on anodizers in order to cater intensively to this target group. Following the successful premiere, the association is planning a second workshop aimed at coaters of aluminum surfaces. At its first laboratory workshop, the VOA attached great importance to conveying theoretical and technical content with a very strong focus on practical work. The interaction between the participants encouraged a joint exchange of ideas in order to shed light on the challenges faced in daily practice and clarify questions.

The mix of participants - experienced practitioners on the one hand, inquisitive newcomers on the other - proved to be a great advantage. "The fact that we were able to welcome people with very different fields of activity in the respective companies and thus also with different levels of knowledge to the workshop resulted in a very fruitful exchange among each other. This was perfect, because in the VOA network we want to share our knowledge with each other and constantly improve the quality of surface-finished aluminum products together, so we are very pleased with the successful workshop," says VOA Managing Director Dr. Alexa A. Becker with pride. As part of the enormously important quality management process, the laboratory workshop also covered test equipment monitoring and the requirements for anodized aluminium in accordance with the international QUALANOD quality mark. The participants were also given an insight into the practical experience of the fem research institute with regard to the unannounced QUALANOD inspections that take place twice a year, through which managing directors and plant managers can gain security and save costs by avoiding warranty claims. The VOA is already planning its various events for the coming year, including the first laboratory workshop for coaters in spring 2025. The association will announce the invitation and program on its website in good time and also provide information on social media.