Countdown to the most important industry event in surface technology

SurfaceTechnology GERMANY in Stuttgart will open its doors on May 5, 2026 as the meeting place for the surface technology industry. Over three days, more than 210 exhibiting companies will showcase solutions for the current challenges facing the industry.

There is still no sign of a noticeable easing of the economic situation for surface technology companies. Christoph Matheis, Managing Director of the German Surface Technology Association (ZVO), reports: "The 2025 financial year was once again very difficult for most companies in the electroplating and surface technology sector and the industry remains under great pressure. As a central cross-sectional technology with high technological and ecological relevance for almost all industrial sectors, its development is closely linked to the overall economy, which continues to weaken significantly in the face of geopolitical as well as domestic and foreign policy uncertainties. Regulatory requirements, technological innovations and changing market conditions are creating additional pressure to transform. In order to continue to operate successfully, companies are required to develop solutions to current crises. SurfaceTechnology GERMANY 2026 offers a suitable platform for using crises and change as an opportunity for entrepreneurial realignment."

Innovative technologies, investments in research and development and close cooperation with partners and customers are more important than ever in order to successfully meet the current challenges. SurfaceTechnology GERMANY reflects these requirements and, with its combination of exhibition and STG.ExpertForum on topical issues, offers exhibiting companies and visitors a wide range of solutions and opportunities for exchange.

"Over 200 national and international exhibitors are traveling to Stuttgart with exciting innovations and products. These include the joint stands of the German Surface Technology Association (ZVO) and the surface technology process chain (organized by WOTech GbR). VDMA e.V. Oberflächentechnik will be represented with an information stand," explains Ramtin Randjbar-Moshtaghin, Project Manager of SurfaceTechnology GERMANY at Deutsche Messe AG. Dr. Martin Riester, consultant at VDMA e.V. Surface Technology, adds: "Surface technology must shape its future in a challenging market environment. Digitalization remains key, and interoperable production solutions strengthen competitiveness. The VDMA expects SurfaceTechnology GERMANY to provide an intensive exchange of best practices and impetus for the industry so that it can continue to develop even in difficult times."

"The STG.ExpertForum (simultaneous translation DE <> EN) offers concentrated know-how every 20 minutes on all three days of the trade fair. This year's expert forum is once again fully booked with around 50 presentations and offers a wide range of topics. We are looking forward to exciting presentations on basic topics as well as current issues in the industry," 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 Stuttgart Surface Technology Prize "The Surface" will once again be awarded by Fraunhofer IPA this year.

Exhibitors and visitors to SurfaceTechnology GERMANY benefit from the events taking place at the same time. GrindingHub will take place in Halls 7, 9 and 10 and MedtecLIVE in Hall 3. One ticket entitles the holder to visit all three trade fairs. (OM-4/26)

► Find out more about SurfaceTechnology GERMANY 2026 in our SurfaceTechnology GERMANY trade fair special (topics, exhibitor news and further information)

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