The next edition of SurfaceTechnology GERMANY is scheduled to take place in Stuttgart from June 20 to 22, 2028.
SurfaceTechnology GERMANY 2026 has officially closed its doors, marking a highly successful three-day run from May 5 to 7. The trade fair welcomed over 4,600 visitors from 46 nations, with international attendees accounting for 30% of the total turnout. More than 210 exhibitors presented their innovations, reporting an overwhelmingly positive verdict characterized by intensive discussions, high-quality professional contacts, and a packed STG.ExpertForum across all days. As a vital cross-sectional technology, surface technology proved once again to be an indispensable link in the global industrial manufacturing chain.
“We are very satisfied with how the event went and this is also reflected in the feedback from our exhibitors. Over the three days of the event, it once again became clear that the opportunity for mutual exchange is indispensable and makes for a successful trade fair,” has stated Ramtin Randjbar-Moshtaghin, Project Manager of SurfaceTechnology GERMANY at Deutsche Messe AG.
“The true value of a strong network is particularly evident in economically challenging times. SurfaceTechnology GERMANY has impressively demonstrated that the innovative spirit of our industry is unbroken despite the difficult conditions. Together, we are making surface technology fit for the future!” has added Martin Riester, spokesperson for surface technology in the VDMA.
As anticipated, the proportion of specialised trade visitors remained exceptionally high, driving superior quality in professional consultations. Following Germany, the leading visitor nations were Switzerland, Turkey, Italy, Austria, and France.
“In view of the current economic and geopolitical situation, our expectations for SurfaceTechnology GERMANY 2026 had been cautious – but they were exceeded. The visitor response was excellent right from the start, without any tailing off in the famously good visitor quality. The exhibitors at the ZVO joint stand reported many interesting technical discussions and international contacts – as a door opener for future joint projects. The mood at the trade fair was consistently positive, which gives hope for an economic upturn in the near future. The only downside: only a few coating companies were exhibiting, although there were numerous inquiries about this discipline. The ZVO will arrange contacts here,” has added Christoph Matheis, Managing Director of the ZVO.
Similarly, the "Surface Technology Process Chain" joint stand reported outstanding results. Herbert Käszmann, organizer of the joint WOTech stand, noted: "On all three days of the trade fair, promising discussions were held with experts from Germany and abroad, which, according to the exhibitors, can be expected to lead to orders in the coming years. SurfaceTechnology GERMANY in Stuttgart has once again verified its position of importance among the international trade fairs."
“SurfaceTechnology GERMANY garnered a strong response. Three days with an incredible number of dialogs, new contacts and a palpable spirit of optimism. For me, this shows one thing above all: the industry does not want to give up on Germany and Europe as a business location, but intends to maintain its position through innovation and AI. And the most important solutions are now being created precisely where there is a shortage of skilled workers,” has commented Nico Kahlich, authorized signatory at DiTEC GmbH.
Despite global uncertainties and economic headwinds in Germany that initially caused apprehension, the event defied expectations. The STG.ExpertForum hosted a total of 48 presentations, drawing massive crowds from the opening to the closing session. Audiences engaged deeply with classic topics like cleaning and pre-treatment, alongside cutting-edge developments such as AI integration, digitalization, alternative physical coating processes, and advanced systems.
A major highlight of the forum was the presentation of the Stuttgart Innovation Award, ‘DIE OBERFLÄCHE’, by the Fraunhofer IPA:
- First Prize: Awarded to "LAMA", a joint development by SLCR Lasertechnik GmbH and Dörken Coatings GmbH & Co. KG.
- Second Prize: Claimed by BIA Kunststoff- und Galvanotechnik GmbH & Co. KG for its "Remap" concept, which enables Class A high-gloss surfaces to be produced from recycled plastics with decorative electroplating for the first time.
- Third Prize: Conferred to Enayati Oberflächentechnik GmbH for the "AgTherm" high-temperature silver coating system, expanding silver’s application range in power electronics at continuous temperatures exceeding 200 °C.