End-of-show report SurfaceTechnology

267 exhibitors gathered in Hall 6 in order to present their innovative solutions for surface treatment and coating. There is an emerging trend towards laser photoablation, which allows a wide variety of materials to be applied to almost any substrate - for example, diamond to metal. A further trend is the application of biocompatible coatings (e.g. bacteriocidal silver) to medical implants. Nanoparticle top coats reduce the input of raw materials by 30 percent, yet offer the same degree of corrosion resistance as conventional coatings. SurfaceTechnology mirrored the positive mood in the marketplace and motivated companies to seek new sources of growth potential outside the automotive industry.