Going Deep into Surfaces: Coating Technologies Are Evolving

Personen in einem Seminarraum der GFE Schmalkalden zum Workshop EFDS

The EFDS (European Research Society for Thin Films, e. V.) invited 30 network experts from the tooling and coatings industries, as well as researchers and students, to the GFE to discuss modern technologies and potential applications of coatings and to present the latest research findings.

Eleven different presentations focused on a cross-section of technologies—ranging from PVD and CVD coating to additive manufacturing. As the presentations made clear, the distinct trend is toward new materials and modern manufacturing processes. The topics of sustainability and digitalization are also increasingly finding their way into coating technologies.

Through the ZIM project LongRunCycle, we at GFE are already working with network partners from Germany and Switzerland to significantly extend the service life of coated tools and components through remanufacturing—among other things, to improve cost-effectiveness, energy and resource efficiency, and reduce CO2 emissions. “We are also taking on this challenge through our research work here at GFE,” emphasized Managing Director Martin Voigt as he welcomed the guests. “We must develop cutting tools in such a way that they can be used longer and optimally tailored to the respective manufacturing processes.” The exchange with experts from the EFDS network is therefore also a benefit for our in-house development work.

Against the backdrop of sharply rising raw material prices, all participants are facing the challenge of securing resources. New coatings and technologies are gaining importance in terms of strategic independence. However, this requires reliable and targeted research and technology funding in Germany. Network Manager Dr. Katrin Ferse and EFDS Managing Director Udo Klotzbach thanked GFE and Managing Director Martin Voigt for their support of the successful event. “It was a very interesting workshop for us at EFDS, with good discussions.”

In addition to the technical presentations, the workshop offered one thing above all else—plenty of opportunity to exchange experiences. The guests were also very interested in getting to know GFE during a tour of the facility.

The following day, the Technical Committee on Tribological Systems met for its regular session. Its members include representatives from industry and research.