Materials science meets surface engineering

Therefore Mikrocentrum, VOM and ION decided to join forces to organize the knowledge and networking event Materials+Eurofinish+Surface. On September 15 and 16, exhibitors in the Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch will show their latest innovations and solutions in the field of materials science, analytical techniques, joining techniques and surface technology. There will also be demo areas, VIP areas, a Meet & Match and an extensive conference program with over sixty speakers.

After the successful edition of knowledge and networking event Materials+Eurofinish by Mikrocentrum and VOM in 2019, trade fair Surface of Association ION also joined in 2020. "This is a logistic step, allowing this knowledge and networking event for the manufacturing industry in the Benelux to grow further. During this edition, visitors can get to know the latest innovative developments and solutions from over 100 exhibitors active in the field of materials science, analysis techniques, joining techniques and surface technology. However, there is more, as the exhibition floor also includes interactive demo areas, several VIP areas and a Meet & Match, the aim of which is to find relevant contacts throughout the sector," says Timo van Leent, manager of trade fairs and conferences at Mikrocentrum. "Due to corona, this event could not take place last year, but now it represents an ideal opportunity for Belgian and Dutch exhibitors and visitors to be able to meet again physically. Although we understand that there are still people who hesitate and are rather reluctant. That is why companies can also participate in our online event as virtual exhibitors."

Congress program with over 60 speakers and an Awards Event

Materials+Eurofinish+Surface is a meeting place for, among others, materials scientists and researchers, engineers, chemists, R&D employees, maintenance managers, quality managers, test and measurement experts, production and project managers, designers, architects, buyers and knowledge and educational institutions. Indeed, parallel to the expo, an extensive conference program with over sixty speakers will also be organized. "During the two exhibition days, people can visit three halls for a series of presentations, lectures, workshops and master classes. For example, there are nine contributions from universities and colleges and eighteen from industry associations, government departments and knowledge institutes. Flagship and innovative companies are responsible for filling another sixteen events," adds van Leent. "In addition, the ION Borghardt Award, which honors innovations in the field of surface treatment, will also be presented on September 15. This year the focus was on themes such as circular economy, craftsmanship, chain optimization and innovation in market introduction. The six nominees are AD International/Spuiterij Munsters, Chemetall, HS Protect, Jonkman Coating, Kluthe Benelux and Q-FIN."

At the same time as the Plastics Fair and the Dutch Metal Days

Materials+Eurofinish+Surface will take place on September 15 and 16 at the Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch. The doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. on each occasion. Admission is free. "We are organizing the event together with our Kunststoffenbeurs, the trade fair and meeting place for the entire plastics chain in the Benelux. Visitors here can be inspired and surprised by current developments with plastics," concludes van Leent of Mikrocentrum. "The Plastics Fair highlights current themes such as circular economy, sustainability, smart industry, smart raw materials, new materials, cost price savings, innovative production methods, product development and opportunities for the manufacturing industry. Visitors and exhibitors can visit both events." At the same time, the Brabanthallen also hosts the Dutch Metal Days, also with a focus on process optimization, production improvement and digitalization on the way to a complete smart industry. This means that there will be a focus not only on tangible parts, such as machines and materials, but above all on processes, today and in the future.