// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Surface Treatment
Surface treatment involves applying a coating or modifying the surface of a material to improve its properties, such as hardness, corrosion resistance, or appearance.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Surface treatment encompasses a range of industrial processes that modify the surface properties of a material, often a metal, through deposition (e.g., plating, coating), chemical alteration (e.g., anodizing, passivation), or mechanical modification (e.g., shot peening), to enhance characteristics like wear resistance, corrosion protection, hardness, or aesthetics.
BACKGROUND
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as 4IR, Industry 4.0 or the Intelligence Age, is a neologism describing rapid technological advancement in the 21st century. It follows the Third Industrial Revolution. The term was popularized in 2016 by Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum founder and former executive chairman, who asserts that these developments represent a significant shift in industrial capitalism.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Surface finishing
- coating
- plating
- anodizing
- heat treatment
USAGE NOTE
Proper surface treatment is critical for extending the lifespan and performance of manufactured components.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Surface Treatment.
A global technology group providing advanced surface solutions, including PVD and DLC coatings (Oerlikon Balzers) and thermal spray technologies (Oerlikon Metco). Their technologies enhance the performance and durability of components in aerospace, automotive, and tooling industries, often integrated with digital monitoring and control systems.
A German industrial machine manufacturer that is a leader in laser technology for material processing. They develop systems for laser surface modification, including laser hardening for wear resistance, laser metal deposition (LMD) for coating and repair, and laser texturing for creating functional surfaces. These processes are highly automated and digitally controlled.
Develops a wide range of chemical products for surface treatment, particularly for metal pre-treatment through its Bonderite brand. Their solutions include cleaners, conversion coatings, and functional coatings that are integrated into automated industrial production lines, with a focus on sustainability and process data management.
A leading European research institute developing innovative surface treatment technologies. Their work includes atmospheric pressure plasma processes, diamond-like carbon coatings, sensor-integrated coatings, and digitalization of surface technology processes, directly contributing to Industry 5.0 principles.
Designs and manufactures equipment for the precision dispensing of adhesives, sealants, and coatings. Their automated systems for powder coating, liquid painting, and surface sealing are critical components in modern manufacturing, enabling high-speed, repeatable, and data-driven application processes.
A global leader in high-performance thin-film coating technologies, including PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), PACVD (Plasma-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition), and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). They provide coating services and equipment for enhancing wear resistance, friction reduction, and corrosion protection of tools and components.
Through its Chemetall brand, BASF is a leading global supplier of applied surface treatments for metals and plastics. They develop and supply technologies for cleaning, activating, coating, and corrosion protection, with a strong focus on environmentally sound and process-efficient solutions for industries like automotive and aerospace.
Develops and manufactures atmospheric pressure plasma systems for surface treatment. Their technology is used for ultra-fine cleaning, activation, and deposition on a wide range of materials without vacuum chambers, enabling advanced, automated manufacturing in the medical device, electronics, and aerospace sectors.