News from the IFO

What impact do modifications and modernisation have on the CE conformity of machinery and plant? In the latest issue of *besser lackieren* (15/2026), our expert Frank Schüle explores the topic "Retrofits and CE conformity: what operators need to know"."

This technical article explains when a technical modification is regarded as a significant change and what obligations this may entail for operators.

Now here Read the full article.

QUBUS and IFO were represented at the ZVO Surface Technology Days in Karlsruhe from 16 to 18 September. The event provided numerous opportunities for constructive technical discussions and the exchange of views on current industry topics.

At Stand 19, the focus was on areas including explosion protection, plant and factory design, and product certification. Visitors were able to discover the combined expertise in engineering services and laboratory expertise offered by the QUBUS IFO Group.

The 36th Powder Symposium takes place on 27 to 29 January 2027 in Dresden. The new website is now live and brings together all the information about the event.

Those interested can find up-to-date information about the symposium and organisational details there. Exhibitors and visitors can register directly via the website.

Over the coming weeks, you will also find the list of exhibitors and the conference programme here.

Visit the website here.

We look forward to welcoming you to Dresden in January 2027.

On 30 June, the IFO laboratory in China was successfully re-accredited by the CNAS. As part of this process, the accredited scope of services was expanded to include four further internationally recognised test methods.

The following has been newly included in the accredited design area:

• ISO 6270-1: Coating materials – Determination of resistance to moisture – Part 1: Condensation (single-sided exposure)
• ISO 12944-6: Corrosion protection of steel structures by coating systems – Part 9: Coating systems and laboratory test methods for offshore installations and related structures
• ASTM G154-23: Artificial weathering of materials using fluorescent UV lamps
• ASTM B764-04: Simultaneous determination of the layer thickness and the electrode potential of individual layers in multi-layer nickel coatings (STEP test)

For our customers, this means an even wider range of internationally recognised testing services.

You can find the current accreditation certificate here.

From 16 to 18 September, QUBUS and IFO will be exhibiting at the ZVO Surface Technology Days in Karlsruhe. At stand 19, we will be presenting our range of services covering planning, consultancy, testing and analysis for the surface treatment industry.

Visitors will have the opportunity to find out how to implement explosion protection safely, how to make plant design processes more efficient, and what benefits product certification offers.

We look forward to a productive exchange of views and new ideas.

On 1 July, the QUBUS-IFO Group will be expanding its range of services in the field of surface and coating technology.

The integration of the Dresden site will enable us to expand our expertise in laboratory testing, damage analysis and expert reports in a targeted manner. The site complements the existing laboratory network, particularly by adding specialist expertise in the field of powder coating and coating systems.

The "Dr Herrmann Testing Laboratory for Corrosion Protection and Powder Coating" will continue to operate as an independent, specialist facility and will expand the Group’s portfolio in future.

For clients at the Dresden office, their points of contact, processes and specialist focus will remain unchanged. At the same time, they will benefit from expanded analytical capabilities and the interdisciplinary expertise within the group.

You can find the full press release here.

In May, IFO took part for the first time in the 31st PTC Electroplating Symposium in Olsztynek, Poland.

The event brought together experts from the hot-dip galvanising and steel construction sectors to discuss current developments and future challenges. Specialist presentations and discussions provided valuable insights and enabled participants to exchange views with industry colleagues from across Europe.

In addition to the technical programme, the symposium offered excellent opportunities for networking and making new contacts. We would like to thank the Polish Hot-Dip Galvanising Association for the valuable exchange of ideas.

The IFO Institute for Surface Technology will be taking part for the first time in the event from 27 to 29 May 31st PTC Electroplating Symposium in Masuria, Poland. This year’s event is themed "Change in the galvanising industry – from tradition to innovation".

The traditional trade event for the galvanising industry features specialist presentations, discussions and insights into current developments, challenges and opportunities within the industry and the construction sector.

We look forward to the professional exchange and interesting discussions at the event.

IFO and QUBUS were once again represented at the Surface Technology trade fair in Stuttgart last week. The visit was characterised by numerous technical discussions, intensive networking and a lively exchange with existing and new customers.

A particular highlight was the visit by a delegation from the East Württemberg Regional Economic Development Agency (WiRO). Frank Schüle, Head of Environmental and Occupational Safety, spoke with WiRO Managing Director Nadine Kaiser and the Mayor of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Christian Baron. The discussion centred on the changes taking place in the region and current challenges such as energy prices, transformation and geopolitical risks.

Face-to-face interaction in person remains a key driver of collaboration, securing a skilled workforce and technological advancement.

For almost 30 years, the Schwäbisch Gmünder Musical Factory e.V. has been supporting children and young people aged between 6 and 27 in the fields of singing, dancing and acting. Every two years, the ensemble, comprising around 60 performers, stages a major musical production.

In this year’s production, *The Return of Peter Pan*, flying performers and a pirate ship whisk the audience away to the world of Neverland.

The performances will take place from 8 to 10 May at the Stadtgarten in Schwäbisch Gmünd.