News from the IFO
A playground with its pitfalls
The requirements for a surface are usually defined in factory standards – for example, in the case of the VW Group, the so-called Technical Delivery Conditions (TL) – depending on the application and the surface system. In order to meet these high quality standards, automotive groups require their suppliers to comply with the specified requirements as a prerequisite for the installation and use of their components.
- Go to the article (Published in *besser lackieren*)
Your point of contact for this matter:
Andreas Eva (Tel. +49 7171 10407-20, andreas.eva[at]ifo-gmbh.de)
‘Better Painting’ podcast with IFO Managing Director Marc Holz
In the ‘besser lackieren’ podcast, Managing Director Marc Holz outlines the testing institute’s milestones, highlights current developments and reveals exactly how paint shops are supported.
Click here, to listen to the podcast.
A PRE-CHRISTMAS TRADITION AT QUBUS AND IFO
After this eventful year of 2020, we are turning our thoughts to tradition this Christmas. Even though things are a little different this year, we are finding ways to celebrate together. Due to the current situation, our Christmas party will take a new form, and QUBUS and IFO will be celebrating a week of Christmas festivities.
This week, the staff are enjoying warm mulled wine and punch, along with festive biscuits. And of course, the large Christmas tree in the foyer is a must-see – beneath it, the much sought-after Ritzenhoff collector’s mugs await the hard-working trainees, who, on behalf of the management, will be distributing them to the staff at QUBUS and IFO.
As Christmas approaches and the year draws to a close, we wish you – our customers, partners and prospective clients – much joy and some relaxing moments. Stay well!
IFO Institute – Innovation through Research 2020/2021
The IFO Institute for Surface Technology GmbH has once again been awarded the „Innovative through Research“ quality seal by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft. The quality seal was awarded for the „KorLe“ project, which was carried out in collaboration with Aalen University. The abbreviation „KorLe“ stands for ‘Corrosion Testing for Hybrid Lightweight Construction’ and focuses on the combination of CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic) and aluminium. The risk associated with this combination lies in the potential for bimetallic corrosion between the aluminium and the carbon fibres, which would reduce the corrosion resistance of the components.
The Stifterverband is a joint initiative by companies and foundations in Germany that provides advice in the fields of education, science and innovation. Through its seal of approval, the Stifterverband recognises companies that demonstrate a particular commitment to research and development. Further information on the Stifterverband can be found at www.stifterverband.org.
25th anniversary of the QUBUS Group and IFO
Twenty-five years ago, the QUBUS and IFO Group was founded as a service provider and problem-solver for companies in the surface treatment sector.
The two companies, founded in 1995 by four friends who were surface treatment specialists, have set themselves the aim of offering all the services for the surface treatment sector that may be required throughout the production process – planning, environmental compliance, energy management, quality marks, assistance with claims and analytical services. This approach, combining a broad range of services, know-how and expert knowledge, has proved successful and helpful to many customers, and remains so to this day.
25 years of the IFO/QUBUS Group: Milestones, current developments and challenges:
Cleaning textured surfaces
Initial testing of textured coating systems has shown that, regardless of whether a powder coating or a liquid coating was used, dirt adheres more readily due to the textured surface. In a project initiated by the GRM Gütegemeinschaft Reinigung von Fassaden e.V. (Schwäbisch Gmünd) and the Güte- und Qualitätsgemeinschaften GSB International e.V. (Düsseldorf), the two interest groups representing façade coaters and façade cleaners have now collaborated to develop cleaning methods that achieve the desired cleaning results. The pooling of this specialist expertise has resulted in a cleaning method now being available that achieves excellent cleaning results on numerous textured surfaces. The development project was carried out by staff at the IFO Institute for Surface Technology GmbH in Schwäbisch Gmünd.
Further information on cleaning textured surfaces:
Go to the article (how to paint better)
Your point of contact for this matter:
Marc Holz (Tel.: +49 7171 10407-24, holz@ifo-gmbh.de)
A comparison of condensation tests
The ISO 6270-1 and ISO 6270-2 standards set out procedures for determining the resistance of coating systems to high humidity. The revision of the Qualisteelcoat Technical Specification in 2018 prompted a comparative review of both types of procedure.
Further information on the test results:
> Read the article (how to paint better)
Your point of contact for this matter:
Arno Sterzinger (Tel: +49 7171 10407-53, arno.sterzinger@ifo-gmbh.de)
IFO Academy Individual Certification: DIN-CERTCO Coating Inspector
From 2 to 13 November 2020, anyone interested can take part in the 10-day preparatory course for the DIN-certified coating inspector at the IFO Institute for Surface Technology in Schwäbisch Gmünd. This training programme will equip you to take on new responsibilities in the field of corrosion protection and open up new career opportunities. The course is aimed at anyone responsible for corrosion protection.
Further information on the courses offered by the IFO Academy
On the subject of: Staff skills as a key to success
Putting out fires from a distance
For two reasons, social distancing was a key topic at our last fire safety seminar on 11 September. – With the necessary safety distance maintained, the theoretical part of the fire safety assistant training was first completed in the large, airy seminar room; we then went outside, where each participant was able to practise extinguishing a fire whilst maintaining an appropriate distance from the fire site.
The next training session will take place on 23 October 2020 in our training rooms.
The training takes place on a Friday afternoon or morning (4 hours)
In accordance with Section 10 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and ASR A 2.2 (Technical Regulations for Workplaces), the legislator requires that a sufficient number of employees be trained as fire safety assistants. The required ratio is 10% of the workforce.
Test architectural applications in accordance with AAMA
For coating or anodising companies in Germany and other European countries, AMAA certification is of particular interest if they have a potential market in the Americas. The tests can be carried out independently of any intended certification, enabling companies to demonstrate their ability to manufacture in accordance with AAMA requirements.
In Germany, the IFO is currently the only testing laboratory accredited by the AAMA for testing organic coatings on aluminium and anodised aluminium.
Further information on AAMA certification:
> Go to the article (paint it better)
Your point of contact for this matter:
Dr Benjamin Papendorf (Tel: +49 7171 10407-54, papendorf@ifo-gmbh.de)
Always up to date
Trade fair dates, updates on standards and news from the IFO: with our newsletter, you won’t miss a thing. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about an article directly.