Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA

Surface Technology Award “DIE OBERFLÄCHE”

© Fraunhofer IPA

Surface engineering is among the most important key technologies in industrial value chains.  It plays a major role in the degree of innovation and advance of many branches of industry.  Since 2012, the Stuttgart surface engineering award “DIE OBERFLÄCHE” has taken this into account.

In the future, more and more production processes and products will be judged by factors such as energy efficiency, sustainability, degree of innovation, competitiveness and industrial implementation.  The award is presented to the most innovative application or technology from the various sectors of surface engineering.  Innovations designated as enablers are given particular merit. It would be impossible to launch some products or technologies without them.

Award criteria

The award is presented for the most innovative application or technology from the various sectors of surface engineering, taking into account energy efficiency, sustainability, degree of innovation, competitiveness and industrial implementation.

Winners of the past few years

Award winners in 2016

In 2016, the following companies received awards:  Karl Wörwag GmbH & Co. KG together with SLF-Oberflächentechnik (1st place), CCT GmbH (2nd place) and Audi AG (3rd place).

Award winners in 2015

In 2015, the following companies received awards:  Sto SE & Co. KGaA (1st place), Tubex GmbH (2nd place) and Airbus Group Innovations (3rd place).

Award winners in 2014

In 2014, the following companies received awards:  Airbus Group (1st place), CeramTec/Medicoat (2nd place) and Hartchrom Schoch GmbH (3rd place).

Award winners in 2013

In 2013, the following companies received awards:  J. Wagner GmbH (1st place), BIA Kunststoff- und Galvanotechnik GmbH & Co. KG (2nd place) and DAIMLER AG together with Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH (3rd place).

Award winners in 2012

In 2012, the following companies received awards:  Karl Wörwag GmbH & Co.KG (1st place), Holzapfel Metallveredelung (2nd place), and Krautzberger GmbH in collaboration with Worlée-Chemie GmbH and Caparol Industrial Solutions GmbH (3rd place).