Donostia Campus will host the 3rd Forum on Challenges and Trends in Surface Treatments on 28 May

7 May 2026

International experts will discuss the impact of REACH regulation, the application of Artificial Intelligence in industry, and the transition towards competitive sustainability.

The surface engineering sector has a strategic appointment on 28 May 2026. The Hotel Arima in Donostia Campus of the Basque Technology Park will host the “3rd Forum: Challenges and Trends in Surface Treatments”, a key event for the industry that aims to address the technological and environmental challenges of today’s market.

The event, free of charge, is organised by CIDETEC Surface Engineering, the Association of Surface Finishing Industries (AIAS), and the Technological Centre of Miranda de Ebro (CTME). The programme is also co-organised and co-funded by the Interreg Sudoe programme through the RESINSURF project.

A cutting-edge technical programme

The event will begin at 09:00 with the official opening by Dr. Eva García Lecina (Deputy Director of CIDETEC Surface Engineering), Mr Raúl de Saja (Head of the Technology Transfer Office at CTME) and Dr Jose Antonio Díez (President of AIAS). Throughout the morning, high-level technical presentations will take place, structured into strategic blocks:

·Sustainability and REACH Regulation: Restrictions on hexavalent chromium and legal updates expected during 2026 will be addressed.
Monitoring and Industry 4.0: Solutions will be presented for the digitalisation of surface treatment baths for early fault detection and the use of Artificial Intelligence in process control.
Innovation in Key Sectors: Representatives from leading companies such as Antolin, Aciturri Tech and ScottishPower Renewables will share their perspectives on challenges in the automotive, aeronautical and renewable energy sectors.

Exclusive technical visit

To conclude the event, a visit to the facilities of CIDETEC Surface Engineering will take place. Attendees will be able to explore the automated pilot plant for electrochemical coatings, anodising and e-coating systems, and robotic brush plating. In addition, optimised processes in cataphoresis/anodising plants already implemented in RESINSURF developments will be presented.

Registrations: https://www.aias.es/inscripcion.asp?id=41

Further information about the event.