iTSSe TSS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | APRIL 2024 31 iTSSe TSS ITSC 2024 | ADVANCING THERMAL SPRAY TECHNOLOGY: INNOVATIONS, APPLICATIONS, AND SUSTAINABILITY The global market volume for thermal spraying has increased noticeably in recent years. Thermal spraying is being used more and more widely in numerous industries. This demand is driven by the growing need for improved surface protection, higher performance of components, and the search for more environmentally friendly coating technologies. In addition to mechanical and thermal properties, users are increasingly interested in the chemical and electrical properties of coating systems. These functional coatings significantly expand the range of applications of thermally sprayed coatings. However, the use of combined coating systems, which are produced using different coating processes, is also increasingly important. The market volume for thermal spraying is sustainably influenced by technological advances, enhancing investments in research and development, and steady expansion in emerging markets. The demand for more efficient and durable materials is driving development of new applications and improving component environmental performance. Thermal spraying allows for thinner yet resistant coatings, resulting in material savings and improving the sustainability of production. This also includes its use in additive manufacturing, where thermal spraying is considered a key technology to produce complex components with improved mechanical properties. Continuous research and development in this field is expected to lead to new applications and improved coating properties to meet the ever-changing needs of various industries. The general trend suggests that the thermal spraying market volume will continue to grow globally. Companies that specialize in this technology could benefit from the growing demand, especially if they are able to offer innovative solutions that meet the needs of different industries. The International Thermal Spray Conference and Exhibition (ITSC) will once again address these latest global developments and will offer solutions for current or future applications. For more than 20 years, ITSC has established itself as the world’s leading event for users, service providers, and manufacturers. What ITSC offers is as fascinating as the technology itself. Parallel to the ITSC conference, various event programs will inspire visitors from all sectors of the fascinating world of thermal spray, including plasma and laser-based cladding technologies. These technologies have become more and more interesting for surfacing solutions. Cladding also fulfills many requirement specifications in an excellent way. Functional layer systems with electrically conductive and electrically insulating properties as well as layer systems with catalytic properties are increasingly important because of new applications. ITSC 2024 provides an overview of these coating systems. ITSC 2024 will also feature the latest improvements in the field of additive manufacturing (AM). Another highlight of the technical program will be the return of the Young Professionals session. ITSC 2024 is supporting young talents becoming part of the worldwide thermal spray family. On the first day of the session, up-andcoming talents will present their content to the audience in short, snappy talks. The audience will decide live, onsite who will win the coveted Young Professionals Award! To offer newcomers and interested end users an introduction to thermal spray technology, the session “Thermal Spray in a Nutshell” will be offered for the second time. In this session, lectures are prepared for an audience that is new to the field of thermal spraying and looking for a well-founded introduction from experts. The Industrial Forum is another feature of ITSC. The Forum includes practical demonstrations on industry-related topics, products, and solutions. Both sessions are also available for Expo Only visitors. Last but not least, the three-day Exposition is a permanent part of the event. If you are looking for new products and services, have questions or need answers, then ITSC 2024 is the best place for you. More than 70 leading companies have already confirmed their participation. ITSC 2024 is organized by DVS – German Welding Society and DVS – Publishing House in cooperation with the ASM – Thermal Spray Society and supported by GTS – Association of Thermal Sprayers. All partners do their best to fulfill and exceed all attendees’ expectations. ITSC will take place in Milan, the metropolis in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, the world-famous center for fashion and design, April 29 to May 1 this year. More than 320 contributions from 32 countries and all other event highlights make for a promising and unforgettable event. Sono particolarmente impaziente di darvi il benvenuto a Milano! Jens Jerzembeck DVS – German Welding Society Jerzembeck EDITORIAL 2
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTYyMzk3NQ==