News from QUBUS

Since 2005, Bandcamp Aalen has been bringing music lovers together. Under the guidance of an experienced team of tutors, participants form bands, write their own songs and gain their first experience on stage. The focus is on musical talent, creative exchange and the joy of live music.

QUBUS and IFO have been supporting Bandcamp Aalen as sponsors for many years. Around 1,000 children and young people have taken part since the project began, developing their musical skills in the process.

Registration for Bandcamp 2027 is now open. This programme is aimed at young musicians aged 21 and under, as well as adult music enthusiasts:

• Bandcamp for young musicians: 12 to 14 March 2027 at Aalen University
• Bandcamp for grown-ups: 26 to 28 February 2027 at the Kapfenburg Castle Cultural Centre

Both events will conclude on Sunday with a closing concert, at which the songs and musical pieces created during the event will be performed.

Anyone interested is asked to register by 20 November To register: https://bandcampaalen.de

QUBUS and IFO wish all participants lots of fun making music together and an inspiring time at Bandcamp Aalen!

What impact do modifications and modernisations 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 present 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 of the QUBUS IFO Group’s engineering services and laboratory capabilities.

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.

The 15th South Westphalian Surface Technology Conference in Hagen once again brought together experts in electroplating and surface technology. The focus was on current topics such as artificial intelligence, attracting young talent and professional exchange within the industry.

QUBUS took part with a specialist presentation by Frank Schüle on the topic of hazardous substance storage and provided practical insights into the safe implementation of statutory requirements.

We would like to thank the SIHK in Hagen, the Iserlohn branch of the DGO and everyone involved for a successful event, and we look forward to the next Surface Technology Day.

(Photo: Daniela Wessely)

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 processes more efficient during plant design, and what benefits product certification offers.

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

How can we reduce scrap, use materials more efficiently and make painting processes more cost-effective? Our new technical article is dedicated to addressing precisely these questions: "Less waste, higher yield: How modern painting processes can be optimised for cost-effectiveness", which appears in the current Issue 10–11/2026 the paint better has been published.

Our expert, Rainer Göpfrich, highlights the key factors throughout the entire painting process – from material efficiency and process stability to digital process monitoring. You can find the full article here.

Your contact: Rainer Göpfrich, Tel. +49 7171 10408-29, rainer.goepfrich@qubus.de

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 the company to expand its 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.

Explosion protection when handling solvent-based substances remains a key issue in paint shops and coating processes. Our expert, Frank Schüle, has published a technical article on this subject in the 09/2026 issue of *besser lackieren*.

Entitled "ATEX in paint shops – ensuring safe explosion protection when handling solvents", this article covers the key principles and practical challenges relating to areas at risk of explosion.

Topics covered in the article include, amongst others:

• Risk assessments in accordance with ATEX
• Ex-zones and testing requirements
• Ways of reducing risk through alternative methods

Read the full article here:

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 focused on the changes taking place in the region and current challenges such as energy prices, transformation and geopolitical risks.

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