The 20th International Conference on Plasma Surface Engineering (PSE 2026) is one of the world's leading events in the field of plasma and ion-based surface technologies. From 31 August to 3 September 2026, the international expert community will meet at the Erfurt Exhibition Centre to discuss the latest developments in research, development and industrial applications.

Since their establishment in 1988, the PSE Conferences have provided a central platform for exchange between science and industry. PSE 2026 will also cover a wide range of topics – from fundamental questions of plasma and thin-film physics to modern process and coating technologies to applications in the fields of energy, environment, mobility, medical technology and functional surfaces.

Technical programme in preparation – publication in May 2026

The scientific lecture programme for PSE 2026 is currently being prepared and will be published in May 2026. It will bring together contributions from international research projects, practical examples from industry and forward-looking technology trends. The programme will be supplemented by tutorials, workshops, panel discussions and a partner country session.

The industry workshop is dedicated to the topic of ‘Surface technology for clean energy solutions’ and is organised by Ulf Seyfert, VON ARDENNE GmbH, Germany. Surface technologies such as coatings, treatments and functionalisation enable the development of efficient, resilient and cost-effective solutions for the energy sector. Surface properties and material interactions help to overcome the challenges of the energy transition to renewable and sustainable energy sources, energy storage, converters, distribution networks and mobility applications.

The topic of surface cleaning will be addressed in a panel discussion entitled ‘Critical decision factors and the role of cleaning prior to coating application’. In this interactive panel discussion, experts from the cleaning industry – both suppliers and users – will answer questions from the audience and provide insights into key factors such as the choice of cleaning chemicals, processes, machine technologies and specific quality standards to consistently achieve the desired results. Using practical examples and a dialogue-oriented exchange with the audience, the session aims to convey to participants why cleaning is essential to the success of coating and provide practical guidance on optimising coating results. With decades of experience in various industries, the panellists are ready to share real-world examples and cover a variety of use cases.

Another exciting topic revolves around metallic glasses. Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have been intensively studied since the 1960s due to their amorphous structure and associated outstanding properties. However, the potential applications of BMGs have remained limited because they must be rapidly quenched to prevent crystallisation, resulting in small pieces. Condensation from the vapour phase to form a solid layer in PVD processes is another alternative for producing metallic glasses. We then refer to these as thin-film metallic glasses (TFMGs). As they are free of metallurgical defects (grain boundaries, precipitates, etc.), unexpected mechanical, physicochemical and biological properties can be achieved. • This session focuses on TFMGs and other coatings characterised by a disordered structure. The session is open to contributions from the diverse fields in which such disordered films are found, such as healthcare, mechanics, electronics and corrosion. Particular attention will be paid to the relationships between the functional properties of the films and their microstructure, chemical composition, thermal stability and application.

Poster contributions are still welcome

In addition to lectures, poster presentations play an important role in the conference programme. Posters can still be submitted and offer young scientists and industry representatives in particular an excellent opportunity to showcase their work and engage in direct exchange with the community.

Industry exhibition: visibility and networking

An international industry exhibition will take place alongside the conference. Companies will have the opportunity to present their products, processes and services to a highly specialised audience. The exhibition is an integral part of the event and offers ideal conditions for networking, technology transfer and new collaborations.

Register now – as a participant or exhibitor

Participant and exhibitor registration for PSE 2026 is now open. Interested trade visitors, companies and institutions are cordially invited to become part of this international platform for plasma surface technology.

👉 Up-to-date information on the programme, registration, exhibition and poster contributions can be found on the conference website.

Source | EFDS