CFS is proud to sponsor SUR/FIN Expo 2026, the premier technical conference and trade show dedicated to surface finishing, coatings, and materials engineering, taking place June 2-4 in Rosemont, Illinois and hosted by the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF).
For engineers, manufacturers, and process developers, SUR/FIN is more than an industry event, it is where surface technology challenges and innovations are discussed and examined by participants.
Leaning Into Performance
Surface finishing plays a critical role in product performance, durability, and manufacturability across industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, electronics, and industrial manufacturing. As performance requirements tighten, the technical complexity of finishing processes continues to increase.
Events like SUR/FIN provide a unique opportunity to examine topics like advancements in coatings and functional finishes, improvements in corrosion resistance, process control methods for repeatable quality, regulatory considerations for finishing operations and innovations in masking, pre-treatment and application efficiency.
Key Themes
Some of the key themes at this year’s SUR/FIN Expo include:
Advanced Surface Finishing Technologies: next-generation coatings, electroless nickel, anodizing, and additive manufacturing. Applications span aerospace, electronics, EVs, and semiconductor industries.
Automation, AI & Process Optimization: AI-driven quality control, automation, and data-based process improvements for increased efficiency and better production.
Sustainability & Environmental Compliance: techniques for PFAS removal, wastewater reuse, non-chrome alternatives, and environmentally responsible coatings, in addition to sustainable processes and regulatory-driven innovation.
These and other topics planned at SUR/FIN Expo directly influence and guide how manufacturers approach and manage part performance, cost control, and production scalability.
Looking Ahead
SUR/FIN supports the engineers and other manufacturing professionals who are actively working to improve surface performance in demanding applications.
It is also a chance to better understand where the industry is heading—from sustainability requirements to tighter process tolerances and new material systems.
We are proud to support this event and wish all participants, as well as the National Association of Surface Finishing, a productive and successful show.
