With success in coatings industry relying heavily on innovation and continual advancements of technology, executives and decision-makers from the industrial segment are flocking to the four-day SteelFab that is under way at Expo Centre Sharjah until Thursday (January 16).

“SteelFab targets a wide spectrum of industrial segments within the manufacturing industry with its special focus areas such as Wear Resistant, Welding & Cutting, Machine Tools and Tube & Pipe and the concurrent vertical Fasteners World Middle East. Since the fabrication industry is one of the major customers of the coatings sector, and there is renewed interest in new technology, finishing is a special focus area for SteelFab,” said H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

More than 300 exhibitors from 35 countries are participating in the event, displaying more than 700 international brands of machinery and equipment at nearly 20,000 sq m of premier exhibition space.

The focus on finishing materials and equipment at the ongoing metal working, metal manufacturing and steel fabrication industry event, SteelFab 2020, has generated tremendous interest within the coatings industry in the region.

Besides SteelFab together with Lincoln Electric as welding competition partner and Middle East Industrial Training Institute (MEITI) as Judging panel partner, have associated together to organize the “Best Welder @SteelFab”, a competition for welding industry professionals across the region.

Since SteelFab is the largest showcase of welding and cutting in the region, and welding and cutting products account for nearly one-third of all the exhibits, the competition aims at promote excellence in workmanship during the 16th edition of SteelFab. The competition has received a good response from the regional welding fraternity to participate & show-off their skills and expertise on the show floor. This is a valuable opportunity for them to compete for personal glory & recognition for the company they represent.

The competition will include 3 rounds across 3 days covering 50 participants and 6 to 12 welders will be qualified for round 2, of which the best 10 welders will advance to round 3. After the final test, the best 3 welders will be selected & nominated for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winner position.

All participants will receive an (Attendance Certificate) and Institutional Certificate from MEITI with the winners being awarded with a slew of prizes, including a portable welding machine and full safety gear from Lincoln Electric.

SteelFab, a trusted platform for the past 16 years, has once again become a gateway for latest technology and innovations from across the world, besides serving as an important platform for the regional fabrication industry to meet, network and share experiences.

Besides, since the UAE and the region are witnessing tremendous growth in other manufacturing industries, these sectors are offering lucrative opportunities to players operating in the entire process of finishing. Deployment of technologies like hot-dip galvanization and laser cladding techniques is not only environment-friendly but also reduces operational costs by providing greater resistance against wear and tear, corrosion, and tarnish.

“We had promoted finishing as a separate focus area while marketing SteelFab and our efforts have paid off with more visitors turning out with finishing-related

requirements this time. We are also hosting a specialised conference on finishing that will see the coming together of leading providers and innovators of finishing technology and products,” Mr Sultan Shattaf, Director, Sales and Marketing, Expo Centre Sharjah

Apart from modern techniques in surface preparation, power coating and galvanising solutions for fabricators, and different applications and needs of coatings, the regional industry can also check out innovations in coatings such as fire-retardant cladding, water-based intumescent coating, green & self-healing coatings, and next-generation e-coatings.

The exhibit profile of products and equipment catering to the finishing segment includes mechanical finishing, plating & pre-treatment processes, paint & powder coating applications, coating products & materials, and engineering & supporting services.