On 20 and 21 September 2001, the 4th Materials Technology Colloquium (WTK) and the 4th Industrial Conference "Surface & Heat Treatment Technology" (OWT), organised by the Chair of Composite Materials at the Chemnitz University of Technology and the Institute for Physical and Mechanical Technologies Chemnitz of the Gesellschaft für Fertigungstechnik und Entwicklung e.V. Schmalkalden, took place in Chemnitz. The high number of participants at the conference shows the growing importance of this event, which is attracting attention not only regionally but also nationally and internationally. Due to the merging of the OWT and the WTK accompanied by an industrial exhibition, the focus this year was particularly on the proximity between industry and research.

The event was opened by Prof. Dr. B. Wielage, Chair of Composite Materials at Chemnitz University of Technology, Prof. Dr. K.-J. Matthes, Prorector of Chemnitz University of Technology, Mr. B. Brehm, Mayor of Chemnitz and Dr. D. Fabian from the GfE. A plenary lecture by W. Ort from the Saxon State Ministry of Economics and Labour entitled: "The economic development of Saxony from the point of view of the Saxon State Ministry of Economics and Labour" characterised the positive development of the region in the last ten years and the future perspective development. Dr. R. J. Peters, VDI Technology Centre Physical Technologies, used selected examples and figures to explain the main research directions currently supported by the VDI.

The lecture event was divided into five main topics: Thin films, thermal spraying, build-up welding, electroplating and heat treatment. Each session started with overview lectures that briefly and clearly outlined the current state of the art in the corresponding field. The focus this year was on heat treatment due to the inclusion of the industry conference. In addition to a wide range of topics, there was a concentration on thermochemical treatments and specific heat treatment using electron beams and lasers. Other contributions also dealt with the presentation of modern plant technology.

The conference was framed by an industrial exhibition with 16 exhibiting companies and a "Saxon Evening", which provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions both at the company stands and with other conference participants. Old contacts could be refreshed and new ones made. A conference volume was published to accompany the conference.