Oerlikon expands Laser Center of Competence with advanced 7-axis DED
January 27, 2025

Oerlikon, based in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, has increased its engineering team and added the highly precise seven-axis 3D Laser Center Gantry from Karl H Arnold Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG at the Laser Center of Competence. The 3D Laser Center Gantry is reported to allow for the construction of intricate structures, while maintaining precise temperature control throughout the entire process.
Under Dr Arkadi Zikin’s leadership, the Laser Center of Competence team collaborates closely with customers throughout the entire manufacturing process, offering support from feasibility studies to industrialisation.
Although aerospace continues to be a key area of expertise for Oerlikon, the Laser Center of Competence is reportedly experiencing increased demand for complex structures in other sectors as well, including oil and gas, general industry, and advanced aeronautics. These industries are utilising laser-based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Additive Manufacturing to tackle challenges such as manufacturing large-scale, intricate components with reliable and efficient processes.
One of the latest initiatives seen by Oerlikon is the use of Additive Manufacturing to produce rocket propulsion systems components. These components – which are over one meter tall and have wall thicknesses of less than one millimetre – are lighter, more complex, and manufactured rapidly. Features such as integrated cooling channels leverage the advanced capabilities of Additive Manufacturing, delivering high-performance solutions across various industries.