Oerlikon’s US laser cladding centre now operational
January 4, 2022
The new laser cladding service centre in Huntersville, North Carolina, USA, from Swiss-based company Oerlikon Metco, is now fully operational, offering OD and ID coatings, as well as laser hardening, pre- and post-machining, and inspection services to customers. In addition to this expansion, thermal spray coating equipment is currently being installed; this is expected to be operational at the end of Q1 2022.
The facility is said to be equipped to handle a wide range of parts, with a maximum part weight of 6,800 kg, maximum part length of 1,219 cm. Outside diameters up to 244 cm, as well as inside diameters from 51 cm to 305 cm, can be processed. Amongst others, the location is expected to serve the aerospace, energy and automotive markets.
“Laser cladding is increasingly an important process in the services that Oerlikon, through Oerlikon Metco Coating Services, can offer. We are therefore excited to see this new facility now in operation and already serving our customers,” stated Thomas Meier, Global Head of Sales for Metco Coating Services.
This investment follows on from the significant investment in new laser cladding equipment for its Wohlen, Switzerland, facility, in May 2021. To further the development of laser cladding as a coating strategy, Oerlikon Metco has also expressed its intention to develop new materials optimised for the process.
