Diamond-like carbon acquisition
A plasma gun of Sulzer Metco spraying the compressor stator case of an aviation turbine Photo: Sulzer
Sulzer Metco, a global supplier of services and products for thermal-spray and thin-film coatings, has acquired the diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating activities of Bekaert.
Bekaert DLC produces thin-film coatings, which combine very low frictional resistance and extreme hardness. The coatings are used to reduce wear and friction in a wide range of industrial applications, such as machine parts, automotive components, and moulds for plastics and metals. Bekaert’s DLC division will be integrated into Sulzer Metco’s existing thin-film coating activities, which focus onmachining, forming, general automotive, racing, semiconductors and plastic-processing applications.
The acquisition represents no change for Bekaert customers, who will enjoy a continuity of service. There will be no redundancies following the take-over. Bekaert customers will receive the same service from the same team, who will continue working at the same locations.
Product names will also remain the same eg Cavidur® and Dylyn®. The only change will be the switch in brand name from Bekaert to Sulzer.
Bekaert and Sulzer are well-established players operating in complementary markets. The acquisition means customers of both companies will now be able to benefit from complementary technologies, and have the convenience of getting all their coatings products and services from a single supplier.
Mark Boghe, segment manager automotive/racing at Sulzer Metco, comments: “We’d like to reassure Bekaert customers that they’ll still be able to rely on the same team, products, facilities and service. The acquisition is an exciting development that offers business benefits to customers of both companies. By pooling resources, expertise and experience, we can produce top-quality, complementary technologies. In doing so, we’re creating a comprehensive, one-stop shop that can meet every customer’s coating needs.
“Bekaert has years of experience in the racing market, while Sulzer provides alternative coatings for components that can’t be coated with DLC coatings. We can now offer new coatings for existing components, such as CrN on valves. Plus there’s huge potential for new racing applications. For example, PVD coatings for valves and WC:H coatings for gears.”
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