Oerlikon, Switzerland, has signed an agreement to acquire the business of Laser Cladding Services, Houston, Texas, which specializes in laser cladding applications for the energy industry. The acquisition extends and improves the Surface Solutions Segment’s service offering in laser cladding and opens up access to key customers in the U.S. energy sector.
Oerlikon continues the strategic development of its surface solutions business and further expands its laser cladding technology expertise through this acquisition. The acquisition not only strengthens the existing laser cladding business, but also complements its thermal spray offering, thereby broadening the Segment’s portfolio of services.
In addition, Oerlikon can now extend its footprint in North America, where Laser Cladding Services is based, and also in the energy and oil & gas sectors, in which laser cladding is largely applied.
According to Dr. Brice Koch, CEO of the Oerlikon Group,”One strategic focus is to reinforce the foundation of our surface solutions business in order to ensure its further growth. The acquisition is another important step in our investments for the Surface Solutions Segment, allowing us to strengthen our offering and foothold, particularly in the United States.”
Laser cladding technology is based on laser beams that deposit materials and layers onto a substrate, ascoatings or to fabricate near-net shape parts. The method enables a full metallurgical bond to the base material, which in turn improves corrosion resistance and wear properties. In addition, laser cladding makes it possible to coat thin-walled components. Also, thinner layers can be applied compared to PTA or conventional weld overlay. These advantages make laser cladding particularly suitable for applications in demanding areas where a high degree of accuracy and performance is needed, such as with turbine blades, drilling equipment ,and pump components in the energy sector.
