Sulzer Bolsters Product Portfolio to Create One-Stop Coatings Shop

Sulzer provides thin-film coating solutions for machining, forming, automotive, racing, semiconductors and plastic-processing applications. Following the takeover of Bekaert's DLC coating activities, Sulzer now offers diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings, which combine very low frictional resistance and extreme hardness. The coatings reduce wear and friction in a wide range of industrial applications, such as machine parts, automotive components, and moulds for plastics and metals.

Complementary technologies and new applications

The acquisition has enabled Suzler to leverage its activities, pooling resources and expertise from Bekaert's DLC coating activities' top-quality, complementary technologies.

The market potential is huge. Sulzer can now offer new coatings for existing components, such as AlCrN on valves. Also, by expanding into WC:H-type coatings, Sulzer can coat additional components, including gears and piston rings. And the company is moving into coating components that are exposed to much higher temperatures, such as exhaust valves and turbo-charging components.

Meanwhile, Sulzer’s SUMEBore® technology is proving very popular for coating cylinder bores to improve efficiency and overall performance. Several plasma-spray solutions are available under the SUMEBore® brand. Sulzer has successfully applied coatings to various engine applications, including Formula1 racing cars, LeMans, Superbike and MotoGP racing team engines, aircraft engine blocks, and limited-production supercars like the Bugatti Veyron.

A reliable one-stop partner

“Sulzer’s new extended offering enables us to be an even more dependable partner to our customers,” says Mark Boghe, Segment Manager Racing / Automotive. “They know they can trust us to give them sound advice on coating solutions for a broad range of applications. And because we can supply the solution that best meets their needs, they no longer have to waste valuable time flitting between suppliers.

“And the good news for our customers is that we have plans to add to our already comprehensive portfolio. We’re committed to continually developing new performance-enhancing technologies, and have a number in development that we believe will have a big impact on the racing, automotive and engineering industries.”