SKF has completed the acquisition of Laser Cladding Venture n.v. (LCV), an additive manufacturing company based in Belgium.
More about the acquisition
LCV is a niche engineering start-up specialized in various additive manufacturing technologies and processes, which can be applied to support SKF’s service and remanufacturing offering.
Additive manufacturing will play an important role in developing tomorrow’s value proposition to support customers’ future application needs. In addition, additive manufacturing will facilitate a circular economy approach which supports SKF’s ambition to provide solutions that minimizes the overall CO2 footprint.
About SKF
AB SKF (Svenska Kullagerfabriken; ‘Swedish Ball Bearing Factory’) is a Swedish bearing and seal manufacturer founded in 1907 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Bearings, seals, lubrication and lubrication systems, maintenance goods, mechatronics products, power transmission products, condition monitoring systems, and associated services are all manufactured and distributed internationally by the corporation.
SKF is the world’s largest bearing producer, with 44,000 employees working in 108 factories. With 17,000 distributor locations in 130 countries, it boasts the industry’s biggest industrial distribution network. SKF is one of Sweden’s largest enterprises, as well as one of the world’s largest public companies.
About Laser Cladding Venture
Laser Cladding Venture specializes in laser cladding, a process that involves fusing metal powders to things (workpieces) using a laser. This allows you to use high-quality coatings to extend the life of mechanic components and execute 3D printing in a unique method.
The LCV professionals can apply many layers and execute 3D printing in addition to coatings. This 3D printing process is unique in that it allows you to build on an existing component to create products or repair it. Traditional manufacturing processes are used for basic forms, whereas more expensive 3D laser cladding materials are used for complicated pieces.
“An example of the applications is the use of a wear-resistant coating on extruder screws for breeders,” says Jan Lambrecht, CEO of LCV. We treated the screws to make them survive six times longer than new ones. We’ve already identified fantastic uses in the dredging industry.”
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