Pedro Faro (Oerlikon Balzers): "BALINIT ALCRONA EVO offers greater durability and performance"

Pedro Faro, commercial director of Oerlikon Balzers in Spain and Portugal, explains the keys to the company's latest innovation and the confidence for the company's base in the Iberian Peninsula.

AutoRevista.- What requirements is Oerlikon Balzers receiving from a changing automotive sector and how is it addressing them?

Pedro Faro.-  Certainly, the automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the three major trends mentioned: electrification, digitalisation and sustainability. These changes are creating new challenges and opportunities for all players in the value chain, including technology and service providers such as Oerlikon Balzers.

Manufacturers need to produce ever lighter and more reliable vehicles.  More advanced coatings improve the wear and friction resistance of components, and coated tools and fixtures are capable of machining and forming the most demanding materials.  Thanks to coatings, the different actors in the value chain are able to manufacture and form parts with lighter materials and produce more reliable components, thus reducing fuel consumption and emissions. 

Increased tool life also reduces the need for frequent replacements and thus, as a consequence, the environmental impact.  We are also working, among other things, on thermal insulation solutions for electric vehicle batteries to increase their safety level.

Advanced coatings allow us to implement production practices that minimise energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions, in line with international environmental regulations.

AR.- What qualitative leap do products such as BALINIT ALCRONA EVO represent?

P.F.- BALINIT ALCRONA EVO is an evolution of aluminium chromium nitride (AlCrN) coatings, which are known for their hardness and wear resistance. This new product enhances these properties, offering improved tool durability and performance.  With BALINIT ALCRONA EVO, the need for frequent tool replacements is reduced.  

Tools last longer and can operate at higher speeds without compromising quality, so in addition to having a tool that lasts longer, we can produce more parts with the same tool.  The effect on operating costs is clear. Technological innovation, versatility, reduced operating costs and sustainability are key factors that matter in the market and with the BALINIT ALCRONA EVO we meet these expectations.

AR.- What does it mean for the three Oerlikon Balzers plants in the Iberian Peninsula to manufacture one of the company's most avant-garde products?

P,F.- In our environment, the importance of the automotive industry and its entire value chain is indisputable. In this territory, the manufacture of this product in its three centres (two in Spain and one in Portugal) is a clear commitment by the company to respond to the demands and needs of the industrial markets of the two countries and, in particular, the automotive industry. 

It represents a significant strategic opportunity. It not only strengthens the company's production capacity and competitiveness, but also boosts regional economic growth and fosters continuous innovation. In the medium to long term, these initiatives are expected to contribute substantially to the company's growth, diversifying its product offering, expanding its market and strengthening its position as a leader in innovation and sustainability.

AR.- In which areas of innovation and development is Oerlikon Balzers working to stay at the forefront of its field?

P.F.- Oerlikon Balzers is not only a leader and pioneer in the development and application of new coatings, but also in the coating machines themselves. So, in all aspects of service delivery, we always try to be one step ahead of our customers' future needs.  We focus on being at the forefront in: advanced coatings for future applications, PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) technology itself, sustainability and energy efficiency, Industry 4.0 and digitalisation, the development of joint R&D projects with leading companies and universities, and talent development. 

Oerlikon Balzers maintains its leading position through constant investment in research and development, the adoption of new technologies and strategic collaboration with other industry players. This combination of approaches enables the company to offer coating solutions that not only meet current market needs, but also anticipate and exceed expectations.

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Interview published in AutoRevista 2.393