Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum

What Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum does

Oerlikon is a Swiss publicly listed technology group (SIX Swiss Exchange: OERL) founded in 1908, headquartered in Switzerland and currently led by Executive Chairman Prof. Dr. Michael Süss. The group focuses on surface technologies and advanced materials, operating through a portfolio of brands including Balzers (PVD, CVD and PACVD coatings), Metco (thermal spray coatings, equipment and materials), Oerlikon AM (additive manufacturing metal powders and 3D-printed components), HRSflow (hot runner systems for injection molding), and the luxury segment of Riri (metal zippers) and Fineparts (accessories). Its technology stack spans physical and chemical vapor deposition, plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition, thermal spray metallurgy and metal powder atomization, with proprietary formulations and process know-how developed over more than a century, including heritage contributions to NASA Apollo 11 and the Artemis program.

The company serves customers across aerospace (engine manufacturers, 3D-printed parts), automotive (more than 50% of the largest global manufacturers), power generation (largest OEMs), oil and gas, medical (implants), tooling, semiconductor (coatings and 3D-printed chamber components) and luxury fashion (high-end metal zippers and accessories). Newer growth areas include EV battery safety solutions (SafeVent pressure management, HS800/HS900 heat shields, cell separators) and digital service platforms (myBalzers, vConnect) that link the global coating center network into customer production workflows.

Revenue is generated through three interlocking mechanics: coating services delivered via a decentralized global coating center network and customer inhouse coating centers (recurring, proximity-driven revenue); sale of coating equipment and advanced materials including metal powders (capital and consumables); and sale of precision components and finished products such as 3D-printed parts, hot runner systems and luxury zippers and accessories. The go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales supported by long-term qualification cycles in aerospace and medical, and high-volume service relationships in industrial, automotive and tooling markets.

Name

Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum

Legal name

OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, Pfäffikon

Website

https://oerlikon.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1908

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Oerlikon is a Swiss public technology group specializing in surface technologies and advanced materials, serving aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, medical, power generation and luxury customers globally through coating services, equipment, precision components and additive manufacturing solutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Surface Technologies and Advanced Materials

NAICS

Paint and Coating Manufacturing (32551), Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating, and Allied Activities (3328), Paint, Coating, and Adhesive Manufacturing (3255), Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring (332813)

SIC

Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Protective Coatings (IMAEAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial & Protective Coatings (IMAEAGAB), Specialty & Functional Coatings (Anti-microbial/Anti-slip/Insulating) (IMAIAKAM), Automotive & Transportation Coatings (IMAEAGAC), Industrial & Commercial Painting/Coatings/Surface Treatment (IMAIAAAK)

Keywords

• Surface coating technologies
• Advanced materials manufacturing
• Thermal spray equipment
• Additive manufacturing powders
• PVD thin-film coatings

Headquarters

HQ city

Cologne

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Coating Services: Job coating services where Oerlikon applies PVD and other coatings to customer parts. Services include coating of precision components and tools to improve performance and longevity.
2. Coating Equipment: Sale of PVD, CVD, and PACVD coating systems, thermal spray equipment, and complete systems. Equipment brands include INLENIA, INVENTA, INNOVENTA, INGENIA, DOMINO, and others.
3. Advanced Materials: Ultra-fine metal and ceramic powders for thermal spraying and 3D printing, high-performance wires - all designed to withstand pressure, heat, and wear. Includes additive manufacturing metal powders.
4. Precision Components: Manufacturing of highly specialized precision components that improve performance, safety, and efficiency of products in demanding environments. Includes turbine components through Neomet and Eldim.
5. Hot Runner Systems: Through Oerlikon HRSflow, innovative hot runner systems for plastics processing industry, combined with high-end surface coatings and heat treatments for seamless and productive solutions.
6. Luxury Accessories: Through Oerlikon Riri and Oerlikon Fineparts, manufacturing of distinctive zippers, buttons, and metal accessories for luxury fashion brands.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Oerlikon manufactures and applies advanced surface coatings (PVD, PACVD, CVD, thermal spray) and high-performance materials for industrial customers. Its offerings include coating services applied at a global network of service centers, coating equipment systems, metal and ceramic powders for additive manufacturing, precision turbine and aircraft engine components, hot runner systems for plastics processing, and metal accessories for luxury fashion brands. The company's products protect components used in aerospace, automotive, power generation, medical, semiconductor, oil and gas, tooling, and luxury applications against wear, heat, corrosion, and friction.

Product overview

Oerlikon is a technology group operating across multiple divisions with a portfolio of surface technologies, advanced materials, and precision manufacturing solutions. The core offerings include: Oerlikon Balzers (PVD/CVD coating services and equipment), Oerlikon Metco (surface solutions and thermal spray technologies), Oerlikon Additive Manufacturing (metal powders and 3D printing), Oerlikon HRSflow (hot runner systems for plastics), Oerlikon Fineparts (luxury metal components), Oerlikon Riri (zipper and button accessories), and Barmag (man-made fiber production equipment). Key product lines include BALINIT, BALIQ, BALDIA, BALIMED, BALORA, BALIFOR, and BALITHERM coating families; coating equipment systems (INLENIA, INVENTA, INNOVENTA, DOMINO); EV battery safety products (HS800/HS900 heat shields, SafeVent, cell separators); and digital services (myBalzers, vConnect). These offerings serve aerospace, automotive, medical, semiconductor, oil & gas, tooling, luxury goods, and textile industries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BALINIT: PVD thin-film coatings providing wear protection for tools and components across various industries including aerospace, automotive, and tooling.
• BALIQ
• BALDIA
• BALIMED
• BALTONE
• BALORA
• BALIFOR
• BALITHERM
• primeGear
• SafeVent
• HS800/HS900 Series
• Thermo-electrical Barrier

Products and services

• Oerlikon Balzers Surface Technology Solutions Provider of PVD, CVD and PACVD-based coating solutions and heat treatment services that significantly improve the performance and longevity of precision components and the service life of tools used in metal and plastics processing.
• Oerlikon Metco Surface Solutions Global provider of surface engineering solutions including thermal spray coatings, advanced materials, coating equipment, and surface finishing services for industrial customers across aerospace, power generation, automotive, oil and gas, and general industry.
• Oerlikon Additive Manufacturing (AM) Customized additive manufacturing offering supplying metal powders for 3D printing and additively manufactured components at all industrial levels.
• Oerlikon HRSflow Hot Runner Systems Hot runner systems for plastics processors, combined with Oerlikon Balzers coatings and heat treatments, enabling productive and seamless injection molding solutions.
• Oerlikon Riri Luxury Metal Accessories Manufacture of distinctive zippers, buttons, and coated metal accessories with precision and quality required by the luxury fashion sector.
• Oerlikon Fineparts Metal Components Metal components for leather goods, footwear, and apparel in the luxury sector, combining artisanal precision with modern surface technologies and sustainable production.
• Barmag Man-Made Fiber Machinery Technologies and systems for production of man-made fibers, including filament yarn, BCF, staple fiber, and nonwoven machinery, plus precision gear metering pumps for polymer extrusion and industrial fluid handling.
• BALINIT PVD Thin-Film Coatings PVD thin-film wear-protection coatings including AlCrN-based, TiAlN-based, Carbon/DLC-based, CrN-based, and TiN-based variants used to extend tool and component life across multiple industries.
• BALIQ Smooth PVD Coatings Smooth PVD coating solutions including BALIQ ALCRONOS, ALTINOS, CARBOS, and other variants optimized for high-performance cutting and forming tool applications.
• BALDIA Diamond and DLC Coatings Diamond coatings including BALDIA COMPOSITE, BALDIA VARIA, and BALDIA COMPACT for machining fiber-reinforced plastics, stack materials, and sintered powders.
• BALIMED Medical PVD Coatings Biocompatible PVD coatings for medical devices and surgical instruments, including antimicrobial BALIMED ARGENTA used on bipolar forceps.
• BALORA High-Temperature Oxidation Protection Coatings High-temperature oxidation-protection coatings including BALORA HALONA, BALORA PVD MCrAlY, and BALORA TECH PRO for industrial gas turbines and high-temperature components.
• BALIFOR High-Performance Coatings Coatings for high-performance applications including BALIFOR M and BALIFOR T variants.
• BALITHERM Heat Treatment Solutions Heat treatment solutions including BALITHERM PPD, PRIMEFORM, IONIT, IONIT OX, and IONIT ST for plasma nitriding and nitrocarburizing of tools and components.
• Oerlikon PVD and CVD Coating Equipment Systems Industrial coating equipment including INLENIA, INVENTA, INNOVENTA/INGENIA, INSPIRA carbon, DOMINO, DEGAS, INUBIA B15, and SUCOTEC systems for PVD, CVD, and PACVD coating processes.
• BALTONE Decorative Color Coatings Decorative PVD color coatings providing aesthetic finishes with wear protection for aircraft interiors and decorative applications.
• HS800/HS900 EV Battery Heat Shields High-performance heat shields providing thermal and electrical insulation for EV battery modules, withstanding temperatures up to 1400°C and classified to UL94-V0 for fire safety.
• SafeVent HS850/HS950 Hot Gas Venting Solutions Heat-resistant venting and electrical isolation components designed for safe hot gas evacuation in EV battery modules.
• HS433 Cell Separator Elements Multifunctional cell separator elements with swelling compensation and thermoelectric isolation for battery safety.
• TX700 High-Voltage Arcing Protection Ultra-thin, high-temperature resistant electrically insulating barrier designed to protect EV battery high-voltage systems from arcing events.
• TX200 Busbar Protection Insulation protection system for high-voltage busbars and connectors in EV battery systems.
• Job Coating Services Contract coating services including PVD/CVD coating of customer tools and components, tool reconditioning, and primeGear gear-cutting tool optimization, performed at Oerlikon's global network of coating centers.
• myBalzers Digital Order Processing Digital order processing platform enabling customers to track the status of their coating orders in real time through the Oerlikon Balzers service network.
• vConnect Real-Time Equipment Monitoring Real-time monitoring service for customer coating systems and coating processes, providing live visibility into equipment performance and process status.
• WINGS POY/FDY Spinning Systems WINGS-based pre-oriented yarn (POY) and fully drawn yarn (FDY) spinning systems for efficient man-made fiber production.
• eFK Draw Texturing Machines eFK draw textured yarn (DTY) production machines including the eFK EvoSmart with IE5 motor technology and FiberGuard online quality monitoring.
• BCF Carpet Yarn Systems Bulked continuous filament (BCF) carpet yarn systems including BCF S8 and BCF S+.
• Meltblown Nonwoven Systems Meltblown plant solutions for the production of nonwoven fabrics.
• Barmag Gear Metering Pumps Precision gear metering pumps for polymer extrusion, man-made fiber production, chemical processing, and industrial fluid handling.
• Neomet Honeycomb Turbine Structures Industry-leading honeycomb structures for gas turbines and aircraft engines.
• Eldim Turbine Components and Assemblies High-performance, critical turbine components and complex assemblies for aerospace engines and industrial turbines.

Quantifiable outcome

• Airlines save million liters of fuel daily through Oerlikon coatings improving engine efficiency
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Barmag (Rieter Group)minorOthersBarmag, a subsidiary of the Swiss Rieter Group, is a leading provider of technologies for the production of man-made fibers, along with gear metering pumps for the textile industry and other industries including automotive, chemical, and paint industries. Barmag operates under the Barmag and Neumag product brands.
• Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)minorOthersOerlikon Fineparts adheres to the Responsible Jewellery Council, which ensures responsible mining and processing procedures are adopted throughout the entire production and distribution chain for precious and semi-precious materials like silver and bronze.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bodycote: Bodycote is the world's largest provider of heat treatment and surface treatment services (including diffusion coatings, plasma treatments, and specialty coatings) to aerospace, automotive, and industrial customers. It is the closest direct competitor to Oerlikon Balzers' job-coating services and shares a similar global-center network model.
• Sulzer: Sulzer operates an industrial coating services business (Sulzer Surface Solutions) offering thermal spray and other surface technologies for power generation, oil & gas, and aerospace. It directly competes with Oerlikon Metco and Oerlikon Balzers in turbine and industrial component coatings.
• Praxair Surface Technologies (Linde): Now part of Linde, Praxair Surface Technologies supplies thermal spray coatings, application services, and high-performance materials to aerospace and industrial OEMs — directly overlapping with Oerlikon Metco's coatings and materials franchise.
• Kennametal: Kennametal produces cemented carbides, tooling, and wear-resistant components with proprietary coatings for metalworking and aerospace customers. Its coated-tooling and engineered components overlap directly with Oerlikon's tooling and aerospace product lines.

Broad incumbents

• Sandvik: Sandvik's Machining Solutions division offers cutting tools with PVD/CVD coatings similar to Oerlikon Balzers' BALINIT/BALIQ lines, and its Materials Technology division produces advanced alloys and powder materials. Comparable across both Oerlikon's coating and advanced materials franchises.
• voestalpine: voestalpine's High Performance Metals division produces specialty steel, tool materials, and surface-treated components for aerospace, automotive, and tooling, making it a broad incumbent comparable to Oerlikon's precision components and advanced materials businesses.
• Carpenter Technology: Carpenter Technology manufactures specialty alloys, metal powders, and engineered components for aerospace, medical, and energy customers. Its powder and specialty materials businesses overlap with Oerlikon AM and Oerlikon Metco's advanced materials portfolio.
• IHI Corporation: IHI is a Japanese industrial conglomerate with aerospace, thermal spray coating, and advanced materials operations. Its aerospace engine components and surface treatment businesses are comparable to Oerlikon's aerospace coatings and turbine components.
• ATI (Allegheny Technologies): ATI produces specialty materials, alloys, and components for aerospace, defense, and energy markets. Its titanium and nickel-based superalloy products and surface-engineered components are comparable to Oerlikon Metco's advanced materials and Neomet's turbine offerings.

Others

• OC Oerlikon (Manmade Fibers / Barmag): Barmag (now part of Rieter Group, but historically an Oerlikon subsidiary) supplies manmade fiber spinning systems and gear metering pumps. It is a legacy/related business adjacent to Oerlikon rather than a current competitor, illustrating the historical breadth of the Oerlikon portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/oerlikongroup
• Facebookfacebook.com/groupoerlikon
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oerlikon

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum