Cladding for bridges & water locks

Bridges and water locks, including structures like bascule bridges, rotatable bridges, lift bridges, waterway lock slides, and sluice gates, operate in uniquely challenging environments. These structures are constantly exposed to varying elements, from saltwater corrosion in coastal areas to the wear and tear from mechanical operations in freshwater or brackish waters. Laser cladding by Topclad provides an essential solution for enhancing the durability and functionality of these vital infrastructures. Our specialized laser cladding techniques ensure that these components can withstand harsh environmental conditions, thereby extending their service life and reducing maintenance needs. Bridges and water locks are just one of the many market segments we serve, detailed on our market segments page.

Bridge & water lock equipment and challenges

Hydraulic cylinders used in bridges and water locks face specific challenges in both saltwater and freshwater environments. In saltwater, the persistent issue is corrosion, particularly at the exposed ends of hydraulic cylinder rods which are always (partially) exposed, making them prone to severe corrosion. Traditional coatings such as chrome, HVOF, and ceramic layers often fail in these applications due to the inherent porosity. Due to the lack of protection from an oil film created by the cylinder movements, the pours of traditional layers are not protected, leading to severe corrosion. If repair work must be done, the problem becomes even more severe, as thicker layers are required that are susceptible to bending and impact.

The challenges with the use of Chromium as traditional protection layer is aggravated by the requirements from large public asset owners who now stipulate that no chromium is to be used in the manufacturing process due to its environmental impact. Topclad’s laser cladding solutions address these challenges by providing a pore free, ductile, highly durable and corrosion-resistant coatings, which are particularly crucial for the segments of hydraulic rods that remain exposed.

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Laser cladding solutions

For the bridge and water locks sector, Topclad recommends the Quarite series, known for its high resistance to corrosion and wear. These properties make it particularly effective for protecting metal surfaces against the severe conditions often encountered in civil engineering applications. The Topclad Length Measuring System (i.e. a laser cladded CIMS system) is another solution we offer, crucial for maintaining precise control over bridge deck and water lock door positions, ensuring operational accuracy and safety. This highly reliable and economic attractive option is available on all Topclad’s Quarite-serie layers.

 Discover our Topclad Length Measuring System

Typical applications

  • Bascule bridges
  • Rotatable bridges
  • Lift bridges
  • Waterway lock slides
  • Sluice gates
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Products for this market

Product
Corrosion
A high score on the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) indicates a high corrosion resistance
Wear
A low score on the ASTM G65 test indicates a high wear resistance
Ductility
Impact resistance
Price index
The price index indicates the relative price where the price of Sinex has been set at 100%. Actual prices are dependent on a variety of factors such as: product dimensions, tolerances, layer thickness, etc.
Quarite N
Optimized for many applications, Quarite N offers excellent corrosion resistance and strong chemical & thermal propertie
51Corrosion
A high score on the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) indicates a high corrosion resistance
82 mm³Wear
A low score on the ASTM G65 test indicates a high wear resistance
Very highDuctility
+++Impact resistance
110Price index
The price index indicates the relative price where the price of Sinex has been set at 100%. Actual prices are dependent on a variety of factors such as: product dimensions, tolerances, layer thickness, etc.
Quarite NR
Quarite NR provides the highest corrosion resistance in the Topclad portfolio, ideal for environments with extreme corrosion and moderate wear demands.
69Corrosion
A high score on the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) indicates a high corrosion resistance
84 mm³Wear
A low score on the ASTM G65 test indicates a high wear resistance
Very highDuctility
+++Impact resistance
120Price index
The price index indicates the relative price where the price of Sinex has been set at 100%. Actual prices are dependent on a variety of factors such as: product dimensions, tolerances, layer thickness, etc.
Quarite NR+
Quarite NR+ combines exceptional corrosion resistance (equal to NR) with enhanced wear resistance, making it perfect for harsh, most challenging environments.
69Corrosion
A high score on the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) indicates a high corrosion resistance
67 mm³Wear
A low score on the ASTM G65 test indicates a high wear resistance
Very highDuctility
+++Impact resistance
130Price index
The price index indicates the relative price where the price of Sinex has been set at 100%. Actual prices are dependent on a variety of factors such as: product dimensions, tolerances, layer thickness, etc.

Related markets: dredging, offshore & maritime

In addition to serving the bridge and water locks industry, Topclad is also deeply involved in providing solutions for the Offshore and Dredging sectors. Each of these market segments demands high durability and corrosion resistance from the protective coatings used on their equipment. Our laser cladding solutions, such as those used in the Offshore Maritime segment and Dredging segment, are designed to meet these stringent requirements, ensuring long service lives and reduced maintenance across all applications.

Offshore & Maritime marketDredging market

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Topclad Laser Cladding is the leading manufacturer of innovative laser clad layers in Europe. Based in Lelystad, the Netherlands, Topclad Laser Cladding develops and applies laser clad layers for the most demanding industries including oil, gas, sustainable energy, offshore, dredging, mining, bridges and water locks, steel manufacturing and food processing.

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We are Topclad

Topclad is Europe’s leading manufacturer of innovative laser clad layers, based in Lelystad, the Netherlands. We specialize in developing and applying laser clad layers for the most demanding industries, including oil & gas, offshore, dredging, mining, bridges & water locks, steel manufacturing, and food processing.

Our mission is to provide components with superior protection against wear, corrosion, and impact, resulting in significantly improved reliability and uptime of capital-intensive equipment. With over 14 years of experience and a steadfast commitment to quality, we deliver solutions that enhance the performance and longevity of your critical machinery.

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Axel Jansen
Director & Owner Topclad

Why Topclad?

  • Over 14 years laser cladding experience with over 10.000 cladded components
  • More than 10 in-house developed laser clad layers
  • Commitment to quality
  • Expertise in comprehensive repairs
  • 24.000 mm clad length capacity and 2.200 clad diameter capacity
  • Chromium-6-free solutions
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When you click Submit, you agree to our terms and conditions & privacy policy
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