Laser cladding for military & defence equipment
Military and defense applications demand uncompromising performance, in every environment, under extreme loads, and with materials that must perform flawlessly despite aggressive lubricants, harsh climates, and constant vibration. Topclad’s laser cladding technology offers a proven upgrade over traditional coatings, extending component life and ensuring operational readiness in the toughest conditions.
Reliable protection for mission-critical components
Innovative laser clad solutions for military & defence equipment
The challenge: harsh environments, critical reliability
Military equipment must perform, no matter the conditions. From desert heat to arctic cold, from impact with rocks and debris to exposure to mud, saltwater, and dust: defense systems operate in the harshest and most unpredictable environments. There’s no time for breakdowns or second chances. When equipment fails, missions are compromised, and lives may be at stake.
These conditions introduce a unique set of surface challenges:
- Abrasion from sand, gravel, and harsh handling
- Corrosion due to exposure to water, humidity, and salt spray
- Impact and vibration from rough terrain or high-load operation
- Temperature extremes, affecting materials as well as lubricants
- Contamination, as components cannot always be kept clean or dry
NATO hydraulic oil
A specific challenge in this sector is the use of low-viscosity NATO-spec hydraulic oils such as H-515 or H-520. These fluids are essential for fast, responsive systems across a wide temperature range (–54°C to +135°C), but their thinner composition can lead to:
- Seal leakage and reduced oil film strength
- Premature wear under load
- Penetration of traditional coatings like HVOF or hard chrome, reducing protective integrity
Taken together, these factors demand far more than a standard surface coating. In defence, components need multifunctional protection: against wear, corrosion, impact, and chemical penetration, without compromising structural integrity.
The solution: laser cladding from Topclad
Laser cladding provides a tailored protective layer that stands up to the specific demands of military components. Instead of a sprayed-on or electroplated layer, laser cladding creates a metallurgical bond with the base material, forming a seamless, high-performance surface that resists:
- Corrosion, even when exposed to thin NATO oils
- Mechanical wear from cyclic loading, impact, and vibration
- Cracking and delamination in high-pressure systems
- Abrasion from sand, dust, and harsh environmental exposure
With Topclad’s technology, surface thickness can be tailored, from 0.225 mm to >20 mm or more. This allows us to fully rebuild worn components or reinforce new parts. This is critical in systems where material loss due to corrosion must be compensated to restore original dimensions and sealing performance.
Typical applications in military and defence
We support military OEMs, maintenance units, and logistics partners in refurbishing and protecting components such as:
- Hydraulic cylinders and rods – from armored vehicles, and missile launch systems, to bridge-laying tanks. Exposed to NATO-spec hydraulic fluids or not.
- Naval propulsion shafts – of large marine vessels
- Heavy equipment and cranes – high-impact areas requiring wear resistance or corrosion protection
Every part is different. That’s why we analyze each application and recommend the optimal material, including our proprietary layers like Quarite NR+ for corrosion protection or Tardisphere for high-wear surfaces.
Proven upgrade over traditional coatings
Unlike nickel chrome, HVOF or hard chrome plating, laser cladding does not crack, flake or fail under stress. Its metallurgical bond, flexible thickness and resistance to chemical penetration make it the go-to solution where conventional coatings can’t cope. Especially in systems using low-viscosity oils, laser cladding ensures sealing performance and durability over time.
Products for this market
Excellent corrosion and wear resistance, ideal for dredging and mining, or as a bearing surface.
Sinex replaces full material stainless steel with a laser clad layer on carbon steel, matching 316L's properties.
Optimized for many applications, Quarite N offers excellent corrosion resistance and strong chemical & thermal propertie
Quarite NR provides the highest corrosion resistance in the Topclad portfolio, ideal for environments with extreme corrosion and moderate wear demands.
Quarite NR+ combines exceptional corrosion resistance (equal to NR) with enhanced wear resistance, making it perfect for harsh, most challenging environments.
Specially developed to combine the best of both worlds—excellent corrosion resistance and high wear resistance—without using carbides.
Related markets: dredging and heavy machinery
In addition to the military and defence industry, Topclad offers specialized laser cladding solutions for the related markets as dredging and heavy machinery. Both sectors face similar challenges in terms of impact, wear, and the need for durable, long-lasting solutions. To learn more about how we support these industries, visit our pages on dredging and bridges & water locks.
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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.
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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