Metal transformation & coating technologies

The two core competences of Bekaert are related to material properties. Through metal transformation we influence the properties of steel such as strength, ductility, fatigue, and shape.  With our coating technologies we adjust the surface properties of our materials and hence we provide corrosion protection, improve aesthetic appearance, optimize adhesion, etc.  The combination of the two core competences results in a broad range of high technological products.

Discover our products and applications through the products and applications finder.

Advanced metal transformation 

Wire rod

• Our main raw material, with annual sourcing in the range of 2.5 to 2.8 million tons
• Worldwide network of suppliers
• Wide range of compositions and grades to best suit the application

Wire drawing

• Basic process for metal transformation
• Diameter reduction and wire elongation
• Increased strength and reduced ductility

Thermal treatment

• Creates a specific, homogeneous crystallographic steel structure
• Creates the right mechanical properties for further deformation or for the final application
• Processes: patenting, batch annealing, hardening and tempering

Cord making

• Combines different high strength wires into a cord, cable or rope
• Creates cables that are stronger and more flexible than individual wires
• Cables can be tailored to be used in a range of different applications

Textile technologies

• For processing steel wires, cords and fibers
• To reinforce products and/or maintain flexibility
• Processes: knitting, weaving, braiding,…

Metal fiber production & products  

• Produces wire and filaments with a diameter ranging from 1 to 40µm
• Processes: bundling and drawing

Welding/mesh production     

• To produce nets and mesh
• Mainly used as reinforcement
• Processes: welding, weaving or chainlink

Profiling              

• Round wires are deformed to flat wires and special shapes
• Processes: rolling or profiled die drawing
  

Advanced coating technologies

Hot dip  

• Provides corrosion protection
• Wire passed through molten zinc or zinc-aluminum bath
• Used for wire in exposed environments

• Adds the properties of other metals such as copper or zinc to wire
• Can improve aesthetics or processability

Cladding

• For superior corrosion protection, conductivity and strength
• Combines the characteristics of two or more metals, such as strength and conductivity
  

Extrusion of polymers   

• Plastic coating for aesthetics, anti-corrosion, fatigue and friction resistance
• A wide range of polymers
• Coating thickness from 20 to 500µm

Lacquering  

• Aesthetics and anti-corrosion
• Offers a high-gloss, durable finish
• Champagne cork wire and other applications

Powder coating   

• Dry coating, either fluidized or electrostatic
• Provides thermoplastic coating for aesthetics and weather-resistance
• Used to protect objects such as welded meshes against corrosion