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Driving automotive improvements by reducing weight, fuel and emissions

Over half of the world’s largest car manufacturers trust Oerlikon advanced materials, functional coatings or process technologies to improve component durability and engine efficiency.

The automotive industry is on the rise. “In 2015, one billion cars were on the road. Driven by an increasing global demand for mobility, that number will grow to over 2.4 billion by 2050.” *

Advancing productivity, sustainability and profitability in the automotive industry.

Vehicle manufacturers are faced with growing demands from regulators, customers and investors to increase manufacturing productivity, boost vehicle operating efficiency and reduce environmental impact. To reduce fuel consumption, cars need to lose weight and gain engine efficiency. Yet safety concerns call for increased robustness and more onboard technology. Vehicle manufacturers are looking for new and innovative ways to address these challenges.  

New and advanced materials, improved performance of components or new ways of manufacturing components are all part of the solution.


Our specialized coatings improve wear resistance and the life of key components. Advanced materials make designs more compact, reduce weight or friction losses in the engine, and make new design solutions possible. And our manmade fiber solutions improve passenger safety and comfort — from airbags and safety belts to seats and tires.

* International Transportation Forum (ITF)

Synchronizer Components

Synchronizer Components
Quick and Smooth Gear Changes

Synchronizer components in a car refer to parts within the transmission system that facilitate smooth shifting between gears, particularly in manual transmissions. Friction Systems can be your technology partner for innovative transmission synchronizers. Our advanced synchronizers consist of precision-formed steel rings with Carbon friction linings that fulfill the highest performance expectations.

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Engine systems

Engine systems
Improved engine reliability and performance

Injectors, valves, oil pumps, exhaust systems, cooling systems, turbochargers: Every part of an engine has to perform perfectly and reliably. Oerlikon coating technologies improve the performance and durability of engine components. The coatings significantly reduce friction and wear, resulting in improved fuel and oil efficiency, lower emissions and longer component lifespan.

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Brake systems

Brake systems
Further improving passenger safety

Brake discs, safety belts, airbags and tires are all key to vehicle and passenger safety. The reliability and quality of the materials used are essential if every single part has to work to perfection every time. Oerlikon technologies such as brake disc coatings and manmade fiber solutions equip manufacturers with technologies that further increase vehicle safety.

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Steering and suspension

Steering and suspension
Enhance your components

Coatings allow you to meet the high economic and ecological demands of the automotive industry. Manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive and transportation industries use them to increase productivity and quality, reduce manufacturing costs and improve the performance, service life and reliability of high-stress components.

Oerlikon solutions and services for surface treatments enable suspension components, ball joints and other steering components to be manufactured with outstanding corrosion protection, great friction properties, increased surface hardness and improved fatigue strength.

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Design parts

Design parts
Innovative, chrome-look design parts

Now, door handles, mirrors, push buttons, switch covers, gear shifters, frames and many more parts can look like chrome without having used the unsustainable chromium-plating process. Oerlikon’s PVD technologies offer environmentally friendly, chrome-look metallization. Manufacturers can offer their customers the aesthetics they want and please regulators and nature at the same time.

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Drive trains

Drive trains
Efficient performance and extended component life

The advanced functional surface treatment of drivetrain components of clutches and transmissions prevents abrasion, corrosion and wear, while improving their efficiency and overall performance. Extended component life saves costs and resources.

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Exhaust gas treatment

Exhaust gas treatment
Functional surface solutions for the automotive industry

Increasing requirements in exhaust gas regulations require new coatings in a high temperature, low lubricated and aggressive environment. A smart surface solution reduces friction in exhaust tracts at temperatures up to 800°C.

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Lighter, slicker, more effective

We produce advanced coatings that reduce corrosion, friction and wear for over 100 car parts. The resulting fuel efficiency and improved durability of light metals means manufacturers can build smaller engines. When manufacturers adopt a comprehensive approach to component coating, they can cut fuel consumption by 2% to 4%, reduce oil consumption by 30%, and cut engine block weight by 12%.

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