<\/p>\n\n Duroc Laser Coating’s facility in Lule\u00e5<\/em><\/mark><\/p>\n\n Duroc Laser Coating AB was founded in 1987 in Lule\u00e5 through a collaboration with Lule\u00e5 University of Technology, based on the idea of using lasers to harden horseshoes. From this niche application, the company evolved into a leading provider of laser surface treatment and laser cladding for industrial applications, including roll refurbishment and component manufacturing. The business moved from Ume\u00e5 to Lule\u00e5 in 2011 under the name Duroc Engineering and has operated as Duroc Laser Coating AB since 2014. <\/p>\n\n Duroc Laser Coating (DLC) specializes in strengthening and restoring metallic surfaces locally rather than replacing entire components. The company operates exclusively as a contract service provider and handles everything from new production to repair and rebuilding of worn components. <\/p>\n\n Using laser-based processes such as cladding, alloying, and hardening, DLC can restore surfaces to their original dimensions while also creating new wear-resistant layers with improved properties tailored to the component. Examples include increased hardness, corrosion resistance, friction performance, impact resistance, and high-temperature properties. <\/p>\n\n \u201cWhen we have completed our work, we have often at least doubled the service life at roughly half the cost compared to buying a new component,\u201d says Jan Frostevarg, Technical Manager at DLC.<\/em><\/p>\n\n Customers come from a broad industrial base, including the wood, sawmill, pulp and paper industries, mining, automotive, machine tools, and the energy sector, including nuclear, hydroelectric, and wind power. Components range from small parts measuring only a few centimeters to structures up to 15 meters long and weighing as much as 20 tons. <\/p>\n\n Laser cladding is a central part of the company\u2019s operations and enables controlled material deposition with high precision.<\/p>\n\n The technology provides low heat input, minimizing distortion while creating a strong metallurgical bond between the base material and the filler material. This allows for a wide range of material combinations and advanced solutions, such as reinforced surfaces containing embedded tungsten carbides. <\/p>\n\n Compared to traditional methods such as plasma or arc welding, laser processing provides:<\/p>\n\n Refurbishment stages of a component. Worn component \u2013 clad component \u2013 fully refurbished component <\/mark><\/em><\/p>\n\n Achieving consistent quality requires more than just technology.<\/p>\n\n “It is about material knowledge, process control, and how the equipment is operated. Every material combination requires its own parameters, and fixturing and component handling are equally important.” <\/em><\/p>\n\n In 2018, DLC faced a significant technology transition.<\/p>\n\n Its existing equipment was reaching its limits in terms of both production capacity and maintenance requirements.<\/p>\n\n “We felt that we were starting to hit the ceiling in terms of efficiency while maintenance demands were increasing.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n As part of a move to new facilities, the company invested in an upgraded production platform based on two high-power fiber lasers.<\/p>\n\n The requirements were clear:<\/p>\n\n Laser processing on a component with a three-dimensional surface requiring reinforcement<\/mark><\/em><\/p>\n\n The solution selected was supplied by LMI AB.<\/p>\n\n \u201cCompetence, quality, and pricing were decisive factors. We also had a stable relationship from previous collaborations, which gave us confidence in the decision.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n Installation and commissioning were carried out in close cooperation with LMI AB.<\/p>\n\n \u201cThe process went relatively smoothly. Laser expertise and an understanding of our business were the most important factors during the startup phase.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n After an expected optimization period, a stable process was achieved relatively quickly, although certain adjustments were required to optimize the system for the company\u2019s specific needs.<\/p>\n\n \u201cFor us, the most important thing was to get equipment that performed the way we wanted. The application expertise itself we have internally.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n Today, DLC operates two identical 8 kW IPG fiber lasers, providing both redundancy and flexibility in production.<\/p>\n\n \u201cHaving two identical systems gives us robustness in our operations.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n One of Duroc Laser Coating\u2019s two laser cells refurbishing a large wind turbine component<\/mark><\/em><\/p>\n\n Operational reliability is described as high, which is essential in a production environment where downtime directly affects delivery capability.<\/p>\n\n The fact that LMI AB serves as both equipment supplier and service partner is considered an important part of the overall solution, particularly regarding access to technical expertise.<\/p>\n\n After more than six years of operation, equipment utilization has reached a high level of maturity. At the same time, DLC\u2019s contract-based business means that processes are continuously evolving. <\/p>\n\n \u201cWe continuously develop new processes because our business is so diverse.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n Once a process is established, a high degree of stability and repeatability is achieved, although occasional variations may occur.<\/p>\n\n \u201cThis can be caused by materials, powder, optics, or gas, but it is usually manageable. We continuously work on quality improvements.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n Operat\u00f6rsberoendet har minskat \u00f6ver tid, fr\u00e4mst genom internt utvecklingsarbete, men kompetensen hos operat\u00f6rerna \u00e4r fortfarande avg\u00f6rande.<\/p>\n\n Working with high-power lasers places significant demands on safety, and for DLC, laser safety is an integrated part of daily operations.<\/p>\n\n All operators and process technicians receive laser safety training, and safety-related issues remain a continuous focus throughout the organization.<\/p>\n\n \u201cLaser safety is a requirement and a prerequisite for our operations.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n The working environment is considered safe thanks to reliable equipment and effective safety systems.<\/p>\n\n LMI AB has also played an important role through installation, training, onboarding, and ongoing support related to laser safety.<\/p>\n\n Extended internal optics and powder nozzle mounted on a robot for laser cladding inside narrow geometries. Inspection prior to laser processing. <\/mark><\/em><\/p>\n\n Working with the same technology partner over a long period is highlighted as an important factor.<\/p>\n\n \u201cIt is very important to us.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n Although service and logistics can sometimes be challenging due to geographical distance, access to a supplier with deep technical expertise is invaluable when problems arise.<\/p>\n\n \u201cWe manage our processes ourselves, but having the possibility to discuss challenges with a highly competent supplier is extremely important.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n For DLC, laser processing is not simply a manufacturing method\u2014it is the foundation of the entire business.<\/p>\n\n Our entire business is built around laser processing, primarily cladding, but also alloying and hardening.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n The technology enables longer component life, reduced costs, and improved sustainability for customers, and it will continue to play a central role in the future.<\/p>\n\n \u201cLaser cladding will remain our primary offering in the years ahead.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lmiab.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dlcab-byggnad-1024x631.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nSPECIALISTS IN EXTENDING THE SERVICE LIFE OF METAL COMPONENTS<\/h3>\n\n
LASER CLADDING \u2013 THE CORE OF THE BUSINESS<\/h3>\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\nTHE 2018 INVESTMENT \u2013 FOCUS ON CAPACITY AND STABILITY<\/h3>\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lmiab.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/06\/2-processen-1024x839.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nCOLLABORATION AND COMMISSIONING \u2013 A STRONG FOUNDATION<\/h3>\n\n
TWO 8 KW LASERS \u2013 FLEXIBILITY AND ROBUSTNESS<\/h3>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lmiab.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/06\/3-cellen-med-robot-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nA MATURE YET DYNAMIC PROCESS<\/h3>\n\n
SAFETY \u2013 A PREREQUISITE FOR THE BUSINESS<\/h3>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lmiab.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/06\/5-produkt-681x1024.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
<\/figure>\n\nLONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP AND TECHNICAL CONFIDENCE<\/h3>\n\n
A TECHNOLOGY THAT DEFINES THE BUSINESS<\/h3>\n\n
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