Bekaert develops an array of high-tech products, systems and services for customers
in various sectors.
While Bekaert markets virtually no end-user products, it keeps its finger on the pulse
at all times, so that it can anticipate its customers’ needs. In its quest to offer them
ever greater added value, it is steadily moving up the value chain in a whole range of
products.
Advanced wire products
The advanced wire products range from wires for use in the manufacture of industrial
springs and in the reinforcement of flexible pipes, through steel fibers for concrete
reinforcement, profiled wires, textile machine wires, bookbinding wires and weaving
wires, to champagne cork wires, silicon-sawing wire and various types of lacquered
and coated wires.
High-tensile wires are woven into steel cord products like tire cord and bead wire,
which are used in car and truck tires. Steel cord is also used as reinforcement in
other polymer applications, such as high-pressure hoses, polyurethane drive belts
and conveyor belts.
Advanced materials
The advanced materials segment covers applications in fiber technologies,
combustion technologies and composites. In fiber technologies, Bekaert develops
ultra-thin metal fibers, chiefly in stainless steel, for filter media, conductive plastics
and textile applications. In combustion technologies, Bekaert specializes in
environment-friendly gas burners and combustion systems. In composites, Bekaert
manufactures glass-fiber-reinforced membrane pressure vessels for desalination
plants.
Advanced coatings
The advanced coatings segment comprises industrial coatings for various materials,
applied by vacuum technologies or thermal spraying. Bekaert also supplies special
equipment for the glass industry for applying coatings to large areas of flat glass. In
specialized films, Bekaert concentrates on window films which keep out the heat of
the sun. These films are used both in vehicles and in residential, office and
government buildings etc.
