JTEKT Develops the Laser Cladding and Grinding Machine "LC2000" Sales to Begin on October 2026
～Bringing New Value to Cylindrical Grinders.～
JTEKT CORPORATION (Headquarters: Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture, President: Yoshihito Kondo, hereinafter referred to as "JTEKT") has developed the Laser Cladding and Grinding Machine "LC2000" and begun its sales on October 26, 2026.
The LC2000 integrates a laser cladding system with a cylindrical grinding machine, enabling surface treatment and finish grinding on a single machine. In addition to reducing environmental impact by eliminating the use of hexavalent chromium, the machine offers repair and restoration capabilities for damaged components, creating new value beyond conventional cylindrical grinding processes.
The LC2000 is on display at JIMTOF2026 (the 33rd Japan International Machine Tool Fair), held at Tokyo Big Sight from October 26 to 31, 2026.
＜the Laser Cladding and Grinding Machine "LC2000"＞
Based on our Mission: "Joint Technology to bring joy to the planet earth and all working people," JTEKT has proposed JTEKT Group 2030 Vision: "A solution provider creating the future of mobility society through Monozukuri and Monozukuri equipment" as its target to be achieved by 2030. To achieve the transformation into a solution provider, JTEKT is committed to advancing its manufacturing equipment as well as its ability to deliver customer-focused solutions.
In addition, based on the JTEKT Group Environmental Action Plan 2030, JTEKT is promoting compliance with global chemical substance regulations and ensuring the establishment of effective management practices across its operations.
1. Development Background
Hard chrome plating has long been widely used as a surface treatment process for cylindrical components such as precision rolls and shafts because it provides excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
However, hexavalent chromium used in hard chrome plating is subject to increasingly stringent environmental regulations worldwide and is designated as a hazardous substance under occupational health and safety regulations in many countries. In addition, the number of plating suppliers continues to decline, resulting in longer lead times and higher procurement risks for manufacturers.
To address these challenges, JTEKT developed the LC2000 as an alternative solution to conventional hard chrome plating processes.
Laser cladding is a technology that uses a laser beam to locally melt the workpiece surface while simultaneously supplying metal powder to form a high-performance clad layer. By selecting powder materials according to customer requirements, various surface properties such as wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance can be imparted to the workpiece. The technology can also be applied to repair and restoration applications.
The LC2000 integrates this laser cladding capability with cylindrical grinding technology, enabling clad layer formation and finish grinding to be completed on a single machine. This significantly reduces manufacturing lead times and environmental impact while allowing customers to perform surface treatment and component restoration in-house. As a result, the LC2000 creates entirely new value beyond conventional cylindrical grinding machines.
2．Key Features and Benefits
1) Contribution to Reduced Environmental Impact
- The LC2000 eliminates the use of hexavalent chromium, helping customers respond to increasingly stringent environmental regulations worldwide.
Compared with conventional hard chrome plating processes, the machine can reduce the environmental burden associated with hazardous substances and waste treatment.
2) Shorter Lead Times Through In-House Surface Treatment
- Surface treatment processes such as plating are often outsourced, resulting in transportation time, waiting time, and process lead times that can extend for several weeks or even months.
- The LC2000 performs both clad layer formation and finish grinding on the same machine, significantly reducing transportation and setup time.
- By enabling customers to perform surface treatment in-house, the machine improves production flexibility and responsiveness to urgent manufacturing requirements.
3) Repair and Restoration Capabilities That Extend Product Life and Reduce Costs
- The LC2000 enables build-up repair and finish grinding on a single machine.
- The machine can restore dimensions lost through over-machining, transportation damage, and wear that occur during operation, reducing the need for replacement components.
It can also be applied to repair and remanufacture used or overhauled components, helping extend product life and lower life cycle costs.
4) Stable Surface Quality and Improved Productivity
- Laser cladding enables highly stable clad layer formation with consistent thickness and strong metallurgical bonding.
- Because surface treatment and finish grinding are integrated into a single process, the machine contributes to improved productivity and stable product quality.
3． Prospects
Cylindrical components such as rolls, shafts, and rods are used in a wide range of industries, including steel, paper, film, printing, rubber, textiles, glass, ceramics, and battery manufacturing. The surface quality and dimensional accuracy of these components have a significant impact on product quality and production efficiency.
Through the LC2000, JTEKT proposes a new manufacturing process that integrates surface treatment and finish grinding into a single solution. In addition to delivering environmental benefits, shorter lead times, and cost reductions, the machine creates new value through component repair and restoration.
Going forward, the JTEKT Group will continue to leverage and combine its accumulated expertise in Monozukuri, including machining technologies, materials technologies, and control technologies, to create solutions that address social challenges related to efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. Through these efforts, JTEKT will contribute to the development of safe, secure, and sustainable industries.
4．Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
【9.4】By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.
【11.6】By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
JTEKT remains committed to contributing to a more prosperous and sustainable society through manufacturing that benefits customers, society, and the global environment.