From March 2 to 6, 2026, Vulkam participated in SIMODEC in La Roche-sur-Foron, one of the leading trade shows dedicated to bar turning, precision machining, and industrial production technologies.
Over five days, our team had the opportunity to meet with numerous industrial players bar turning specialists, machining experts, and technology partners to discuss the evolution of materials and processes in the precision industry.
This edition was particularly significant for Vulkam, as our company was honored with the SIMODEC 2026 Innovation Award in the “Subcontracting and Services” category.
Innovation serving precision manufacturing
The award-winning project is based on the combination of two complementary technologies:
Amorphous metal alloy preforms developed by Vulkam
Femtosecond laser machining
The award-winning project is based on the combination of two complementary technologies:
- Amorphous metal alloy preforms developed by Vulkam
- Femtosecond laser machining
Amorphous metals feature a non-crystalline atomic structure, which gives them unique mechanical properties, including:
- Very high mechanical strength
- Remarkable elastic behavior
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Strong fatigue resistance
- Amagnetic properties
The use of laser machining makes it possible to fully leverage these properties by producing complex micro-geometries with extreme precision, while minimizing mechanical stress on the material.
This combination opens new opportunities for the manufacturing of high value-added components, particularly in sectors such as watchmaking, medical devices, and micromechanics.
Materials also designed for machining processes
Alongside this laser-based innovation, Vulkam’s presence at SIMODEC was also an opportunity to present to bar turning professionals how Vulkalloys® can be integrated into conventional machining processes.
The goal is to enable manufacturers to expand their material portfolio with high-performance materials, while remaining compatible with their existing equipment and expertise.
Vulkalloys® are available as ready-to-machine bars, specifically designed for testing in bar turning operations.
Currently, Vulkam offers:
Nickel-based alloy bars (Ø2 mm)
Zirconium/stainless steel-based alloy bars (Ø5 mm)
This format allows manufacturers to quickly test these materials on their machines and explore new application opportunities for their customers.
Supporting industrial integration
Introducing a new material into a manufacturing process often requires an adaptation phase.
That is why Vulkam supports industrial partners in implementing Vulkalloys®, particularly regarding:
- Machining parameter definition
- Cutting speeds and feed rates
- Depth of cut
- Lubrication conditions
This approach is designed to facilitate the integration of these materials into existing processes, while enabling manufacturers to leverage their machining expertise with differentiated materials.
A trade show focused on connections
Beyond technological demonstrations, SIMODEC remains a key moment to engage with the entire industrial ecosystem.
During the event, the Vulkam team was able to:
- Meet new industrial partners
- Engage with bar turning specialists interested in advanced materials
- Exchange with micromechanics and watchmaking players
- Initiate several industrial testing projects
These discussions confirm the growing interest in advanced materials within precision industries.
