Imagine giving a machine part a 'shark skin' texture using a precise laser. This tiny pattern helps air or water glide over the surface much more easily, reducing drag. Instead of using messy chemicals or stickers, a laser carves these patterns directly into the metal, even on curved or rotating shapes.
Traditional surface functionalization relies on chemicals or adhesive foils that create environmental waste and cannot be applied precisely to complex, rotating 3D shapes. This limits the ability of companies to reduce friction and energy usage in high-performance parts.
A prototype system including a manipulation module designed to handle complex 3D parts during high-rate laser structuring.
If you are a hydro turbine manufacturer dealing with energy loss due to water friction — this project developed a laser structuring process that creates bio-inspired riblets to reduce friction. This allows for a continuously varying pattern on rotating parts, which adhesive foils cannot achieve.
If you are a fan wheel producer dealing with aerodynamic drag and high environmental footprints from chemical coatings — this project developed a high-rate laser functionalization tool. It replaces toxic coatings with precise micro-structures to improve efficiency and meet Green Deal principles.
If you are a 3D part manufacturer dealing with the difficulty of reaching all surfaces of heavy, complex components — this project developed a module to manipulate demonstrators during laser processing. This ensures consistent functionalization across complex geometries with inline monitoring.
Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost-reduction percentages are not provided.
Yes, the project aims for high-rate laser functionalization and high throughput using inline monitoring capabilities to ensure industrial viability.
Based on available project data, there is no specific information regarding the licensing model or patent status.
Yes, the project intends to generate new guidelines to complement manufacturing standards, addressing the current uncertainty about regulatory compliance for functionalized parts.
The project includes the design and fabrication of a manipulation module that integrates with other modules to build a final prototype for processing.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 60% industry ratio, comprising 6 industrial partners and 4 SMEs across 5 countries. This strong commercial presence, coordinated by a technology center (CEIT), suggests the project is focused on practical application and market integration rather than purely academic research.
Contact ASOCIACION CENTRO TECNOLOGICO CEIT in Spain
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