LaserSurf: IREPA LASER opens up new prospects for laser surface functionalisation
Since 2023, IREPA LASER and the ICube laboratory of the Institut Carnot TSN have joined forces within the LaserSurf joint laboratory. This unprecedented partnership is part of a collaboration spanning more than forty years, with the aim of bringing laser surface functionalisation to an industrial scale and opening up new applications for the most demanding sectors.
What is laser surface functionalisation?
Laser surface functionalisation involves modifying the surface of a material without adding a chemical coating, instead creating microscopic patterns using a laser. These patterns give the material new properties, such as:
- Hydrophobicity (water repellence)
- Reduced friction
- Antibacterial textures
- Colour effects without pigments
To design these textures, LaserSurf researchers draw inspiration from nature: shark scales for hydrodynamics, the lotus flower for its water-repellent properties and insect wings to reduce reflections.
Femtosecond lasers: at the heart of innovation
LaserSurf mainly uses femtosecond lasers, capable of delivering ultra-short pulses (less than a millionth of a billionth of a second). This technology enables operations of extreme precision, such as:
- Cutting micro-parts
- Drilling and welding at microscopic scale
- Micro-engraving for traceability and anti-counterfeiting
The challenge now is to extend these processes to larger industrial surfaces while maintaining the quality and reproducibility of the textures.
Smart, AI-assisted industrial solutions
LaserSurf is also innovating by integrating advanced control technologies and artificial intelligence monitoring:
- Sensor-equipped cobots enable precise positioning of the laser on the part
- AI analyses the light emitted during texturing to monitor quality in real time and predict the final effect, notably the colour or functionality of the surface
These advances make the processes faster, more precise and more accessible to industry, while limiting costs and optimising energy efficiency.
Practical applications and a promising future
Ongoing projects target practical applications with a strong industrial impact, such as reducing air resistance on aircraft wings or creating antibacterial surfaces for medical use. Thanks to LaserSurf, IREPA LASER can now offer complete solutions ranging from fundamental research to industrial deployment, while exploring new functionalities inspired by biomimicry.
The joint laboratory is planned to run until 2027, but the collaboration between IREPA LASER and ICube is designed to last well beyond that, constantly exploring the infinite possibilities of the industrial laser.
IREPA LASER: 40 years of expertise serving industry
Since its creation in 1982, IREPA LASER has stood out for its unique expertise in industrial lasers. The company supports players from all sectors in applications such as:
- Additive manufacturing
- Laser welding
- Precision micromachining
In partnership with INSA Strasbourg and the ICube laboratory, IREPA LASER also trains future industrial laser experts and conducts applied research projects to turn scientific innovations into practical solutions for industry.
