Surface texturing

IREPA LASER has worked on laser texturing of tyre walls to improve the aerodynamic performance of bicycles.
The created textures were tested in a wind tunnel to identify the most efficient ones. Today, several professional cycling teams trust the famous Mavic wheels to help them win races.

Advantages :

• Improvement of aerodynamic performance
• Localised texturing
• Work on finished parts

Laser texturing makes it possible to reproduce simple or complex patterns on surfaces, for aesthetic or functional purposes.
This contactless process applies to the most inaccessible areas. It makes it possible to create material effects.
Examples: bouchonnage, polishing, satin finishing

Advantages :

• 3D functionalisation
• Overall or localised treatment
• All materials, with no alteration
• On finished parts

Treatment of surfaces to give them particular functions: making them hydrophobic, lubrication, non-sticking.
Examples:
– Texturing on drawing moulds and engine jackets
– Friction management by roughness modification

Advantages :

• 3D functionalisation
• All materials, with no alteration
• On finished parts, without rework

Development of 3D superhydrophobic texturing on the surface of an implantable medical device (IMD).

Advantage secured :

• Significant extension of the life of the device

See the video HERE

Friction reduction
Development of a texture to reduce friction in heading dies.

Advantages secured :

• Tool life increased ten-fold thanks to the combination of 3D treatment and ceramic deposition
• Significantly reduced maintenance costs

Optimisation of anchoring
Development of a texture that solves adhesion and sealing defects at the polymer/metal interface.

Advantage secured :

• Drastic reduction of mass-production scraps

Friction reduction
Development of a skin shark pattern on the surface of a 3D mold for textile.

Advantages secured :

• Water friction reduction on the textured surfaces
• Applicable for large runs