To develop and validate a flexible Laser Surface Texturing (LST) optical module, compatible with interchangeable short-pulse (SP) and ultra-short pulse (USP) laser sources.
To develop and validate an inline monitoring and control system that enables processing of freeform/3D geometries and surface characterization across the sub-micron to 200 μm scale with automatic pulse-to-pulse corrective control of laser beam parameters and machine working position to maintain (less than 10%) deviation from the reference surface texture and functional response
To develop a Design for Surface Engineering (DSE) module with embedded LCA for sustainable-by-design decision making, and to reduce the time and cost of developing functional surface designs compared to typical design cycles by at least 50%.
To integrate the above technology modules (flexible LST optics, inline monitoring and control, DSE) into a TRL6 modular machine platform with 300x300 mm processing stage and 7-axis (5 mechanical, 2 optical) control.
To develop and demonstrate hierarchical LST processes for improved surface
(multi-)functionality on 3 industrial components:
- Injection mould insert: Reduce needed injection moulding pressure (and injection phase energy) by 21% when moulding recycled polymer blends, with 100% texture transfer efficiency to textured automotive components, whilst replacing chemical etching of mould surface with hierarchical LST.
- Hip implant system: Achieve surface roughness (Ra) of at least 10 μm and decrease microbial (E. coli and S. aureus) retention by ≥ 2 log (ISO 22196), whilst replacing 4 mechanical/chemical surface treatment steps with hierarchical LST.
- Complex shaped vapour chamber (VC): Increase internal water transport and evaporation, leading to up to 48% improvement in cooling efficiency whilst replacing sintered powder/ wire-mesh surface treatments with hierarchical LST With validated material flow, workflow and resource requirements for process uptake in the industrial production of complex shaped vapour chambers.
To develop business models for the exploitation of SYNTECS processes and technologies.
To equip the internal (consortium members) and external (European, National, Regional) workforce with the skills and competences needed to adopt the SYNTECS technology, and strengthen the collaboration between industry and RTOs