SYNTECS brings together a consortium of industry leaders and academic and research
organisations that are at the forefront of laser-based processing. SYNTECS is designed to
tackle the multiple challenges experienced with current chemical and mechanical surface
treatments.
The overall aim of SYNTECS is to develop and demonstrate a digital and green laser texturing
approach to generating complex multifunctional surfaces. A machine platform will be
developed (TRL6), that enables interchangeable Direct Laser Writing (DLW), Direct Laser
Interference Patterning (DLIP) and Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structuring (LIPSS), with
a multi-axis motion stage for processing complex geometries and an inline monitoring and
control system.
The combined system will streamline the generation of hierarchical surface textures, i.e.
textures which combine at least two significantly different sized features. The surface
multi-functionality enabled by these hierarchical textures will be demonstrated in three
industrial case studies: an injection moulding tool, a hip implant system and a complex
shaped vapour chamber.
Surface textures and texturing processes for these demonstrators will be designed using a
Design for Surface Engineering software module, which will incorporate LCA guidance combined
with predictive performance modelling to enable sustainable-by-design decision
making.
SYNTECS will demonstrate that hierarchical laser surface texturing provides a highly
efficient and flexible route to replacing multiple (typically chemical and mechanical)
energy and resources intensive surface treatments steps with a single, digitally controlled,
chemical- and waste-free process.
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