The CLASCO project – A universal and digitised laser-based post-processing method for the production of functionalised parts with complex shapes is being developed in the EU-funded CLASCO project. 12 international project partners from science, industry, research and application are united in the CLASCO project. The project is coordinated by the Technical University of Dresden. In our exclusive interview series, the CLASCO project partners introduce themselves in the areas of CLASCO Machine, Optics, Process Monitoring, Sample Preparation through Additive Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Strategy and Business Model as well as Circularity and Sustainability.
Get to know the CLASCO project consortium memberr in the area of Optics:
How does the expertise of SurFunction GmbH in the field of laser surface functionalisation fit with the objectives of the CLASCO project?
We finally want to adequately depict the potential of the surface, and from "technical roughness" we finally want to tap into the potential of the surface and transfer the structures we see in living nature, such as shark skin or lotus leaves, to the surfaces of products. Within the framework of Clasco, we can do this in a pure laser-based manufacturing process and thus sustainably establish a completely new generation of functionalities of a wide range of application.
You are developing the optical head for the surface functionalisation process within the CLASCO machine. What expertise do you draw on in this context, possibly also in projects with other cooperation partners?
We are fortunate to have the two inventors of the technology in the company and have developed the latest generation of DLIP optics (xDLIP). The special thing, however, is that we not only have the laser and optics expertise, but with our materials science background we can also directly address the specifics of the respective materials and properties. This gives us an enormous competitive advantage - not only for this project but for all our applications.
How are you working with the CLASCO Use Case Consortium members DePuy Synthes, CTI and Airbus to support their specific applications?
Especially in the further course of the project, cooperation will be a decisive point for the success of the joint project. As soon as we have finished the first optic and integrated it with Sylas, the focus will be on the adaptation of the DLIP process - in close cooperation with the TUD.
How will SurFunction GmbH's involvement as a start-up company in the CLASCO project influence its future research, development and offerings in the field of laser surface treatment?
Through the two use cases, we can gather valuable information for space and bio-med applications through the consortium in order to transfer the developed concepts to other applications on the one hand, and at the same time establish the combination of laser polishing and laser functionalization using DLIP as a system concept with Sylas. This will allow us to significantly expand our application portfolio and possibilities in the future and also to focus on surfaces which, due to their surface properties, have not yet been able to exploit the full potential of our DLIP technology.
Thank you to SurFunction GmbH for the information.