Surface texturing, FHNW School of Engineering and Environment

We develop micro- and nanostructured polymer surfaces to create tailored functional properties – without changing the material composition. This enables innovative surface solutions for industrial applications, product design, and high-tech system

Micro- and nanostructures enable advanced surface functionalities such as:

• Reduced friction and wear

• Enhanced adhesion or anti-adhesive properties

• Optical effects and functional optics

• Self-cleaning and water-repellent surfaces

• Bio-inspired (biomimetic) surface functionalities

Design & Simulation of Functional Surfaces

• Biomimetic surface structures and application-specific geometries

• Numerical design and simulation of surface performance

Master Structures & Tool Development

• Fabrication of master structures using ultrashort-pulse laser micromachining or lithography

• Tool design and integration of structured surfaces into molds

Component and Process Design

• Part design with integrated surface functionality

• Process simulation for reliable and reproducible manufacturing

Industrial Replication Technologies

• Injection molding and injection compression molding

• Hot embossing

• UV embossing

• Scalable processes for industrial series production

Validation & Functional Testing

• Manufacturing and testing of functional demonstrators

• Experimental validation of structured surface performance

• New product functionalities without changing the material

• Innovative surfaces with strong differentiation potential

• Industry-ready processes from concept to production

• Reduced development time through simulation and rapid prototyping