ALPhANOV draws inspiration from nature to develop laser processing capable of modifying material surfaces. Whether metals, ceramic, or glass, their properties can now be enhanced through surface functionalization. Applications are numerous and span multiple markets, including superhydrophobicity, superhydrophilicity, antibacterial properties, antifouling, emissivity modification, and anti-reflective effects.

These functionalities can be applied to both transparent materials and metals, including small components such as turned parts.

For each material, a wide range of laser treatments is available, each providing precise functionalities and effects tailored to your specific needs.

Lotus leaf effect - Hydrophobic surface

	Superhydrophobicity (AC > 150°) Reduction of bacterial proliferation (up to 98%)		Nanostructuring on the order of hundreds of nm		Very high throughput  5 m²/min Scalable and reproducible, including by injection molding

Light trapping effect - Butterfly eye

	Reflectance < 5% from UV to IR		Macrostructuring on the order of tens of µm		High productivity 35 s / cm²

Friction reduction - Shark skin effect

	Laser engraving via controlled beam shaping		Repeatable micro-scale patterning		Next-generation antifouling

Iridescence - Beetle shell

	No ablation, wide variety of pattern possibilities		Generation of 3D patterns at the millimeter scale		Iridescence through self-organization of the material

Today, these processing can be directly implemented in industrial environments with the support of experts such as ALPhANOV. Prototypes and systems incorporating inline metrology are now comercially available.

Process sheet

Surface engineering