advanced manufacturing

In an increasingly competitive and digitalized industrial landscape, both traditional robotics and the emerging framework of Industry 4.0 demand solutions that enhance efficiency, durability, and functionality of components. In this context, Tekniker—a technological institute within the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA)—has demonstrated remarkable progress in the field of laser texturing, promising a revolution in the way industrial surfaces and components are produced.

At the international Mesic 2025 conference held in Bilbao from June 18 to 20, Tekniker, as an official sponsor, showcased the outcomes of its R&D initiatives. These projects focus on the application of laser technology to endow surfaces with specific functional properties, unlocking a wide array of possibilities across various industrial fields.

One of the highlights was the presentation of a laser-textured surface developed under the Infunda project, supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. This surface demonstrates easy-to-clean properties, making it an especially promising solution for sectors where hygiene and contamination resistance are critical, such as agriculture and healthcare. The Infunda project also confirmed the industrial viability of using ultra-short pulse lasers for texturing, a cutting-edge technology that could revolutionize the large-scale production of polymer containers in the food and automotive industries.

Julen Molinuevo, a researcher at Tekniker, emphasized the innovative potential of this technology in transferring functional textures onto three-dimensional parts with complex geometries. This capability significantly broadens the scope of laser texturing applications, allowing the customization of texture types and dimensions to suit specific requirements. Examples include surfaces engineered with anti-icing or antibacterial properties—essential for improving safety and performance in demanding environments.

Tekniker’s developments in laser texturing represent a major leap in advancing industrial processes. By delivering solutions that go beyond mere surface aesthetics, this technology exemplifies how research and innovation in robotics and advanced materials are laying the foundation for a smarter, more efficient, and future-ready era of industrial manufacturing.