Surface texture, an important aspect of product design within the automotive industry, was a key topic of discussion at the conference, and one that Chad Hase, laser project manager for GF Machining Solutions, addressed in great detail.
Auto Part Texturing
Manufacturers of vehicle interior components, such as dashboards, steering wheels and instrument panels, have traditionally relied on chemical etching to produce surface textures on these parts. However, advanced laser texturing technology, as discussed by Hase, is rapidly becoming the preferred method for surface texturing, as it is faster, quieter and more repeatable, flexible and environmentally friendly than chemical etching. Laser texturing technology uses pulsed, fiber-optic lasers of varying strengths and a variety of lenses with different focal lengths to sublimate material, or turn it directly from a solid to gas.
In fact, with laser texturing, automotive part manufacturers are able to produce 2D and 3D details from a high-quality digital image, allowing completely reproducible results for specific textures, engravings, marks or labels. This opens the door for greater legal protection of innovative designs. The lack of repeatable results with chemical etching renders the process unable to create textures that manufacturers could submit for patent protection. Laser texturing overcomes this hurdle, allowing manufacturers to create and protect surfaces that result in a unique appearance and feel in the final product.
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“As makers of vehicle interior components look to gain a competitive edge in today’s fast-changing automotive world, they rely on our laser surface texturing technology and expertise to help them accelerate their potential,” said Hase. “Our highly accurate laser texturing machines give them full control down to the tiniest of details across challenging geometries, freeing them to execute intricate part surface designs that capture consumers’ interests.”
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