The AgieCharmilles LASER S 1000 U was chosen for the surface finishing operation. The machine’s accuracy and optical focus point shifter (high-speed 3D scanning system) allowed it to follow the true surface of the part with the Laser focus, reducing overall machining time and eliminating the risk of quality deviations.
Challenges to the Laser texturing process ranged from extreme machining conditions to the complexity of geometrical surface textures—such as honeycomb—specified by the design, as well as Lanari’s incorporation of a 30-degree undercut and a workpiece interior with a sandblasted appearance. The machine’s all-in-one dedicated GF Laser workstation software—the most powerful on the market—made it possible to achieve these critical features. The digital solution allows in-depth job preparation control, so industrial designers can ensure flawless reproduction of their concepts, all the way through to UV mapping for applying textures and 3D simulation to achieve perfect reproduction with no surprises.
In total, Lanari’s design incorporated three different textures, ranging from complex honeycomb geometry, as well as both organic and geometrical patterns and a sandblasted interior surface achieved with Laser blasting.
Geometrical patterns—which convey a modern, cutting edge image—are increasingly requested in the product design industry. However, geometrical grains mean complexity in execution with standard technology: a single deviation in the mapping process will be naturally seen by the end customer. That dilemma is solved by GF Machining Solutions’ Laser technology, which masters such complexity and makes way for computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) levels in the manufacturing world. These game-changing characteristics account for the LASER S series’ extreme performances in term of quality of execution.
Matt product surfaces, which bring another dimension of touch and feel to future products, are another feature on product designers’ wish lists. In the past, matt surfaces required techniques such as sandblasting or chemical etching—two manual methods posing a high risk of errors—or die-sinking Electrical Discharge Machining, a difficult process for large 3D areas. The LASER S series defeats all of these challenges and delivers perfect blasting operations in terms of grain position as well as homogeneity—even on the most complex 3D parts.
Executing fine patterns were another challenge that Lanari wanted to conquer with Laser technology. The reason? Perfectly precise application of such fine textures to complex shapes is yet another product design challenge that traditional and manual methods leave unresolved. The LASER S series performed well in executing perfect brush pattern designs with irreproachable reproducibility of the grain position.
“It is interesting to know that there are solutions out there that allow us to push the limits. As designers, we need technology in order to innovate, and the finishing of a product is an extremely important part of a design. The finishing is what conveys quality,” Lanari explained. “Laser texturing adds value and gives us more tools to apply graphic designs in three dimensions. Knowing that we can now apply any kind of pattern to any kind of shape definitely opens a lot of doors for creativity.”
With the new LASER S series, GF Machining Solutions enables more design possibilities at a controlled cost per part. Brands—and the product designers who serve them—now have access to the right technology to meet current and future demands.
This complex textured integrated into this highly stylized aluminum bird, designed by Stojan+Voumard’s Guido Lanari, prove the AgieCharmilles LASER S texturing solution’s position as a high-value asset to industrial designers.
The LASER S 1000 U’s accuracy and high-speed 3D scanning system made it possible to follow the true surface of the part with the Laser focus. The results were reduced overall machining time with no risk of quality deviations.
