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Laser Texturing

What is Laser Texturing?

Laser Texturing is a fully digital solution that allows creating unlimited effects on the surface of almost any kind of part and material. It is a technology of choice for graining, etching, blasting, structuring, thin film ablation, as well as decoration and coloring, marking and engraving.

What are the steps of Laser Texturing?

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1. Import 3D Model

2. Import greyscale image

3. Apply texture on 3D surface

4. Process surface with Laser

Why come to GF Machining Solutions for Laser Texturing?

With a strong expertise in software development and photonics, GF Machining Solutions continuously develops high-performance Laser systems inspired by 70 years of experience in state-of-the-art precision machining centers.

In 2008 GF acquired AF Laser, specialized in Laser 3D texturing and since then has constantly innovated in this technology. As of today, GF Machining Solutions is the worldwide leader in Laser Texturing.

Thanks to a global presence and unique know-how, GF Laser application engineers and the GF Academy are here to support you and help you realize the full potential of your application with a GF Laser machine.

Laser graining

An environmentally friendly alternative to chemical etching, this technique produces surfaces with exceptional aesthetic and functional characteristics. Automotive applications include texturing molds for interiors, lights and tires. Laser graining plays a pivotal role for cosmetics packaging where aesthetics are a key differentiator. Its versatility reaches many industries such as consumer electronics, home appliances, sports equipment, footwear and fashion.

Laser blasting

A clean digital substitute for traditional sandblasting, Laser blasting enables the application of countless laser impacts to intricate 3D shapes, with meticulous control over their density and precise placement. Its primary application revolves around the mastering of the surface roughness and appearance. Elevating this technology to new heights, the patented innovation FlexiBlast™ introduces an additional dimension to the realm of blasting possibilities.

Functional surfaces

Used for creating microstructures or patterns on a material's surface for functional purposes, functional surface structuring finds diverse applications, such as surface preparation for aerospace industry bonding, creating light trapping with deep black surfaces, or facilitating osseointegration in medical implant procedures. Create anti-flare surface structures with precise and repeatable patterns for camera modules, improving smartphone performance and reliability of automotive driver-assistance systems.

Surface decoration

Mechanical decorations are a centerpiece of watchmaking tradition. Thanks to our software, it is now even easier to create, combine and customize any type fine decorations by using Laser. Choose between traditional patterns or explore the freedom of design that Laser can provide.

Coloring

Leverage Laser technology to infuse metals such as titanium and stainless steel with stunning colors via precision surface oxidation. Attain vibrant hues of blue, green, or bronze directly on the material, all in one seamless process, eliminating the need for additional painting or coating.

Marking

Laser marking consists in engraving of serial numbers, codes and logos on surfaces at a shallow depth. By tuning the Laser parameters, you can obtain a specific quality and appearance. Laser marking is present across most manufacturing segments. A well-known application is for example black marking for medical devices.

Main competitive advantages

Any shape, any size

We offer a full range of 3-axis and 5-axis machine architectures to serve any type of application, from intricate small parts to the biggest molds in the market.

High-speed 3D scanner

Improve your machining productivity on 3D surfaces thanks to the optical Z-shifter. Faster scanning and full efficiency of an optical axis up to 5,500 mm/s.

Dual femto-nano laser source

Combine the strengths of both nanosecond and femtosecond laser sources in a single job. Obtain thin coating removal and achieve unique levels of quality and productivity.

LaserSUITE360

A comprehensive CAD/CAM software that encompasses all Laser texturing and micromachining applications. Get unlimited freedom of design with an integrated computing approach.

Overview of the series

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LASER S series

Innovative texturing, accelerated productivity

LASER S 500 (U)

The ultimate Laser ablation tool

LASER P series

Break through to the world of micro-profiles

LASER P 400

Design for extreme accuracy and uncompromising quality

Our range of Laser machines for Texturing

Table load (kg)

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LASER S series
Machines
XYZ (mm)
A/B or B/C travel
Laser sources
Machines XYZ (mm)
A/B or B/C travel
Laser sources
LASER S 500 550 x 400 x 500
-
Femto / Nano / Femto + Nano
LASER S 500 (U) 550 x 400 x 500
B/C: -110/+110°; 0/720°
Femto / Nano / Femto + Nano
LASER S 1000 U 1000 x 550 x 880
180°/720°
Femto / Nano / Femto + Nano
LASER S 1200 U 1200 x 900 x 970
180°/720°
Femto / Nano / Femto + Nano
LASER S 2500 U 2500 x 2000 x 1200
200° (-50/+150), 370° (± 185)
Nano

LASER P series
Machines
XYZ (mm)
A/B or B/C travel
Laser sources
Machines XYZ (mm)
A/B or B/C travel
Laser sources
LASER P 400 600 x 400 x 300
-
Femto / Nano / Femto + Nano
LASER P 400 U 600 x 400 x 300
+115-105°/720°
Femto / Nano / Femto + Nano
LASER P 600 U 600 x 460 x 830
180° / 720°
Nano
LASER P 1000 U 1000 x 550 x 880
180° / 720°
Nano
LASER P 1200 U 1200 x 900 x 1200
180° / 720°
Nano
LASER P 1200 U Dedicated 1200 x 900 x 1200
180°/720°
Nano

Application possibilities

Tire mold texturing

Raise the brand visibility on your tire mold with unique aesthetic Laser texturing operations. From standard machines to systems dedicated for tire molds up to 1.2 m in diameter, choose a LASER P or a LASER S that best suits your productivity and quality needs. Our dedicated tire software module helps you combine Milling with Laser texturing to achieve the best results.

Medical implants

Achieve high-quality surface structuring and improve osseointegration performance with a clean, digital surface structuring process, precisely applied on any 3D surface.

Consumer electronics

Create fine textures and engrave sharp-curved lines on wearables, tablets and notebooks. Reduce your mold lead-time with our 3DCurves™ software solution.

PET blow molds

Combine Laser texturing seamlessly with high-speed milling. The mold is milled and polished with no manual intervention then textured by Laser. Establish a complete automated cell combining both technologies thanks to our Automation solutions.

Homogenous geometrical patterns

Thanks to our digital processes, ensure texture continuity between two parts and obtain a homogenous product with no deviation from your design in terms of quality. Answer any geometrical pattern demands, control the orientation and size of each detail to suit your needs, down to the finest details.

Full CNC texturing process

With a combination of high-speed Milling and Laser texturing, say goodbye to manual processes. Laser 3D texturing is a fully digital solution and is particularly well suited for shoe molds applications.

Watchmaking decorations

Combine the power and flexibility of femtosecond Laser with smart algorithms in our LaserCAM software. Create easily the most beautiful decorations, from traditional ("Côtes de Genève", "perlage", "soleillage") to innovative designs.

Bottle cap application global view

Packaging – Bottle cap

+ Material: stavax
+ Laser (type/power): GF Femto Flexipulse™ 40 W IR
+ Software: LaserDESIGN™
+ Measured stripes depth: 0.401 mm
+ Measured thread depth: 0.402 mm

Automotive

Laser Texturing involves finishing all kinds of molds for interior and exterior automotive parts, such as lighting components and tires. Reshape the future of automotive safety with the ability to structure molds for camera and sensor modules for the new generation of vehicles. Improve the recycling process of plastic by eliminating coating and painting processes.

Electronic components and ICT

Laser Texturing prepares injection molds for mobile devices and consumer electronics with specific textures, aesthetic and functional designs. Achieve completely functional textures for light diffraction, anti-scratch or anti-slip with 100% consistency. Replace labor-intensive manual etching procedures with Laser and implement unified setups for texturing, engraving and marking tasks.

Packaging

Laser Texturing enables finishing of mold cavities to create appealing and attractive designs on packaging. Create fine textures on 3D molds for cosmetics as well as blow molds for PET models. Improve sorting and recycling processes, and fight counterfeiting with digital watermarks embedded into textures. Obtain incredible effects such as velour touch and nature-inspired design.

Energy efficiency

With a reduction of 35% of the daily energy consumption compared to the previous generation, our new generation of Laser machines is ready for the future. This high improvement is possible thanks to the 3D scanner instead of a 2D scanner, which allows reducing total axis movements, more powerful Laser sources and SmartPatch and SmartScan software packages.

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