Technology
What we offer?
Bilasurf offers new methods for surface functionalisation of complex 3D parts using a laser-based high-rate process. The manufacturing path to develop those methods includes innovation in the following areas: design and simulation of bio-inspired functional surfaces, precision laser tooling, manufacturing integration, inline monitoring and new manufacturing guidance.
These methods serve to create nano- and micro-structured surfaces based on designs inspired by nature, mimicking shark skin (so-called riblet surfaces) and reducing the frictional resistance of flat surfaces. This effect is notably higher for 3D streamlines bodies (e.g. airfoils), as it also positively affects flow separation.
By varying the size and shape of the riblets, different effects can be achieved on the textured surface. As the friction often accounts for an important part of energy consumption, a technology to allow these riblet designs to extend to additional applications and sectors is a key to aim for a more energy-efficient industry.
Know-how
Design
design procedure for the surface geometry
Laser
laser technology able to process large, complex shaped 3D parts.
Inline monitoring
monitoring system for acoustic emission and vision-based geometrical inspection.
Integrated system
3-modules machine for: handling large and complex 3D parts, inline monitoring, and laser and optics .
Guide
guidelines for the manufacturing of rotating 3d parts which are not covered by the existing standard
Team expertise
Ultrashort pulsed laser process development to produce micro/nanostructures
laser systems for microstructures production, tailored monitoring solutions, environmental assessment
machine tools and forming technology
laser modules manufacturing for a wide range of industrial applications
biomimetic tailored designing of functional surfaces
hydropower turbines testing and validation
industrial parts design and engineering
industrial parts design and engineering
laser processes integration
innovation brokerage
Benefits
In order to avoid the actual setbacks, BILASURF proposes a new functionalising process for complex 3D shaped parts which suppose a benefit regarding the traditional processes carried on.
Traditional processes
Generation of unwanted by-products: Due to their very nature, these processes thereby leave a significant environmental footprint.
Chemical reactions: the creation of functional surfaces has traditionally relied on processes with a lot of chemicals.
Complete coating of the native surfaces (e.g. aerofoils).
Complex design and application of riblets on highly rotating parts (fan wheels or hydro turbines): the commonly used adhesive foils including the riblet coating cannot meet this requirement.
New functionalising process
- Reduction of environmental footprint: it is a clean process with no waste generation
- Production of tailor-made riblets with a continuously variating cross-section.
- New guidelines to complement the manufacturing standards of target sectors.
- Versatility: enables it to tackle the generation of a wide variety of nano- and microstructures on a wide range of parts of different sizes and shapes because the dimensions of the riblets should ideally change continuously on the surface of these objects
GUIDELINES
Training material
Success factors for industrial application of Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures
By CEIT
Surface Functionalization using Direct Laser Interference Pattering
By Fusion Bionic
Acoustic and Vision MonitoringTraining
By AIMEN
Other materials
Module for manipulation of complex shaped parts
DELIVERABLE 3.1
Preliminary study on the uptake of functionalisation technology
DELIVERABLE 1.3
Scientific contributions
The following publications and scientific contributions were produced or presented during the project, contributing to the dissemination of BILASURF results within the scientific and technical community:
-Omeñaca, L., Olaizola, S. M., Rodríguez, A., Gomez-Aranzadi, M., Ayerdi, I., & Castaño, E. (2026). Optimization of ultrafast laser ablation of stainless steel in burst mode based on experimentally validated simulations and analytical modelling. Scientific Reports, 16. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-37443-9
-Peña, R., Rodriguez-Ortiz, L. A., Bernárdez Casás, C., Ares-Blanco, F., Otero, N., & Cunha, A. (2025)..Environmental impact assessment of the laser micro-cladding manufacturing process for the energy sector. Presented at the 12th International Conference on Life Cycle Management
-Gitzel, D., Gärtner, E., Garcia de Albeniz, M. L., Edelmann, J., & Leitl, P. (2025). Quality improvement of laser-microstructured riblet geometries in forming tools for enhanced efficiency of injection-moulded fan impellers. Presented at the 25th International Conference & Exhibition of euspen: https://www.euspen.eu/knowledge-base/ICE25224.pdf
-Omeñaca, L., Olaizola, S. M., Rodríguez, A., Gomez-Aranzadi, M., Ayerdi, I., & Castaño, E. (2025). Experimental study and numerical modelling on multi-pulse laser ablation of aluminium with femtosecond laser. Optics & Laser Technology, 184. DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2025.112481
-Fantova, J., Rodríguez, A., Omeñaca, L., Beldarrain, O., Mandayo, G. G., Olaizola, S. M., Lens, J., & Gomez-Aranzadi, M. (2024). Single-step fabrication of highly tunable blazed gratings using triangular-shaped femtosecond laser pulses. Micromachines, 15. DOI: 10.3390/mi15060711
-Omeñaca, L., Olaizola, S. M., Rodriguez, A., Gomez-Aranzadi, M., Ayerdi, I., & Castaño, E. (2024). Experimental findings and 2-dimensional two-temperature model in the multi-pulse ultrafast laser ablation on stainless steel considering the incubation factor. Optics & Laser Technology. DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2024.111507
-Alleaume, C., Camaño Lagoa, I., Prieto Río, C., Vidal Álvarez, S., & Cuartero Del Pozo, J. (2024). Acoustic trilateration monitoring for laser surface processing. Contribution presented at The 25th International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication.
-Gómez-Aranzadi, M., Omeñaca, L., Castaño, E., Ayerdi, I., Rodríguez, A., & Olaizola, S. M. (2024). Generation of bio-based riblets to reduce drag in industrial parts using Direct Laser Writing techniques | Investigation of femtosecond laser induced multi-pulse ablation of aluminium surfaces. Contributions presented at The 25th International Symposium on Laser Precision Microfabrication.
-Omeñaca, L., Gomez-Aranzadi, M., Ayerdi, I., & Castaño, E. (2023). Numerical simulation and experimental validation of ultrafast laser ablation on aluminum. Optics & Laser Technology, 170. DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2023.110283
