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Prometheus project investigates hydrophobic laser texturing

Wed, 16 January, 2019

TWI has joined the Horizon 2020 collaborative ‘PROMETHEUS’ project to develop a new method of laser surface texturing.

Using surface engineering principles, the project aims to add functionality to metal and polymer material surfaces through texturing. The texturing would reduce friction and make the materials super hydrophobic, which will provide solutions for a variety of project partners, including those from the automotive and consumer goods markets.

One proposed application is for the front bumper of vehicles, with the imparted hydrophobic properties making them easier to clean. Another possible application is for Johnson and Johnson, who hope that the project will provide a method for lowering wastage of their products since a textured non or low stick surface on the inside of their containers will allow more product to slide out. This application will also have evident benefits for the recycling of containers.

Elsewhere, there are uses for the hydrophobic performance to reduce the energy required for drying the heating element on dishwashers and lessening friction for engine cylinders and pistons.

The novel laser texturing method will use Ultra-Short Pulse (USP) lasers from Andritz Powerlase Ltd., Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) from Fraunhofer IWS, and a novel M2 transformation beam shaping method based on diffractive optics from Holo-Or.

These processes will be monitored and controlled via systems provided by VISUM,

The primary advantage of the use of texturing is to offer a more durable and sustainable solution, at a higher speed and lower cost, when compared with hydrophobic coatings. The speed target of 2-5 m²/min for a range of materials and geometries will enable laser surface texturing to become a viable technology for large scale and high volume industrial applications.

The collaborative project, which began in January 2019, is expected to be completed in 2021.

Prometheus consortium members
Prometheus consortium members

For more information please email:


contactus@twi.co.uk