Natural Structures as Technical Models
Surfaces play a central role in the properties and performance of materials. While volume forms the basis, the nature of the outer layer often determines friction, wettability, or resistance to external influences. Nature provides a multitude of models for this: lotus leaves with a self-cleaning structure, insect wings with iridescent color effects, or shark skin with flow-optimized patterns. What they all have in common are hierarchically structured micro- and nanostructures that have been evolutionarily optimized over millions of years.

DLIP Technology: Precise Structures on a Large Scale
Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) is a process that makes it possible to transfer such structures precisely and over large areas onto technical surfaces. In the short webinar “Biologische Prinzipien als Innovationsmotor: Laserbasierte Oberflächenstrukturierung nach dem Vorbild der Natur” Dr. Dominik Britz (SurFunction GmbH) presents the latest generation of DLIP technology: the ELIPSYS platform. It enables particularly efficient, reproducible, and scalable structuring, thereby opening up new avenues for functionalized materials.

Diverse Applications for Industry and Society
Using concrete application examples, the presentation will show how specific material properties can be adjusted through targeted surface patterns. These include friction reduction, improved wettability, and antibacterial effects—properties that are increasingly in demand in industries such as medical technology, mobility, and energy technology.

Contribution to the Circular Economy
Another focus is on the contribution to the circular economy. Functionalized surfaces can partially replace coatings and additives, reduce material usage, and extend the service life of products. In addition, the presentation will explain how DLIP can be combined with other manufacturing and structuring processes to create tailor-made solutions for industrial applications.

The one-hour online webinar is aimed at experts from science and industry who are interested in sustainable material strategies and innovative surface functionalization. Register for free and learn first-hand how biologically inspired laser structuring opens up new solutions for various industries.