Climate Neutral and Digitized Laser Based Surface Functionalization of Parts with Complex Geometry (CLASCO)

The European research project CLASCO - Climate Neutral and Digitized Laser Based Surface Functionalization of Parts with Complex Geometry, aims to revolutionize manufacturing with a climate-neutral and digitized laser-based surface functionalization for complex parts.

CLASCO is funded by the European Union within the framework of Horizon Europe with a total funding of about 4.8 million euros. The project is coordinated by the TU Dresden and brings together 13 partners from 6 countries and combines three laser technologies to create advanced product parts.

CLASCO has six main objectives, including the development of optimized designs, laser-based treatments for advanced surface functionalization, in-line monitoring processes, data acquisition and control feedback loops using machine learning and AI, product demonstrators with high-performance requirements, and validation of resource and energy savings.

By the combination of additive manufacturing, laser polishing, and direct laser interference patterning the project offers an innovative and versatile solution for the production of high-quality and precise products. Additive manufacturing allows for the creation of complex and intricate designs, while laser polishing provides a smooth and reflective surface finish. Finally, direct laser interference patterning offers precise and controllable micro-patterning for improved surface properties. These techniques can be utilized in a variety of industries, including optics, biomedical, and aerospace, to produce high-quality and functional products. The combination of these techniques provides a multi-functional solution that offers both design flexibility and surface refinement, making it a valuable tool for manufacturers.

The project partners will demonstrate the potential of the developed technologies using different case studies. With a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3-4, the project is expected to reach TRL 6 by the end of its 3.5-year duration, showcasing the feasibility and readiness of the developed technologies for commercialization and implementation in the industry.

As a project partner Steinbeis Europa Zentrum develops together with all partners a strategy for the exploitation of the commercial and non-commercial products and services, through the creation of suitable business models as well as the analysis of the customer pipelines of the individual technological and non-technological components.

Further information:

• Funding: European Commission, Horizon Europe
• Funding budget for all partners: 4,8 Mio Euro
• Project duration: 01/2023- 6/2026
• Participating Countries: Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, UK