By Andrew Dunn
Lasers have been used for many years to transform surface properties, including both texture and hardness, for a wide range of applications. For example, the ability to create tailored texture and hardness properties means that the frictional properties of a surface can be modified. Together with colleagues at Heriot-Watt, SPI Lasers and MAN Diesel and Turbo, I have a particular interest in the creation of surfaces with a high coefficient of static friction. This is in contrast to the approach of many other researchers, which is to use lasers to reduce friction e.g., by creating indentations in the material surface which can then therefore act as micro-hydrodynamic bearings, lubricant reservoirs or as traps for wear debris, depending on the lubrication regime. Continue reading