In the project "Injection molded components with functional surfaces", the partners want to optimize injection molds by means of surface functionalization and then transfer their function to large quantities of injection molded parts cheaply and quickly. Such an approach would also make it possible to circumvent the problem of chemical material changes in the direct laser processing of plastics.

In the project, TPK-Kunststofftechnik GmbH will be responsible for the injection molding process, including mold construction, and will contribute application cases from its customer base. LZH will develop the application-specific laser surface structuring of mold components. The investigation of the properties and applicability of the functionalized injection molded components will be carried out by both partners together with end users from TPK's customer base.

Applications for the method are in the areas of anti-counterfeiting, tribology, haptics, liquid wettability and cell adhesion, as well as wherever enlarged surfaces are advantageous. The method should also have great potential for applications in the medical and laboratory technology sectors.

The project "Injection molded components with functional surfaces" is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.