Ceit coordinates the European project Bilasurf, whose goal is to develop and integrate a laser functionalization process for complex 3D surfaces in a more efficient and sustainable way.

The project, funded with €5.5 million, aims to reduce friction and improve the environmental footprint of the manufacturing of industrial parts while ensuring a high performing in operation of the same.

A prototype will be developed as an integrated system from which two demonstrators will be built and tested in parallel to measure their energy consumption and noise emissions.

San Sebastian, February 21, 2023. Surface functionalization is present in a wide range of sectors, improving the performance of multiple components and systems. However, its application in complex industrial parts involves several challenges related to its production, integration and impact on the environment.

The project BILASURF is born with the intention of responding to these challenges, for which a process for high speed laser functionalization of medium, large or complex shaped 3D parts will be developed and integrated. This will use custom designed bio-inspired riblets to reduce friction and improve the environmental footprint of industrial parts, ensuring a high performing with the financial aid online monitoring capabilities.

One prototype and two demonstrators.

The BILASURF consortium will develop a prototype in the form of an integrated system that will include the laser process and a handling system for the parts to be textured, as well as the new real-time monitoring system.

From that prototype, two final demonstrators will be built in parallel. The demonstrators selected for the initiative are hydroelectric power turbines and industrial fans, and will be functionalized with microstructures inspired by biological surfaces such as shark skin, which have demonstrated their ability to reduce friction.

Financed with 5.5 million euros

BILASURF, coordinated by the Technology Center Ceit, is part of the European HORIZON EUROPE Program, funded with 5.5 million euros. In the project also participate the association of research Metalúrgica del Noroeste, the Fraunhofer Technology Center, Fusion Bionic GMBH, Bionic Surface Technologies GMBH, Supergrid Institute, Global Hydro Energy GMBH, Ziehl-Abegg SE, Workshop ofPhotonics and Southern European Cluster in Photonics and Optics.

By the end of the project in 2025, the aim is to have reduced the energy consumption of industrial components, increased their performance - in the case of turbines and similar elements - and minimized waste, as this is a clean manufacturing process.

About Ceit

Ceit is a non-profit technology center, created in 1982 on the initiative of the University of Navarra. It uses its high specialization in manufacturing, mobility, digitalization and Economics circular for the development of industrial projects of research applied, in close partnership with the companies.

In addition, it promotes excellence in applied research through scientific production, participation in scientific and technical knowledge dissemination forums, as well as the doctoral training in the framework of industrial research projects. It is a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA).