SurFunction: Cooperation for the surface modification of connectors
SurFunction expands its cooperation with TE Connectivity and strengthens its technology base in the field of connector finishing. SurFunction receives the license to significantly reduce friction and generate lower mating forces by embedding auxiliary materials in DLIP surface systems.
The Saarbrücken-based surface specialist SurFunction is expanding its overall expertise and technology platform to include the embedding of auxiliary materials in DLIP surfaces for connectors. In the field of connector production, the pioneering technology was developed as part of a long-standing collaboration between TE Connectivity and the Material Engineering Center Saar (MECS). The technology, which was awarded the Löhn Transfer Prize in 2019, represents a significant advance in the industrial surface modification of connectors and serves to significantly improve tribological properties. In combination with SurFunction's expertise, this enables a key issue in the industry to be solved industrially: The significant reduction of mating forces in the double-digit percentage range. By integrating this technology into SurFunction GmbH's existing portfolio, it is now possible to significantly improve the efficiency and performance of connectors. In combination with the new Elipsys platform, SurFunction can complete its portfolio and performance promise in the application area of connectors, achieve new performance levels and underline its technology leadership. This functionalization of connectors will also be immediately available in a modular integrated DLIP series system.
The technology used by SurFunction is based on the Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) process, which uses the physical principle of interference of laser light to create functional microstructures on surfaces. The targeted embedding of auxiliary materials in the surface of the connectors also results in permanent tribological optimization over many cycles, which ensures that low insertion and withdrawal forces can be guaranteed in the long term while at the same time providing maximum safety. "This licensing agreement with TE Connectivity and expansion of our cooperation is another milestone in our mission to develop revolutionary surface solutions and bring them into industrial applications," explains Dr. Dominik Britz, CEO of SurFunction GmbH. "The award-winning technology enables us to offer the entire spectrum of connector manufacturing with strong partners and to supply customers with everything from a single source." The newly acquired license will soon also be available in SurFunction's modular integrated series system with DLIP technology, which was developed together with industry specialist Noxon. This means that customers can also benefit from the already familiar advantages of the "E 960 C1", such as the impressive belt speed of several meters per minute, for this expansion of functionalities through the embedding of auxiliary materials in connector production. In addition, the system offers flexibility through customizable peripheral options, including in-line monitoring. "Our system relies not only on years of experience in optics and system design, but also on Noxon Automation's decades of expertise in special machine construction, particularly in the field of winding and unwinding technology," adds Dr. Dominik Britz.