Laser engraved steel insert
dimensional analysis
With Sensofar S wide we were able to measure all
the geometry in a single take and could verify thateverything was within the required parameters.
Laser technology is perfectly suited for manufacturing micro-cavities in molds,
microfluidic channels, or even micro-milling for tempered steel or hard metal
tools. We use nanosecond and femtosecond lasers to achieve excellent surface
quality. For this reason, laser technology is used for functional texturing, wherethe nanostructures engraved add functionality. For example, we can create
structures that reduce friction or increase diffraction, trapping, or diffusion.
Other structures could be super hydrophobic or even antibacterial.
For functional texturing, ultra-short pulse duration lasers, like femtosecond
lasers, have two main advantages. Firstly, the micro-milling is burr-free, andso there is virtually no thermal effect on the part. The result is a clean, sharp
micro-milling with defined edges and high-quality surface finishing. Secondly,
because it is a “cold laser,” we can engrave over any material: sapphire, plastic,glass, ceramic, aluminum, steel, etc.

CASE STUDY LASER ENGRAVED STEEL INSERT DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

Established in 1983, Microrelleus
SL is a company specializing
in functional and design laser
texturing services, laser micro
milling and industrial engraving formolds, tools and pieces. In 2016,
Microrelleus were the first to use afemtosecond laser machine in fiveaxes to meet their customers’ needs.
They also use nanosecond lasers
for machining in five axes, millingmachines and die-sinking EDM.
The study was carried out in
Microrelleus Laser Department by
Quim Jané, Nil Ruiz and Raül López.

1

In other words, using femtosecond lasers, we can engrave directly overparts made from materials such as plastic and transparent glass with totalhomogeneity.

■ Measurements
Study of a diffusing texture
The sample we want to study
is a steel insert engraved usinga Femtosecond laser (Figure 1).
The part consists of two different
geometries: The first is made byflat surfaces intersecting. The othergeometry is a wavy surface withsmall details. Both geometries have a
diffusing texture on their surface.

Figure 1.
2D view of the topographyof the whole insert with true
color information.

Both structures are made to create a specific effect when the light goes
through the injected plastic part, and with the diffusing design, we want tocreate a homogeneous light distribution. This part aims to inject PMMA andthen do a photometric study. With the results Sensofar gives us, we can know
the parameters to adjust the optical simulator with precision.
We measured with the S wide system to characterize this part. It uses Fringe
Projection technology, which measures a surface by detecting the change ofpattern on the structured light projected. This technology allows measuring
large areas with sub-micron repeatability. Thanks to the Fringe Projection
system and automatic stitching, we measured everything, at the highest
quality possible, in just a few minutes (Figure 2).

Figure 2. 3D view of the topography of the whole insert, which has 123 x 128 mm2 and wasperformed in 2 minutes.
CASE STUDY LASER ENGRAVED STEEL INSERT DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS2Knowing the engraving results (shape, angles, surface quality) is essential toensure everything is within the optical requirements. With Sensofar S wide, wecan measure all the geometry in a single take, verifying that everything waswithin the required parameters (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Close-up view of the insert and critical dimensions taken from the profile view.

CASE STUDY LASER ENGRAVED STEEL INSERT DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

3■ Conclusions
Sensofar’s Fringe Projection technology is effective in analyzing functional
texturing on the micro-scale. As a result, we can obtain fast and non-destructivemeasurements to ensure that functional texturing will work adequately.
Thanks to the S wide, we can offer excellent quality control adding, withSensoVIEW, all the details about the geometry summarized in a report. TheS wide also beats some typical limitations of fringe projection systems since
we can measure polished surfaces.

CASE STUDY LASER ENGRAVED STEEL INSERT DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

4

SENSOFAR is a leading-edge technology
company that has the highest quality standards
within the field of surface metrology
Sensofar Metrology provides high-accuracy optical profilers
based on confocal, interferometry, focus variation and fringe
projection techniques, from standard setups for R&D andquality inspection laboratories to complete non-contact
metrology solutions for in-line production processes. TheSensofar Group has its headquarters in Barcelona, also known
as a technology and innovation hub in Europe. The Group isrepresented in over 30 countries through a global networkof partners and has its own offices in Asia, Germany and theUnited States.
HEADQUARTERS

SENSOFAR METROLOGY | BARCELONA - Spain | T. +34 93 700 14 92 | info@sensofar.com
SALES OFFICESSENSOFAR ASIA | SHANGHAI - China | T. +86 21 61400058 | info.asia@sensofar.com
SENSOFAR DACH | LANGEN - Germany | T. +49 151 14304168 | info.germany@sensofar.com
SENSOFAR USA | CONNECTICUT - United States | T. +1 617 678 4185 | info.usa@sensofar.com

sensofar.com

SENSOFAR is a trademark of SENSOFAR-TECH, SL. All other brand, product and logo are marks of their respective owners.
Copyright © 2023 SENSOFAR. All rights reserved. The information in this publication is based on SENSOFAR’s internal research and knowledge at the time of printing and is subject to change without notice. Appearance of products may vary.

CS26-05A-EN-Microrelleus| TAIPEI - Taiwan | T. +886 988106002 | info.asia@sensofar.com