Acquisition Surfunction Takes over Surcoatec

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Surfunction has announced the acquisition of Surcoatec. A new European innovation leader for intelligent surface solutions is emerging.

Surfunction GmbH, a provider in the field of laser-based surface finishing inspired by nature, announces the successful completion of the acquisition of Surcoatec GmbH. For the first time, this unites DLIP (Direct Laser Interference Patterning)-based micro- and nanostructuring, physical and chemical high-performance coatings, and industrial series production into a seamless service portfolio.

Technological Platform with Industrial Maturity

Surfunction becomes an integrated technology provider for functional surface solutions—from prototype development and qualification to industrialized series implementation. This aims to set new standards for industries with the highest demands for precision, reliability, and functionality.

At the core of the combined technology portfolio is Surfunction's industrialized DLIP technology. The platform allows targeted micro- and nanostructuring of surfaces to control physical, chemical, or biological properties inspired by nature—such as friction reduction, germ reduction, or adhesion control.

With the modular platform Elipsys, Surfunction has already set standards for scalable, automated, and inline-capable surface processes. Recently, further breakthroughs were achieved through the integration of fiber laser technologies. By incorporating Surcoatec's expertise in vacuum-based thin-film technology, including PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) coatings, a new system generation is now emerging: DLIP-structured, functionalized surfaces with precisely tuned layer systems—reproducible, industrially viable, and scalable.

Industrial Site with Quality Assurance and Implementation Competence

With the acquisition of Surcoatec GmbH, Surfunction secures an industrial site for coating and surface refinement in Düren (Germany). From there, it is connected to institutions such as RWTH Aachen or other research facilities.

The Surcoatec infrastructure is fully geared toward series production and ISO 9001:2015 certified. This enables the reliable implementation of quality-critical requirements—for instance, in medical technology, the optical industry, or aerospace.

In addition, Surcoatec brings an attractive IP base to the technology sector, including patented processes for multifunctional coating systems, adaptive hard coatings, and integrative process chains. This specifically complements and expands Surfunction's existing broad intellectual property portfolio, particularly in the area of structure-driven functionalization.

Market Potentials and Applications with Added Value

The combined technology platform specifically targets markets with high innovation and regulatory pressure as well as key requirements for environmental friendliness. Initial joint projects with customers have already begun.

The application focuses include:

• Medical technology: Development of antibacterial, anti-adhesive, and color-coded instruments with the highest requirements for biocompatibility, hygiene, and documentation,

• Optics & sensors: Combination of coatings and anti-reflective microstructures for scratch-resistant, low-reflection, and IR-transparent lenses in high-end camera systems,

• Tool and mold making: Structured wear-optimized tool surfaces with thermal and tribological resistance and

• Mobility & mechanical engineering: Hybrid functional surfaces for energy-efficient, durable components in drive, pump, or sealing systems.

Sustainability and Resource Efficiency as a Guiding Principle

A special focus is placed on the development of sustainable technologies: The processes used enable process-integrated solutions and, according to the manufacturer, represent an environmentally beneficial alternative to traditional systems such as electroplating. In this way, Surfunction makes a substantial contribution to resource-efficient, environmentally friendly manufacturing.

Strategic Anchoring and Global Perspective

The connection of Surfunction's locations in Saarbrücken and Dresden (DLIP expertise, research, and technology development) as well as Düren (production and series coating) creates an efficient, geographically well-networked organization in the midst of significant industrial regions. The proximity to manufacturers, innovation clusters, and research institutions all over Germany, as well as in the Greater Region of Luxembourg/France, enables short distances and high collaboration density.

At the same time, the new corporate structure is explicitly geared toward international scaling—whether through technology partnerships, licensing models, or complete solutions.

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