journal article·2026-01Open access

Scalable Robotic Laser Texturing of Tilted Microanchors for Direction‐Independent Metal–Polymer Joining

Jun‐Chan Choi, Chanwoo Lee, Hyun Deok Kim, Hak‐Rin Kim

Advanced Engineering Materials· Volume 28· Issue 1

Abstract

As the mobility sector advances toward battery‐powered transportation, the demand for lightweight structural components with high mechanical integrity continues to grow. Metal–polymer hybrid structures offer a promising solution; however, direct joining between dissimilar materials often results in weak interfacial anchoring, necessitating additional fasteners or adhesives. This study presents a robot‐assisted laser texturing technique for fabricating high‐aspect‐ratio, surface‐tilted, recast‐based microstructures that enhance the strength of metal–polymer joints. A six‐axis robotic system enables precise control of the laser incidence angle, interline pitch, and scanning path, promoting recast layer overlap while minimizing thermal distortion through an anomalous scanning strategy. The method supports scalable fabrication of various microstructural patterns, including groove, circular, and wobble geometries. Tensile tests demonstrate strength improvements of up to 13.41× for groove structures and 14.11× for wobble structures, the latter providing direction‐independent interlocking. These results highlight the potential of this approach for robust, adhesive‐free integration of metal–polymer hybrids in lightweight mobility applications.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Cellular and Composite Structures · Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Mechanical Behavior of Composites

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering Kyungpook National University Daegu 41566 Republic of Korea

School of Electrical Engineering Korea University Seoul 02841 Republic of Korea

School of Electronics Engineering Kyungpook National University Daegu 41566 Republic of Korea

Funding

National Research Foundation

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