Selective Surface Activation Induced Laser System
The Femto Laser System for Selective Surface Activation Induced by Laser (SSAIL) represents a major breakthrough in precision surface functionalisation and selective metallisation of non-metallic...
Selective Surface Activation Induced Laser System
Femto Laser System for Selective Surface Activation Induced by Laser (SSAIL) in Plastics
The Femto Laser System for Selective Surface Activation Induced by Laser (SSAIL) represents a major breakthrough in precision surface functionalisation and selective metallisation of non-metallic materials. Engineered for next-generation manufacturing, this ultrafast laser platform enables maskless, chemical-free activation of polymers, ceramics, and composite substrates with extremely high spatial control.
By using femtosecond laser pulses, SSAIL creates controlled micro- and nano-scale surface modifications that selectively trigger electroless metallisation only in the activated regions. This process delivers excellent adhesion, fine feature resolution, and high repeatability while completely avoiding traditional masks, photoresists, and aggressive chemical treatments. The result is a clean, digitally controlled process with minimal environmental impact.
SSAIL is ideally suited for industries seeking lightweight, integrated, and sustainable alternatives to conventional PCB manufacturing, wiring methods, and Laser Direct Structuring (LDS). Applications span electronics, automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and smart components where compact design and functional integration are critical. United Spectrum Instruments, the official distributor of Akoneer systems in India, provides application expertise, system integration support, and dependable after-sales service to help manufacturers adopt SSAIL technology with confidence.
Understanding Femto Laser System for Selective Surface Activation Induced by Laser (SSAIL)
A Femto Laser System for SSAIL operates by delivering ultrashort laser pulses to locally modify surface chemistry and topography without thermal damage. These laser-induced activation sites act as catalytic regions during subsequent electroless metal plating, enabling selective metallisation without additives, masks, or wet chemical etching. The process supports complex 2D and 3D geometries and works with standard engineering plastics such as ABS, PC, PEEK, and polyimide. Integrated CNC motion, high-speed scanning, and automation-ready software make SSAIL a scalable and industry-ready solution for advanced additive electronics and smart surface manufacturing.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Working Area (Option 1) | 300 × 300 × 200 mm |
| Working Area (Option 2) | 600 × 400 × 200 mm |
| Wavelength (IR) | 1030 nm |
| Wavelength (Green) | 515 nm |
| Wavelength (UV) | 343 nm |
| Wavelength Configuration | One wavelength, combination of two, or all three |
| Laser Power | Up to 80 W @ 1030 nm |
| Accuracy | < 1 µm |
Key Features and Advantages
Ultrafast Femtosecond Laser Processing
Femtosecond pulses enable precise surface activation at the micro- and nano-scale with negligible heat-affected zones, preserving substrate integrity.
Maskless and Chemical-Free Metallisation
SSAIL eliminates the need for pre-coated materials, chemical etchants, or laser-sensitive additives, simplifying workflows and reducing environmental impact.
True Selective Surface Activation
Only laser-treated areas are metallised, allowing fine conductive traces and complex patterns on flat or curved surfaces.
Wide Material Compatibility
Compatible with mainstream engineering plastics, polymer films, ceramics, and composite materials without special formulations.
High-Resolution Surface Modification
Enables conductive trace widths below 30 microns, supporting dense circuit routing and miniaturised electronic designs.
Excellent Metal Adhesion
Laser-induced micro/nano-texturing enhances metallisation adhesion strength, ensuring durability under vibration and mechanical stress.
Automation-Ready Architecture
Designed for seamless integration with robotic handling, vision systems, and inline plating processes.
Green and Sustainable Manufacturing
A dry, clean process with no hazardous chemicals, consumables, or waste streams—ideal for Industry 4.0 and cleanroom environments.
Applications Across Industries
3D-MID and Additive Electronics
Direct writing of conductive paths on injection-moulded plastic parts for antennas, sensors, and embedded circuitry.
Automotive and E-Mobility
Lightweight integration of circuitry into dashboards, steering components, lighting modules, and sensor housings with reduced wiring complexity.
Consumer Electronics and Wearables
Creation of antennas, electrodes, and interconnects on curved or flexible enclosures for compact, high-performance devices.
Medical Devices and Microfluidics
Selective metallisation on biocompatible polymers for biosensors, lab-on-chip systems, and diagnostic cartridges without contamination.
Smart Packaging and Human-Machine Interfaces
Integration of NFC antennas, touch sensors, and transparent conductive features on packaging and interface surfaces.
Aerospace and Defence Electronics
Embedded conductive paths on high-performance polymers and composite structures for lightweight, ruggedised electronics.
Research and Advanced Manufacturing
Ideal for R&D in additive electronics, functional surfaces, and next-generation manufacturing processes.
Why Choose United Spectrum Instruments?
United Spectrum Instruments, the official distributor of Akoneer systems in India, brings advanced femtosecond laser SSAIL solutions with deep application expertise and end-to-end support. We go beyond equipment supply with process consultation, sample testing, integration, and automation assistance. Our ultrafast laser know-how ensures reliable implementation and scalable production for sustainable surface activation.
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Official distributor in India for Akoneer femtosecond laser SSAIL systems
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Strong expertise in ultrafast laser–material interactions and process optimisation
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End-to-end support including consultation, testing, integration, and automation
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Reliable local service enabling scalable, future-ready manufacturing solutions
FAQs
What is the ideal laser technology for SSAIL?
Femtosecond laser systems are ideal due to their minimal thermal impact and precise surface chemistry modification.
Which materials can be processed using SSAIL?
Standard engineering plastics, polymer films, ceramics, and composite materials can be activated without additives.
How does SSAIL differ from LDS technology?
SSAIL does not require special plastics or chemical additives and offers higher resolution with lower environmental impact.
Can complex 3D parts be processed?
Yes, SSAIL supports flat, curved, and complex 3D geometries using high-speed scanning and multi-axis motion.
Is SSAIL suitable for industrial-scale production?
Absolutely. The process is automation-ready and scalable for high-throughput manufacturing environments.
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FAQs
What is the ideal laser technology for SSAIL?
Femtosecond laser systems are ideal due to their minimal thermal impact and precise surface chemistry modification.
Which materials can be processed using SSAIL?
Standard engineering plastics, polymer films, ceramics, and composite materials can be activated without additives.
How does SSAIL differ from LDS technology?
SSAIL does not require special plastics or chemical additives and offers higher resolution with lower environmental impact.
Can complex 3D parts be processed?
Yes, SSAIL supports flat, curved, and complex 3D geometries using high-speed scanning and multi-axis motion.
Is SSAIL suitable for industrial-scale production?
Absolutely. The process is automation-ready and scalable for high-throughput manufacturing environments.







