Large area rolling of functional metallic micro structures

The reliable fabrication of functional surface structures has become an important factor in modern production processes. With regard to the field of large area micro patterning, particular applications demand for economical manufacturing processes to gain advantageous surfaces. The process-integrated rolling of these structures is a promising approach if suitable roll geometries can be manufactured. This paper focuses on the large area rolling of so called riblet structures. Both experimental test series and related numerical forming simulations are taken into account. Furthermore, demands and potentials from the roll manufacturing point of view are highlighted. Above all, the feasibility of a new winding concept for the continuous patterning of rolls with small negative riblet structures is pointed out. By this means, challenging requirements in connection with riblet rolls—the realization of finest structures with sharp ground radii—can be matched.