IREIS

IREIS - Surface Engineering Research Institute - is the R&D subsidiary of the HEF Group, industrial leader in surface engineering and treatment (3,200 people / €330 million / more than 20 countries). IREIS studies and improves the surface properties of materials from laboratory research to the development of solutions on an industrial scale. The expertise of IREIS R&D engineers and researchers covers the following areas:

1) Materials deposited by PVD/PECVD in thin films and plasma sources
2) Tribology: science, experimental simulation and problem solving
3) Functional powders: technical powder painting and powder functionalization
4) Micro and nano laser texturing:
A. Surface functionalization (wettability, tribology, anti-icing, waterproofing, adhesion, anti-reflection, etc.)
B. Cutting
C. Removal of thin layers
D. Engraving
E. Micro & Nano texturing
F. Surface chemistry

IREIS has a femtosecond laser research platform. This platform is dedicated to prototyping and research activities or to small series of components. As a result, IREIS is an incubator capable of supporting projects through to industrialization within other companies in the HEF group.

Alongside public research establishments and industrialists in the St-Etienne-Lyon region, IREIS is a partner of the GIE MANUTECH USD platform, located in Saint-Étienne, which includes 10 femtosecond laser platforms, a characterization platform of multi-scale surface and an advanced structural characterization platform (MEB/FIB).

IREIS' research activities are in the areas of mobility, hydrogen, energy efficiency, advanced manufacturing processes and the development of new surface functionalities. IREIS is regularly involved in European and French collaborative projects.