TY - JOUR A1 - Straus, Izidor A1 - Kravanja, Gaia A1 - Kriegl, Raphael A1 - Shamonin (Chamonine), Mikhail A1 - Drevenšek-Olenik, Irena A1 - Jezeršek, Matija A1 - Kokot, Gašper T1 - Laser Micromachining for Polymer Surface Topography Designt JF - JoVE journal : engineering N2 - Soft magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) are smart materials that respond to external magnetic fields by dynamically altering their mechanical properties. They are composed of magnetically responsive microparticles embedded within a soft polymer matrix, exhibiting an effective shear modulus of up to 100 kPa. In recent decades, MAEs' bulk properties have been successfully exploited for applications such as dynamic vibration damping, vibration sensing, and actuation in soft robotics. Recent research has shifted to their surface properties, revealing promising results on tunable surface features such as roughness, adhesion, and wetting. Even the transport of small solid and fluid objects was demonstrated. The associated surface effects can be significantly enhanced through the precise engineering of surface topography. In this article, an efficient laser micromachining technique, with a resolution of 15 µm, is presented, which enables rapid prototyping of MAE surfaces. It allows the creation of various complex shapes and offers functionality beyond the one achievable with traditional molding techniques. Additionally, the approach is versatile and can be applied to any polymer that sufficiently absorbs the laser light. As an example, a lamellar surface micro-pattern fabrication process and its characterization by optical and scanning electron microscopies are shown. Its response to a magnetic field is demonstrated. The technique provides a flexible and fast solution for optimizing polymer surface design across a wide range of applications. Y1 - 2025 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3791/68126 PB - JoVE ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Geldof, Arne A1 - Kopačin, Jan A1 - Straus, Izidor A1 - Kriegl, Raphael A1 - Kravanja, Gaia A1 - Hribar, Luka A1 - Jezeršek, Matija A1 - Shamonin, Mikhail A1 - Kokot, Gašper A1 - Drevenšek‐Olenik, Irena T1 - Transfer of Energy and Momentum Between Magnetoactive Surface Microstructure and a Solid Object JF - Advanced Engineering Materials N2 - Transport systems utilizing magnetic materials are very promising for applications that require contactless operation and compatibility with biological processes. A critical parameter in these systems is the efficiency of energy and momentum transfer between the transporting platform and the objects being transported. We investigate the physical mechanisms driving directional transport of solid objects by microlamellar structures laser-inscribed on the surface of a magnetoactive elastomer (MAE). When subjected to a rotating magnetic field with a magnitude of 175 mT and a time period of 0.4 s, the lamellas reorient within a few milliseconds, reaching angular velocities up to 1100 rad s−1. This rapid motion is crucial for efficient momentum and energy transfer to objects in contact with the lamellas. The analysis of collisions of a single lamella with a lead ball with a 2.2 mm diameter shows that the lamella can transfer around 50 nJ of energy, propelling the ball to a speed of around 35 mm s−1. We show how this value sets the upper limit for the ball's transport speed on microlamellar structures. We also explain the background of three distinct transport regimes (kicking, pushing, and bouncing modes) observed on these magnetically driven “conveyor belts”. Y1 - 2026 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.202502369 VL - 28 IS - 6 PB - Wiley ER -