First comprehensive metrological characterization of tactile surface properties
For the first time, the link between tactile perception and material and surface properties was clarified, enabling targeted optimization of product surfaces.
Programme: COMET – Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies
Programme line: COMET-centre
Type of project: Engineering and full characterization of polymer based haptic materials, 2017-2020.
In this research project, it was possible to comprehensively clarify the connection between the human tactile perception of surfaces, and the triggering material and surface properties for the first time. Knowledge of these relationships opens up a wide range of possibilities for the targeted optimisation of the tactile effect of product surfaces and their manufacturing processes.
The industry is looking for the right "touch feel" of products, i.e. the right tactile impression . The product range spans from gloves and sports equipment to consumer electronics, care products and many more. A milestone of the project was the realization of a measuring stand that can simultaneously and precisely record the interaction parameters relevant to haptics, for example between a human finger and a material surface. This makes it possible to bring the subjective tactile feeling to a measurable parameter level. This technology is generating a wide range of effects in industry. Previously, without knowledge of the material parameters relevant for tactile perception, the optimization of a product’s “touch-feel” was a time-consuming process with many unclear factors and, consequently, an uncertain outcome. With the PCCL measuring system, this has now changed decisively.
PCCL measurement set-up for recording the haptic surface properties of products (Figure by PCCL)
Impact and effects
The new technology not only offers competitiveadvantages through the economic improvement of the haptic properties of high-quality products, but also promotes the improvement of the ecological footprint of these products, e.g., in the form of improved recyclability. Due to the correlation created between perception and material properties, more environmentally friendly materials can be specifically developed and used in haptically relevant high-quality products. At the same time, less expensive materials can be used, and thus the added value can be further increased.
In order to further extend the benefits of this new technology to several areas of industry and use cases, research was conducted on a method that does not require measurements with human test subjects for the evaluation of tactile surface effects. For this purpose, an artificial finger equipped with sensors was developed, which resembles a human finger in its mechanical properties and surface structure, but enables efficient and reproducible measurement of the relevant parameters for predicting the tactile impression of a surface. The developed methodology enables a fundamentally new, efficient and economical improvement of the "haptics" of product surfaces. The topic is of great interest to the manufacturing industry. As a result, a FFG bridge project and a number of commissioned projects from industry have already been attracted on the basis of this strategic project. Industrial companies from several European countries have already expressed their interest.
Project coordination (Story)
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Dieter P. Gruber, Assoc. Prof.
Division Manager
Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH
T +43 (0) 38 42 42962-0
E-Mail: dieter.gruber@pccl.at
PCCL-K1 / Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH
Roseggerstraße 12
8700 Leoben
T +43 (0) 38 42 42962-0
www.pccl.at
Project partner
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Austria
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Funding Body
This success story was provided by the centre management and by the mentioned project partners for the purpose of being publi shed on the FFG website. PCCL-K1is a COMET Centre within the COMET – Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies Programme and funded by BMK, BMDW and the co- financing provinces Styria, Lower Austria, Upper Austria. The COMET Programme is managed by FFG. Further information on COMET : www.ffg.at/comet
