ALE has been involved in the manufacture of Functional Topographic surfaces for more than 30 years. This privately owned company has provided leadership through innovation in the sector of laser engraving machine manufacture. These machines are used to place micro-textures onto rollers. To date, ALE has supplied more than 350 systems worldwide. Our machinery is used in an extensive range of industries having the commonality of requiring laser engraved microstructures to provide value and function through topography.

Laser engraved Functional Topography describes a surface that has functionality provided to the surface by the laser. This functionality could be to hold ink, for Flexo, Gravure or Anilox rollers, or to create a surface used for embossing or imprinting a substrate. Printed electronics, optical films, anti-microbial and low-friction surfaces are further examples of Functional Topography.