The properties of a mechanical material depend not only on its chemical components but also on the micro/nano structures of its surface and interior. Attempts have been made in recent years to develop new surface/material functions through mechanical processes. For example, technologies to control various characteristics, such as friction, water repellency, and optical properties, have been developed by constructing micro/nano periodic structures on the surfaces of materials. Since these properties depend on the geometry of the surface morphology, micro/nano fabrication processes can produce a variety of properties. This indicates that the surface properties and material properties of portions of the materials can be controlled to reach optimal conditions required by machine product design. This technology is expected to lead to the advanced production of products integrating design, manufacturing, and materials in an organic way. Here, we call the materials and surfaces with their properties arbitrarily controlled in accordance with machine design “tailored functional materials and surfaces.”

This special issue features various studies and reports related to tailored functional materials and surfaces, and it includes 12 related papers and a review. They cover processing technologies that create and control various surface functions, such as water repellency, friction, biological and chemical reactions, and optical properties. They indicate the possibilities and future of new precision processing technologies.

We deeply appreciate all the authors and reviewers for their efforts and contributions. We also hope that this special issue will encourage further research on tailored functional surfaces.