The research group focuses on the application and optimization of advanced manufacturing technologies and materials. Its research covers machining, metal forming, welding, casting, additive manufacturing, and the application of CAD/CAM systems.

 

Special emphasis is placed on automated and robotic manufacturing processes, mathematical modelling, microforming, and reverse engineering. Through research on advanced and difficult-to-machine materials, material recycling, and the monitoring and control of manufacturing processes, the group develops innovative and sustainable engineering solutions for industrial applications.

• Machining
• Metal forming
• Additive manufacturing
• CNC machine tools
• Robotic welding
• Mathematical modelling of manufacturing processes
• CAD/CAM systems
• Manufacturing process monitoring and control
• Materials recycling
• Reverse engineering

Laboratories

• CAD/CAM Laboratory
• Machine Tools Laboratory
• Metal Forming Laboratory
• Welding Laboratory

Equipment

• CAD/CAM software packages (3DEXPERIENCE, CATIA, CIMCO, ESPRIT, WinNC, Autodesk Moldflow, NOVAFlow & Solid)
• EMCO PC Turn 50 CNC lathe
• SPINNER VC560 CNC machining centre equipped with a Cold Air Gun 610 BSP Vortec compressed-air cooling system and a Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) system
• HAAS ST-10Y turn-mill centre
• Sodick VN400Q wire electrical discharge machining (Wire EDM) machine
• ZCorp Z250 3D printer
• Stratasys FDM 170 3D printer
• KISTLER cutting force and torque measurement system
• DWSOFT machining vibration monitoring system
• Filmetrics/KLA 3D optical profilometer for evaluating machined surface integrity (dimensional accuracy and surface roughness) and measuring tool wear
• MITUTOYO SJ301 surface roughness tester
• Two hydraulic presses (70 t and 100 t capacity) equipped with forming tools, dynamic and static force measurement systems, linear incremental encoder, and related instrumentation
• Robotic welding cell for both online and offline programming
• Olympus SZ61 optical microscope

• HRZZ – Alurecss: Recycling of aluminium alloys in the solid and semi-solid state
• SPIN – AxisTech: Strategic partnership for the development of innovative machining centres
• IRI S3 – ReforsTech: Strengthening R&D capacities for globally competitive, green, and innovative technologies and services
• IRI S3: Development of lightweight polymer vehicle body components to improve vehicle energy efficiency

The group’s research expertise includes:

• Machining
• Metal forming
• Welding
• Casting
• Additive manufacturing
• CAD/CAM technologies

Particular emphasis is placed on automated and robotic manufacturing, mathematical modelling, microforming, and reverse engineering. Through research on advanced and difficult-to-machine materials, material recycling, and manufacturing process monitoring and control, the group develops innovative and sustainable engineering solutions tailored to industrial needs.

Opportunities for industrial collaboration:

• Product design using the CATIA 3D CAD platform
• Design and manufacturing of prototypes using additive manufacturing technologies or CNC machining on advanced machine tools
• Machinability studies of difficult-to-machine materials
• Surface integrity evaluation using a 3D optical profilometer