Key research themes
1. What are the optimal subtractive manufacturing techniques for producing biocompatible metallic implants with superior surface and mechanical properties?
This research area focuses on identifying and validating subtractive manufacturing processes that meet the stringent requirements of medical implant fabrication, such as dimensional accuracy, biocompatibility, surface integrity, and fatigue strength. It matters because surgical implants require precise geometries and surfaces to ensure proper mechanical performance and biological integration, while minimizing costs and environmental impacts.
2. How can additive and subtractive manufacturing processes be effectively integrated to optimize production flexibility and complexity management in industrial settings?
This theme explores operational and production management perspectives on the interplay between additive and subtractive manufacturing for enhanced manufacturing flexibility, cost efficiency, and complexity handling. It focuses on strategic decision-making in hybrid production environments, cost modeling, and the scalability of additive technologies alongside conventional subtractive processes in manufacturing firms, pertinent to mass personalization and complex part fabrication.
3. What novel design and fabrication methodologies leverage subtractive manufacturing tools for efficient shape simplification and precision in complex product manufacturing?
This area focuses on computational design and fabrication strategies that simplify complex 3D models into manufacturable components compatible with subtractive manufacturing technologies such as CNC milling. It addresses geometric simplification, toolpath generation, and assembly facilitation using subtractive approaches, providing insights for manufacturing practitioners aiming to translate complex digital designs into physical realizations effectively.