Project brief
This PhD project will be focused on developing and implementing hybrid manufacturing solutions that integrate laser surface processing/structuring/texturing (LSPST) with complementary processes, e.g. plasma pre/post-treatments of metallic components, inkjet printing (IJ) or aerosol jet printing (AJP), and laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) for surface functionalisation/engineering of products. Such hybrid solutions will be investigated in the context of specific application requirements, e.g. for sensing applications, non-fouling/anti-bacterial treatments, maskless digital fabrication of sensors and Lab on the Chip (LoC) products. The research will investigate a combined “bottom-up” and “top-down” surface engineering approach for producing components and replication masters that can address key obstacles in product miniaturization and also in achieving function integration in products. The PhD project will include some elements of process design, modelling and simulation and the development of specific applications for the proposed hybrid manufacturing solutions that are agreed with the MTC.
The project will build on the results of three recently completed H2020 programmes, i.e. Laser4Fun, HIMALAYA and SHARK. In addition, the PhD project is expected to involve and be relevant to some MTC member companies, e.g. GFMS, IPG and SENSOFAR. In addition, the PhD project will benefit from the capital investment at the UoB in a multi-axis laser micro processing system as part of the ESIF SmartFub project.
UoB supervisor: Prof. Stefan Dimov
MTC supervisors: Dr Reza Nekouie Esfahani & Dr. Tian Long See
PhD candidate specification
To apply you must hold a MEng/MSc degree in the areas of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Applied Physics or a closely related discipline. Good knowledge/demonstrated awareness of fundamental aspects of laser-material processing and applied knowledge in laser structuring are desirable. Experience in using a range of technologies/techniques for surface characterisation would be an advantage. Candidates must be among the highest achievers in their undergraduate cohort, and in receipt of, or due to receive a First-Class UK degree or equivalent. Candidates with a standalone Master’s qualification must have achieved a distinction or, where this has yet to have been achieved, be able to provide evidences of high performance that will lead to a distinction. They must also hold a first class UK undergraduate degree or equivalent (integrated Masters that form part of an undergraduate degree, e.g. MEng, are assessed as an undergraduate qualification when determining eligibility).
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