Research Group:
Manufacturing Technology & Systems

Overview

The research interests within the Manufacturing Technology and Systems group include the topics of grinding, forming, high speed machining and joining, and the processing and characterisation of polymers and polymer-matrix composites. As well as these core themes, the group undertakes research in the areas of micro-manufacturing and nanocomposites including micro-form-rolling, micro-feature characterisation of grinding tools, process monitoring in micro machining and polymer-clay nanocomposite development. Applications span automotive, aerospace, construction, biodegradable packaging and plastics recycling through to ICT and biomedical technologies. The research group undertakes research work at three levels;   

Fundamental science underpinning manufacturing processes and the formation of nanocomposites and clay reinforcement

Application investigations in manufacturing process and polymer nanocomposite development

Direct industry collaboration on short term projects including consulting

The group is active in the area of Environmentally Benign Manufacturing including topics such as energy efficiency in manufacturing processes, cleaner production such as minimal cooling strategies and developments in tissue scaffolds, biodegradable packaging and plastic recycling.

The research group is characterised by a strong level of interdisciplinary collaboration within the department on topics such as micro-cooling devices, micro-bio-medical devices and signal processing.

Leader(s)

• Professor John Monaghan - Associate Professor
• Dr. Garret O'Donnell - Lecturer
• Mr. Kevin Kelly - Lecturer
• Dr. Rocco Lupoi - Lecturer

Research Projects

• High velocity mist jet cooling of machining processes- improving the environmental impact of metal cutting

• Design and manufacture of a novel heat pipe-based hydronic heating system

• Process monitoring of micro machining operations

• An investigation of compressed air energy consumption and efficiency in automated assembly production

• Investigation the microform rolling process through experimental and FEA approaches

• Analytical modelling and experimental investigations into the use of metalic foams

• Investigating the friction stir welding process

• Investigation of the toughness of polymer-clay nanocomposites for plastics recycling

• Biopolymer-matrix composites

• An investigation into the micro-machining of biocompatible polymer materials

• Analysis of acoustic emission signals from a micro-drilling process

• The Development of a general purpose Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) strain sensor

• Investigation of energy efficiency in polymer processing

• Development of in-process quality monitoring system for abrasive material removal processes.

• Characterisation and optimisation of energy efficiency in hybrid discrete and continuous manufacturing operations

• Monitor and control during machining of polymers

• Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites

• Layer-by-layer assembly of novel bone-mimetic hybrid membranes

Current Research Staff and Students

Facilities

• DEFORM modelling software
• Micro-form-rolling machine
• Kistler force measurement equipment
• Vibration and Acoustic Emission sensors
• Power measurement sensors
• Micromilling machine
• Aerotech precision axes
• Westwind spindles
• High Speed Data Acquisition
• Benchtop injection moulding machine
• Charpy impact tester

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