Manufacturing

Our manufacturing program focuses on innovating and understanding impactful manufacturing processes and materials through interdisciplinary research. We strive to continuously provide students with substantial competitive experience in next-generation manufacturing technologies, advanced materials, and sustainable education.

Research Topics

1. Traditional and Advanced Manufacturing Processes (Bostwick, Choi, Martinez-Duarte, Turner, Zhao): pursues research and development of traditional manufacturing processes (Machining, Casting, Molding, Welding, Soldering, etc.) and advanced manufacturing processes (additive manufacturing, laser processing, ultrasonic processing, etc.).
2. Micro/Nano/Bio-manufacturing (Choi, Lou, Martinez-Duarte, Zhao): studies the development of processes to manufacture and fabricate devices and sensors across the micro- and nano-scales through technologies such as solidification nano processing and carbon-electrode Dielectrophoresis. Applications include materials, sensors and devices for biological applications.
3. Robotics/Automation, Production and Assembly (Choi, Martinez-Duarte, Turner, Wang): ) considers the use of fixed automation systems, flexible automation systems such as robotics, and reconfigurable automation systems for production and assembly tasks in small and large-scale manufacturing environments.
4. Risk/Reliability Studies, Modeling, Optimization and Quality (Choi, Martinez-Duarte, Turner, Zhao): uses analytical approaches to model and simulate manufacturing systems and processes to enable optimization and understanding of risk and reliability in manufacturing and to ensure quality production processes.

Considering how pervasive manufacturing is in our daily lives, industrial applications for this research are many. Examples include the advanced joining process of dissimilar materials; additive manufacturing of metals, polymers, ceramics and metal matrix nanocomposites; micro and nanomanufacturing of semiconductors, sensors and actuators; process monitoring with micro/nanosensors; advanced metal foams, and lightweight architected materials and structures that exhibit multiple functionalities. The ultimate goal is sustainable production capabilities.