Mobility experience with a research focus
PhD sandwich
Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering
The main topic of the research is focused on material extrusion-based additive manufacturing (MEX-AM) This additive manufacturing technique is characterized by a greater design freedom, cost-efficient production, low-energy use, simple set-up, and easy operation compared to other AM technologies. MEX-AM is used to develop complex three-dimensional net-shape products from polymer matrix filled with metals and ceramics particles. However, the uncontrolled process parameters can produce inconsistent shrinkage, distortion, residual stress, and poor surface quality, which are the main challenges affecting the overall dimensional accuracy and structural integrity of the final products. Currently, MEX-AM research primarily emphasizes the densification of highly-filled metals and ceramics. However, there is an untouched area regarding the comprehensive optimization of MEX-AM process parameters, including 3D printing, debinding, and sintering, along with appropriate post-treatment solutions. The research objective is to optimize these full-scale MEX-AM process parameters for the fabrication of high-performance metal and/or ceramic materials (e.g., AISI316L, copper, alumina, zirconia) to minimize inconsistent shrinkage, porosity, and enhance density and performance of sintered materials. Central composite design (CCD), analysis of variance (ANOVA), response surface methodology (RSM) methods will be used to optimize the 3D printing, debinding, and sintering process parameters. The outcomes of the research will be particularly relevant to the biomedical and aerospace fields, where shape freedom and advanced material properties are crucial. State-of-the-art equipment such as rapid prototyping, furnace, physical and microstructural characterization, hardness and roughness measurements, mechanical testing and evaluations will be used to investigate the enhanced properties and quality of the final products. Research activities will be supervised by Francesco Tamburrino. He is Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering of the University of Pisa. His research activities are mainly focused on additive manufacturing, design for additive manufacturing, post-processing treatments for additively manufactured parts, industrial design, lattice structures, materials science and technology, dental materials. He participated in several academic and industrial research projects and his research activity has been disseminated in international refereed journals and conferences (SCOPUS ID: 57192316209). The activities will be carried out in the Additive Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping, and Materials Characterization laboratories.
The applicant must hold a master's degree in engineering or industrial design and exhibit foundational proficiency in CAD and CAM software. Competence in these tools is vital for effective participation in research activities. Admission requires basic knowledge of Design of Experiment (DOE) methods and a fundamental understanding of additive manufacturing techniques, specifically material extrusion-based additive manufacturing (MEX-AM). Applicants should showcase competence in MEAM processes and related technologies. Essential knowledge of metal and ceramic materials science, encompassing characterization techniques, is mandatory. This includes assessing physical microstructural and mechanical properties, and relevant testing procedures. These entry requirements ensure that admitted applicant is well-equipped to actively contribute to and benefit from advanced research in material extrusion-based additive manufacturing.
PhD sandwich: 9-12