Projects / Programmes
Production systems, laser technologies and materials welding
January 1, 2022
- December 31, 2027
Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
2.10.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
|
Code |
Science |
Field |
2.03 |
Engineering and Technology |
Mechanical engineering |
decentralized management strategies, self-improving through learning, deep learning, advanced surface treatment, laser additive technology, polymer composites, hybrid joints, distributed production systems, opto-mechatronic systems, product-service systems, laser sources, laser measuring systems, laser machining systems, adaptive control, surface finishing, non-destructive testing, surface integrity, weldability of materials, friction stir welding
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
December 6, 2023;
A3 for period
2017-2021
Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
WoS |
753 |
10,007 |
8,618 |
11.44 |
Scopus |
894 |
12,723 |
11,133 |
12.45 |
Researchers (50)
no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
1. |
32091 |
PhD Vid Agrež |
Technology driven physics |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
80 |
2. |
51907 |
Martina Benko Loknar |
Systems and cybernetics |
Researcher |
2023 |
11 |
3. |
26556 |
PhD Zoran Bergant |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
104 |
4. |
20863 |
PhD Tomaž Berlec |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
343 |
5. |
18327 |
PhD Drago Bračun |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
235 |
6. |
06765 |
PhD Peter Butala |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Retired researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
576 |
7. |
37400 |
PhD Marko Corn |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
35 |
8. |
38760 |
PhD Luka Černe |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
19 |
9. |
04107 |
PhD Janez Diaci |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
363 |
10. |
03551 |
PhD Janez Grum |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Retired researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
2,269 |
11. |
58249 |
Gašper Hribar |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2023 |
0 |
12. |
56851 |
Mirza Imširović |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Junior researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
0 |
13. |
56850 |
Miha Jelenčič |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Junior researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
3 |
14. |
05637 |
PhD Marjan Jenko |
Electronic components and technologies |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
156 |
15. |
23778 |
PhD Tomaž Kek |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
156 |
16. |
20441 |
PhD Damjan Klobčar |
Mechanical design |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
556 |
17. |
52343 |
Jernej Jan Kočica |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Technical associate |
2022 - 2023 |
19 |
18. |
11624 |
PhD Borut Kosec |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
970 |
19. |
53118 |
Nejc Kozamernik |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
8 |
20. |
38151 |
PhD Dominik Kozjek |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
39 |
21. |
18702 |
Vane Kralj |
|
Technical associate |
2023 |
0 |
22. |
05571 |
PhD Janez Kušar |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
622 |
23. |
37513 |
PhD Žiga Lokar |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
37 |
24. |
50105 |
Andreja Malus |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2023 |
15 |
25. |
54774 |
Matevž Marš |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Junior researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
8 |
26. |
37988 |
PhD Bor Mojškerc |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
28 |
27. |
37953 |
PhD Jaka Mur |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
50 |
28. |
36989 |
Uroš Orthaber |
Technology driven physics |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
12 |
29. |
35427 |
PhD Jaka Petelin |
Physics |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
51 |
30. |
15646 |
PhD Rok Petkovšek |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Head |
2022 - 2023 |
265 |
31. |
55736 |
Jan Pleterski |
Systems and cybernetics |
Junior researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
3 |
32. |
28609 |
PhD Matej Pleterski |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2023 |
69 |
33. |
12752 |
PhD Boštjan Podobnik |
Physics |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
62 |
34. |
17059 |
PhD Primož Podržaj |
Systems and cybernetics |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
195 |
35. |
27988 |
PhD Tomaž Požrl |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
36 |
36. |
55743 |
Jernej Puc |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Junior researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
9 |
37. |
32078 |
PhD Dunja Ravnikar |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
20 |
38. |
26144 |
PhD Lidija Rihar |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
162 |
39. |
51897 |
PhD Nejc Rožman |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
19 |
40. |
32082 |
PhD Luka Selak |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
50 |
41. |
53506 |
PhD Aljaž Ščetinec |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
32 |
42. |
33467 |
PhD Gašper Škulj |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
52 |
43. |
54778 |
Jan Šmalc |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Junior researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
0 |
44. |
13026 |
PhD Roman Šturm |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
325 |
45. |
28906 |
PhD Uroš Trdan |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
135 |
46. |
02045 |
PhD Janez Tušek |
Mechanical design |
Retired researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
1,113 |
47. |
30914 |
PhD Rok Vrabič |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
242 |
48. |
27630 |
PhD Uroš Zupanc |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
33 |
49. |
30568 |
PhD Sebastjan Žagar |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2022 - 2023 |
44 |
50. |
50587 |
PhD Tena Žužek |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2023 |
27 |
Organisations (3)
Abstract
The programme group's work is organized within three key enabling technologies (KETs), covered by the interdisciplinary team of participating researchers. Within KET Digitalization, artificial intelligence, and robotics in production systems, research of digital technologies will be performed, enabling new, decentralized management strategies, such as Shared Manufacturing (SM). The focus will be on the development of multi-agent distributed control systems and improving the overall efficiency, robustness, and security of manufacturing systems through the SM paradigm. New quality management systems are required due to the increasing complexity of the global business environment and the emergence of new digital technologies. By leveraging big data analytics, smart sensors, computer vision, and artificial intelligence, a predictive quality management can be applied to manufacturing organizations to perform root-cause analysis, big data monitoring and analytics. We will address the topic of increased human-machine interaction by developing methods and interfaces supporting smart robotic and cyber-physical systems. Within KET Laser systems and photonics the objective of the program is to research advanced approaches to fiber-based and hybrid laser sources appropriate for ultra-high-speed precision processing and advanced detection. A concept of multichannel fiber laser will be investigated to introduce new approach in the processing with ultrashort laser to increase the efficiency beyond state of the art by using multibeam systems. For nonlinear processing, a high-speed burst laser source will be investigated together with its application and beam steering with the goal to reach high speed processing and nanometer-scale resolution. For laser-based processing in liquid media, the effects of shockwaves and cavitation will be investigated, pushing the resolution of observation below micrometer. For this a specialized laser-based detection method will have to be developed for speckle free ps illuminating pulses. All the proposed research represents a significant push beyond state of the arts in the specific field of laser systems. Within KET Additive technologies, surface treatment, and joining, investigation of the effects of new surface layer modification technologies with respect to residual stresses, hardness, strength, corrosion resistance will be performed. Research will be performed on production of hybrid composite joints, in-situ determination of mechanical properties using non-destructive monitoring of the surface modification processes, and non-destructive determination of hybrid adhesive joint properties. The objective will be to investigate physical and metallurgical background to improve the joining of difficult to weld materials to in-situ produce products with advanced material properties (FGM’s, MMC) and to prolong the products lifetime by refurbishment in line with circular economy, sustainable development, and health.
Significance for science
Scientific research on KET Additive technologies, surface treatment, joining will enable state of the art research on additive manufacturing of advanced materials (FGM’s, CCM’s), and joining technologies with the goal of increasing the knowledge about the process and enabling shorter production times, lower consumption of CRM’s, energy, and lower pollution. The research of advanced modern surface treatment technologies, such as laser shock peening or cavitation peening with the emphasis on the peening of difficult-to-weld light aircraft alloys (Al, Mg) are deemed highly interesting in the field from scientific and application view. The research will contribute to the knowledge on laser additive technology of bio-compatible products made of stainless steel and titanium alloys, improving vacuum infusion technology, and autoclaving composite products. Further, a positive impact to the mechanical engineering profession in Slovenia is seen in development of hybrid joints of composite with aluminum, with / without pin. Cooperation with an international institution in connection with the aviation industry will open new access to foreign knowledge and development opportunities for our own staff. New non-destructive AE methods for laser remelting / welding process control will be developed, as well as for testing of polymer composites and hybrid joints. Within the Laser systems and photonics research of advanced approaches to fiber-based laser sources, a multi-beam laser concept represents a new approach to push ultrashort pulse (USP) laser power scaling to new limits while maintaining compactness and flexibility (pulse on demand), typically only achieved in low power lasers. It opens a possibility for highly customized production technology based on high precision, high-speed laser concepts. The research conducted on purpose-developed high intra-burst repetition rate and pulse on demand USP fiber laser and acousto-optic deflector-based scanning system for ultra-high precision processing and two-photon photolithography will result in a completely new concept of fast nano-processing representing new tool for scientific work in this field, enabling original and breakthrough research work. The proposed illumination and detection system is in itself an important breakthrough from a scientific point of view that will enable new measurements not possible with existing state-of-the-art devices and setups. The main goal of this system is to enable and/or improve our understanding of basic physical mechanisms (some phenomena related to cavitation, shockwaves, etc.) important for laser processing technologies in industrial uses as well other fields (medicine and biotechnology). Within the Digitalization, artificial intelligence, robotics in production systems, research of digital technologies will be performed, enabling new, decentralized management strategies, such as Shared Manufacturing (SM). In the context of shared manufacturing, the research will contribute with the knowledge on how to build systems that enable mass production of customer-tailored products, cost optimization, overall efficiency improvement, robustness, and safety of production systems. The research on the distributed nature of the concept will enable a democratic and secure environment for inclusion of local small and medium enterprises. This has a direct benefit for the development of profession as it will result in a reduced environmental footprint and an increased use of locally available production resources, while improving manufacturing sustainability. Within the field, the contribution will be development of explainable and trustworthy AI systems which will focus on self-improving through learning and on providing safe and intuitive interfaces for human interaction in real-life manufacturing and robotic applications. Further, the research will contribute to the development of new techniques and applications using deep learning. Deep learning has transformed computer vision applications that once required expertise in image processing into technical challenges that can be solved by non-image processing experts. This opens a new set of possibilities to solve problems that have never been attempted without a human. In this way, the technological boundaries of what a computer and a camera can accurately inspect are being pushed beyond the current state of the art. Development of products and services in industrial and medical applications is expected.
Significance for the country
Potential impact on economic development Research of the sustainable management of green and leagile production and manufacturing systems will be designed in tight collaboration with industrial partners to ensure direct applicability. The research of concurrent development models for a sustainable green leagile production system and process will enable companies to achieve an optimal balance between the value of investment and added value, directly applied when building a production system, and to minimize the overall impact on the environment. Due to close cooperation with the industrial partners we expect the following effects of the program: • The transfer of knowledge from public research organizations to companies will be further improved, which will have a direct impact on the local economy by strengthening the competitiveness of companies and their growth through the innovation development that follows the requirements and needs of the European and global markets. To achieve this, we will build on decentralized management strategies, self-improving through learning, deep learning, advanced surface treatment technologies, laser additive technology of bio-compatible products, polymer composites and hybrid joints, etc. • Using existing knowledge and infrastructure and upgrading them for the needs of the program will make better use of the existing research infrastructure, which will also enable better transfer of developed technologies to companies (directly applicable to tasks involving industrial partners, for example multi-beam laser development, laser shock peening hardening effects, research of nano-processing and two-photon photolithography, etc.). • Slovenian research and development potential will become more internationally competitive, through continued and newly established cooperation with foreign institutions. • An increased transition and cooperation of researchers with the economy, which will enable closer cooperation between the public and private spheres and increase innovation for the economy (joining of dissimilar materials and added value of joining of materials for e-mobility) • Open new opportunities for Slovenia's technological breakthrough in the field of technological products with high added value (based on state-of-the-art detection and monitoring methods (WP3) and with the integration into the production systems to make them easy to use in the industrial environment), which will increase Slovenia's international competitiveness and overall welfare. It is important to note that the program directly connects our research activities with two industrial partners – Welding Institute and LPKF Laser & Electronics d.o.o., the latter being one of the few Slovenian high-tech companies that develops and produces “final” high tech products and consequently generates higher added value, which is the goal of the current smart specialization strategy in Slovenia (related to the European directions towards Industry 4.0). Potential impact on social and cultural development The impact to society will be expressed as the involvement of doctoral and master's students in the program. They will benefit from the cooperation with the world experts in the field and gain experience on how to use the acquired knowledge in actual applications, tightly connected with industry’s needs. Strengthening of the Slovenia’s young professionals pool in the field of laser material processing and production systems is expected. Through the applicative work packages, such as presented in this program, R&D of the companies will be further strengthened, which is of the major importance for the Slovenian industry and consequently for society. It allows for innovative research to be conducted, improving the competitiveness in the modern market, improving the market position, and creating new jobs ensuring the stability of the labor market. The indirect impact of the program for the society will be exhibited through several factors. One of the most important being the maintenance and strengthening of the connection between Slovenian researchers and foreign research institutions with the industry in Slovenia, especially with the photonics industry partners. The program coordinator from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering will help in forging new cooperation between direct and indirect partners within and beyond the program. During the following funding period, the cooperation and knowledge transfer acquired during the running of the program will help to improve the competitiveness of the industry partners. Creation of new jobs will also have a positive indirect impact on preventing the brain drain out of Slovenia.