INTRODUCTION
Joining and Machining Group (JMG) focuses on developing new joining, machining and hybrid technologies for polymers, metals and dissimilar materials. The emphasis is on comprehensive study and understanding of physics, chemistry, metallurgy, surface and interface phenomenon, and cutting mechanisms to ensure sound metallurgical quality, precise dimensional accuracy, intricate and high structural integrity. This is achieved by process simulation, machine learning, digitisation, and experimental studies. Joining and machining processes contribute significantly to the performance and integrity of all products, which usually consist of similar or dissimilar materials. Advances in joining, machining and hybrid technologies have enabled a wide variety of materials, such as metals, polymers and ceramics, to be processed together with better efficiency, quality and flexibility.
The group carries out collaborative research with academic institutions, co-develops process technology, transfers technology, and conducts training for the manufacturing industry.
RESEARCH THEMES
Advanced Joining
The advanced Joining research team has good competency in conventional arc welding, friction stir welding, laser welding, hybrid laser-arc welding, lase aided additive manufacturing, micro-joining, transient liquid phase bonding, as well as reliability testing. The team aims to enhance the competitiveness of local manufacturing industry through innovative research, technology commercialisation and manpower training in various metal joining technologies.
Research Focus
- Development of advanced joining processes for polymers, metals and dissimilar materials
- Development of large format free-form laser aided additive manufacturing process, systems and toolpath generation software.
- Machine learning approach for process development and deposition toolpath optimisation.
- Integrated computational materials engineering
- Development of state-of-the-art metal joining systems
- Modification of additive materials
- Process simulation and material testing
Approach
The research team conducts in-house research funded by the core budget as well as national competitive funding to develop the advanced joining technologies. The research team works closely with academia for collaborative research and industry partners for development projects. The team actively promotes technology transfer and manpower training to the manufacturing industry through seminars, training courses and staff T-up.
Precision Machining
The Precision Machining research focuses on the development of advanced mechanical machining and laser machining turn-key solutions to enhance machining efficiency, quality and cost-effectiveness. The team aims to enhance the competitiveness of local manufacturing industry through innovative research, technology commercialisation and manpower training in various machining technologies.
Research Focus
- Ultra-precision machining of freeform surfaces
- Machining dynamics for vibration reduction and chatter avoidance
- Deep-hole drilling technology
- Robot machining for AM components
- Laser surface texturing and surface processing
- Laser precision dicing and drilling
- Laser surface and sub-surface marking
Approach
The research team conducts in-house research funded by the core budget as well as national competitive funding to develop the advanced joining technologies. The research team works closely with academia for collaborative research and industry partners for development projects. The team actively promotes technology transfer and manpower training to the manufacturing industry through seminars, training courses and staff T-up.