THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dhanbad, February 25: IIT (ISM) Dhanbad hosted German expert Dr Jan Wegner from the University of Duisburg-Essen for a Centenary Lecture on advanced manufacturing and metal additive manufacturing research.
The lecture was organised by the Department of Fuel, Minerals & Metallurgical Engineering (FMME) as part of the IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Centenary Lecture Series, attracting faculty members, research scholars and students.
Focus on Metal Additive Manufacturing and Novel Materials
Speaking on “Advanced Manufacturing Research at University of Duisburg-Essen: Additive Manufacturing as an Enabler for Novel Materials and Designs”, Dr Wegner explained how additive manufacturing has evolved into a key driver of innovation in engineering and materials science.
He noted that metal additive manufacturing now goes beyond producing complex geometries and plays a central role in developing novel materials for structural and functional applications. He emphasised the importance of understanding the relationship between material composition, process parameters and resulting properties to fully harness advanced manufacturing technologies.
Drawing from research projects at the University of Duisburg-Essen — one of Germany’s largest universities with nearly 38,000 students from over 130 countries — he shared insights into cutting-edge developments in metal 3D printing and advanced materials research.
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Research Collaboration and Student Opportunities
Currently visiting IIT (ISM) Dhanbad under the PECFAR Fellowship supported by IGSTC, Dr Wegner also outlined opportunities for student engagement through thesis projects, research assistantships and international research collaboration.
His research interests include amorphous metals, diamond-reinforced metal matrix composites, in-situ monitoring, compliant mechanisms, metamaterials and post-processing of additively manufactured components.
The lecture concluded with an interactive session, fostering academic dialogue and exploring avenues for future Indo-German collaboration in advanced manufacturing research.
The event forms part of the ongoing IIT (ISM) Dhanbad centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of academic excellence and strengthening the institute’s global academic partnerships.