LASER-AIDED SURFACE MANUFACTURING

Dr. Soundarapandian’s intention is to apply university lead research and development works in advanced materials and laser-based rapid manufacturing technologies. His research focuses on synthesis and characterization of structural materials, laser-aided surface engineering, computational modeling, real-time data acquisition and control system for manufacturing processes, fabrication of next generation bioimplants, and laser applications in medical industry. (1) Localized laser heat treatment (rapid heating and self-quenching) enhances the site-specific functional properties such as superior resistance to heat, wear, corrosion, fatigue, erosion, etc. Thus, the service life of high-value parts used aerospace, automotive, defense, nuclear, oil, gas, and energy industries are extended. (2) A relatively new, direct diode laser cladding technology is used for tailoring the surface and functional properties by localized embedding of site-specific hard and wear-resistance materials. The very idea is that the surface and functional properties are locally tailored rather than modifying bulk mass materials property which turned out to be economical and also extends the part’s service longevity. (3) Since hybrid vehicles’ (HV) usage is becoming more popular today, transportation industries have focused their thrust to make HV as much as energy efficient with cost effectiveness. Moreover, parts/components of HV are made with different combination of materials such as metals, ceramics, plastics, etc. In this, using laser for fabrication (welding) of these components is an elegant route for achieving industrial goals which is impossible by conventional means (ultrasonic, resistance, etc.). (4) Magnesium and hydroxyapatite (Mg-HAp) based implants are widely acknowledged as human-body friendly where its decay is linear in the physical environment and concurrently triggering the growth of the bone. It is possible to fabricate these implants by using laser technology.