Localized melting-based surface functionalization (e.g., polishing, structuring, hardening) has been used and investigated for decades, however, it has been receiving greater attention in the manufacturing research community and industry over the last decade. At least two commercial products that perform electron beam and laser polishing of metal surfaces are on the market. This presentation will give an overview of what UW-Madison has learned about laser [remelting-based] polishing and structuring of metal alloys, including its effect on the near-surface microstructure, and the direction of ongoing research in this area. One important application area will be finishing of metal additively manufactured parts.

Frank Pfefferkorn is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Director of the Manufacturing Systems Engineering Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which he joined in 2003. His lab is working closely with LasX Industries, Inc. (St. Paul, MN) to bring new laser polishing hardware and software to market. His B.S. is in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1994), while his M.S. (1997) and Ph.D. (2002) are in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. His research goal is to build a scientific understanding of advanced manufacturing processes, develop physics-based models that can be used to improve and control these processes, and to transfer this fundamental knowledge to industry. Frank conducts research that is focused on discrete metal part manufacturing processes. One can say that his focus is where the tool meets the workpiece, which can be a laser, mechanical cutting tool, friction stir tool, etc. Visit the "Event Details" link below to learn more.

Online registration ends Friday, March 9.