Production processes, systems and management

The research field of the group is a broad spectrum of technologies from forming, cutting and manufacturing processes with direct use of energy (laser beam, EDM, AWJ) and the integrating ones as handling and assembly. Such combination enables the studies of optimising different combinations of technologies leading to minimize production costs. The group is focusing its research activities towards virtual environment. The methods of numerical modelling and simulations are very efficient tool to study alternatives, to perform process sensitivity analysis, to evaluate the impacts of different process parameters. As the group has modern equipment all virtually obtained results are tested in the real environment before taking final decisions. The group has strong contacts with the Slovene industry, about 1/3 of its project were performed for their needs. Diploma works on undergraduate level supported these contacts; the postgraduates were also working on such projects. In the area of postgraduate studies our students finished 3 masters and 2-doctor theses. The laboratories being members of the group participated in many international research (fundamental or applied) projects as EUREKA, COPERNICUS, NATO as well in bilateral with Austria, Croatia, Great Britain, France, Hungary, Poland. The group is very active in different international scientific societies, its members participated in 9 monographies, and had 25 publications in journals and 75 papers on highly ranking international conferences. Two teachers were visiting professors at universities in Vienna and in Grenoble; the University of Miskolc for his scientific contributions honoured one.