Specialised Technologies and Collaboration Opportunities

The Institute of Materials Science and Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, operates specialised technologies used in research, development and the investigation of specific materials-related and technological challenges. Our main areas of expertise include Cold Spray technology and Electron Beam Technology (EBT).

Both technologies offer a wide range of applications in surface engineering, material joining and processing, as well as in the development of new manufacturing processes.

We offer collaboration with industrial partners in addressing technical and manufacturing challenges, developing new solutions and optimising technological processes. At the same time, we provide students with opportunities to participate in research projects, work with advanced technological equipment and undertake Bachelor's, Master's and doctoral thesis projects.

Cold Spray (CS)

Cold Spray is an advanced surface engineering and additive manufacturing technology in which fine metal powders are accelerated by a stream of compressed gas to very high, often supersonic, velocities before impacting the surface of a substrate. Upon impact, the particles undergo plastic deformation and bond firmly to the substrate without melting.

As the process takes place at relatively low temperatures, it minimises oxidation, thermal stresses and undesirable changes in the microstructure of the substrate. Cold Spray is particularly suitable for component repair and refurbishment, the production of functional coatings and the additive manufacturing of metallic parts. It is mainly used with aluminium, copper, titanium and their alloys, as well as other metallic materials.

Applications of Cold Spray Technology

• Component repair and refurbishment – restoration of worn functional surfaces, such as shafts, bearing seats, sealing surfaces and threads.
• Additive manufacturing – production of bulk structures, reinforcements and complex-shaped components from metals and their alloys.
• Functional coatings – deposition of corrosion-resistant, electrically and thermally conductive, or wear-resistant coatings.
• Aerospace industry – repair of structural components and application of functional coatings without significant thermal impact on the substrate.
• Energy and mechanical engineering – local repair of pressure-bearing and rotating components, turbines and heat exchangers.
• Automotive and defence industries – component repair, prototype production and extension of component service life.

Technological Equipment

Our laboratory is equipped with both high-pressure and low-pressure Cold Spray systems:

• Impact Innovations EvoCSII high-pressure system
• VRC Raptor mobile system
• Low-pressure Cold Spray system

Further information about the technology, our equipment and collaboration opportunities is available at www.coldspray.cz.

Contact persons: Lukáš Řehořek, Marek Doubrava

Electron Beam Technology (EBT)

Electron Beam Technology (EBT) is a modern and precise method of processing metallic materials. Our laboratory focuses on its development and application in metal welding and the heat treatment of surfaces and functional layers. The technology enables applications that are difficult to achieve using conventional manufacturing processes or provides an effective alternative to them.

The technology is based on a concentrated electron beam with high power density, allowing energy input to be precisely localised and controlled within the material being processed. This makes it possible to target specific areas or complex geometries while limiting the thermal impact on surrounding material and minimising distortion.

Key Advantages of EBT

• Low heat input – minimises the heat-affected zone and distortion of processed components.
• Narrow and deep welds – enables welds ranging from approximately 0.1 mm to more than 100 mm in width, using the keyhole welding mode.
• High heating and cooling rates – allows control over the resulting material structure and properties, ensuring high process reproducibility and the quality of weld joints and surface layers.
• Processing under vacuum – ensures high weld purity, enables the processing of reactive materials and eliminates the need for protective inert gases.
• Joining of difficult-to-weld materials – enables welding of selected combinations of metals with different melting temperatures and other material combinations.
• Precise process control – allows process parameters to be set and adjusted, the electron beam path to be controlled and geometrically complex surfaces to be processed.

Applications of EBT

Electron Beam Technology is used in a wide range of industrial sectors, including:

• Aerospace industry – welding and processing of aircraft engine components and structural parts.
• Healthcare – joining of metallic materials and processing of components for medical devices and implants.
• Automotive industry – welding of engine components, shafts, gears and other machine parts.
• Electrical engineering – joining of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• Energy industry – manufacturing and processing of components for fuel cells, valves and pressure vessels.

Technological Equipment

The laboratory is equipped with a universal chamber-type K26 system manufactured by Pro-Beam.

Further information about the technology and its applications is available in the laboratory information leaflet.

Contact persons: Lukáš Řehořek, Petr Havlík

Collaboration Opportunities

Collaboration with Industry

We offer industrial companies expert collaboration in the development and optimisation of technological processes, the application of Cold Spray and EBT technologies, and the resolution of specific manufacturing and materials-related challenges. Collaboration may include research and experimental activities, verification of technological processes and expert evaluation of the results obtained.

Opportunities for Students

We offer Bachelor's, Master's and doctoral students the opportunity to participate in research and development activities focused on Cold Spray and EBT technologies. Students can contribute to current research projects, gain hands-on experience with advanced technological equipment and undertake thesis projects focusing on these technologies and their applications.

Are you interested in collaboration, facing a specific technical challenge or looking for a thesis topic? Contact us to discuss the available opportunities.