Master's Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering: Digital Manufacturing

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Programme Structure

The Master’s Degree Programme in Mechanical Engineering: Digital Manufacturing is a two-year programme of 120 ECTS credits including joint mechanical engineering studies, design studies, minor/thematic studies and a master’s thesis. It consists of the following sections:

• Joint mechanical engineering studies, 20 ECTS;
• Digital Manufacturing studies, 20 ECTS;
• Thesis and project, 40 ECTS;
• Minor or Thematic Studies, 20-25 ECTS;
• Other studies, 15-20 ECTS;

Master's Thesis & Topics

The master’s thesis process typically starts with the identification of a problem (often from the real world), and literature review to find traces of a solution. This is followed by experimental design i.e either modelling or practical. In the experimental work, you can design and manufacture a product, analyse the results and draw final conclusions. The final result may be a service, a product, an improvement to a process, or even a new process.

Competence Description

After completing this programme, you will:

• have acquired a broader understanding of various traditional and state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies such as welding, machining, cladding, thermal and cold spray, etc. along with in-depth understanding of next-generation digital manufacturing technologies such as direct energy deposition, powder bed fusion, material jetting;
• be able to transform innovative ideas in the field of digital manufacturing into viable business solutions;
• have gained basic understanding of material science and engineering concepts relevant to digital manufacturing to succeed in developing novel materials for various digital manufacturing processes;
• have attained broader understanding of various surface and coating methods for modifying the surfaces of the digitally manufactured components;
• be able to independently and creatively engage in industrial collaborations via various means such as project/assignment/thesis etc. and to utilise the theoretical concepts learned during the program;
• be able to formulate research questions in the field of digital manufacturing, draw up plans accordingly and execute them;
• have learned to conduct scientific, ethical, and societally relevant research work as preparatory training for doctoral research studies in digital manufacturing.

You will acquire the following skills:

• using various heat sources such as laser, electron beam, arc, plasma, and light to create 3D printed components in the processing of raw material (powder, wire, liquid, etc.);
• analyses and development of new raw materials for 3D printing and related technologies;
• application of appropriate post-treatment (thermal and mechanical) methods to obtain finished 3D printed components;
• characterisation of raw materials and 3D printed parts using basic and advanced material characterisation techniques;
• utilisation of some of the fundamental tools in virtual manufacturing.

Job Options

After completing this program, you will be prepared to solve real challenges in various industrial sectors, including but not limited to aerospace, space, automotive, bio-medical, marine, nuclear, power and energy etc. You can enter the industry as a well-trained:

• 3D printing process specialist,
• design specialist,
• materials specialist,
• characterization specialist,
• surface engineering specialist.

Career In Research

After successfully finishing this programme the student can also opt for a research career by enrolling into the Ph.D. programme with a specialization in 3D printing, process monitoring, materials processing using laser and plasma, thin and thick coatings, tribology, biomaterials, etc.

Graduates from the programme are eligible to apply for a position in the University of Turku Graduate School, UTUGS. The Graduate School consists of doctoral programmes that cover all disciplines and doctoral candidates of the University.