Research Interests and Expertise in Advanced Laser Manufacturing  

Driven by a deep commitment to advancing metal additive manufacturing and laser technology, Dr. Chan has spent over 15 years exploring how laser processing can transform high-value manufacturing. His passion lies in bridging research with real-world applications, particularly in sectors like biomedical, aerospace, automotive, and emerging areas such as energy storage, where durability, precision, and performance are critical. Dr. Chan’s work combines academic research with industry-oriented solutions, resulting in over 40 publications and impactful contributions to projects like UKRI Innovate UK. He collaborates closely with industry partners to bring innovative, commercially viable technologies to life, including pioneering techniques in selective laser melting (SLM), laser welding/joining, and laser surface engineering.

Key Capabilities and Achievements:

• Laser Additive Manufacturing for Advanced Alloys: Developed SLM techniques for Ti6Al4V and Stainless Steel alloys to enhance strength and corrosion resistance, with ongoing research extending these advancements to Magnesium (Mg) alloys through tailored composition, structure, and porosity to control degradation rate.
• Laser Welding of Dissimilar and Similar Materials: Expertise in laser-based joining of metals, plastics, and composites, enabling durable, multifunctional components essential for aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries.
• Laser Surface Treatment for Biomedical Applications: Specialising in laser nitriding and surface melting, Dr. Chan has achieved substantial improvements in implant biocompatibility and biofilm resistance, with biofilm reductions of over 84% across multiple bacterial species.
• Corrosion Testing with Real-Time Monitoring: Skilled in real-time corrosion and stress-corrosion monitoring, providing essential data for industries such as energy and marine to support material longevity.
• Materials Characterisation and Process Optimisation: Expertise in materials characterisation and the Taguchi Method for experimental design, optimising processes to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Projects and Collaborative Opportunities

Dr. Chan has been actively involved in UKRI-funded projects and industry collaborations addressing specific industrial challenges. His work on laser surface treatments, particularly in laser nitriding and surface melting, has advanced antibacterial and cell-friendly implant surfaces, with applications extending from laboratory research to industry. Through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP), Dr. Chan has also provided technical guidance on laser technologies to industry professionals.

Ongoing Research and Industry-Focused Projects

• SLM for Controlled Degradation in Mg Alloys: Extending knowledge from Ti and stainless steel SLM research to Mg alloys, focusing on tailored degradation rates through controlled composition, structure, and porosity.
• Laser Dissimilar Materials Joining: Developing laser joining techniques for metals (Nitinol, Ti6Al4V, Stainless Steels), plastics (PET, PEEK), and composites (CFRP) to meet aerospace and automotive needs for lightweight, multifunctional components.
• Machine Learning/AI for Defect Detection: Applying machine learning/AI to SLM and laser nitriding processes for enhanced defect detection (cracks, porosity) and improved manufacturing quality.
• Laser Nitriding and Surface Melting for Antibacterial Applications: Enhancing implant surfaces with laser nitriding and surface melting to achieve high antibacterial efficacy and favorable cell response.
• Real-Time Corrosion Monitoring for Challenging Environments: Developing real-time corrosion monitoring solutions to increase component life, benefiting sectors like marine and energy facing extreme operational conditions.