Our research focus is on concrete challenges within production, materials, circular economy and business development with the goal of creating sustainable benefits for society.
We are particularly interested in collaboration with external actors who want to develop new products, processes or business models together with the university.
Research areas
Applied research and business collaboration takes place within three thematic areas:
- Materials and coatings – to improve productivity, longevity and performance in manufacturing processes and applications
- Circular economy and sustainable business models – with a focus on logistics solutions and resource efficiency strategies
- Additive manufacturing and prototyping – we explore the possibilities of 3D printing in product development and production
Laboratories
We offer advanced infrastructure which supports both research and development collaborations:
Materials and Machine Lab – Advanced Resources for Industrial Development Projects
Our laboratories are well equipped to support industrial companies throughout the chain from material evaluation to prototype testing. We can offer advanced mechanical and tribological testing, microscopy, surface analysis and metallography to help you test, verify and optimise materials for specific applications and requirements.
Our workshop lab offers opportunities for prototype manufacturing through both traditional and modern manufacturing methods. Specifically:
- Cutting processing in 2-spindle CNC lathe and 5-axis CNC milling
- Additive manufacturing in several different plastics, with 3D printers based on different printing technologies
For development, test or automation related assignments, there is also an industrial robot, which can be used for assembly tests or mechanical/dynamic testing.
Together, these resources give industrial companies the opportunity to quickly and reliably evaluate new solutions, verify designs and test materials - from idea to finished prototype.
Makerspace
Makerspace is a lab and workshop environment for light-engineering processing and provides opportunities for innovation and creative development with the help of, among other things, 3D printing.
Our Makerspace has different stations:
- 3D printer with the option to produce models in PLA plastic and in up to four different colours at the same time. The software is intuitive and easy to use, although a short course is required to use them.
- Electronics area with the possibility to solder with a temperature-regulated soldering pen for fine electronics, measure with both oscilloscopes and multimeters, run electronic projects with USB or variable AC/DC source, and program for example Arduino.
- Tool cabinet with a number of hand tools such as glue guns, screwdrivers, 3D pen, Dremel multitool, as well as common hand tools such as hammers and pliers.
- Column drilling machine for precise hole-making.
- CAD station with projector and a competent CAD computer with the option to plug in a 3D scanner.
- Presentation projector with parallel smartboard.
- Green screen for recording film and photographing projects.
Research Projects
- European Circular Innovation Valley (ECIV) - contact - Anna-Lena Berglund, anbe@du.se
- Sustainable industrial processes for the future
(additional projects will be added soon)
Publications
Collaboration
European Circular Innovation Valley (ECIV)
Region Dalarna (in Swedish)
SSAB, Borlänge (in Swedish)
Sustainable Energy Research Centre (SERC) - Dalarna University
Tillverksverket - The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth
Tunabyggen (housing rental company based in Borlänge; in Swedish)
Members
Industrial doctoral students include Johanna Mattson, employed at Tunabyggen (housing rental company based in Borlänge), and involved in the Research School Future Proof Cities.
Information about Future Proof Cities and Johanna's contact information