Franz-Josef Kahlen

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Library Road
University of Cape Town
Rondebosch, 7701, RSA

Ph: # (0)21 650 3231

Email: fj.Kahlen(at)uct.ac.za
Website: www.mecheng.uct.ac.za

Research:

Most of my manufacturing research is based on using lasers as production tools. Lasers are used for applications in one of the following scenarios: The application can not be carried out by another process with reasonable economic efforts, or the quality achievable by using a laser is superior to the alternative. If one of these scenarios applies, then a laser is a wonderful machining tool which experiences no wear and requires minimum consumables, while offering nearly unparalleled accuracy, repeatability and quality.

Latest Five Publications:

I have published about 35 papers in journals and conferences and I hold 2 US-patents for a Rapid Manufacturing process together with co-inventors and provisional South African patents (one together with undergraduate students).