Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) organized a six-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) titled “Advances in Machining, Manufacturing and Computing Processes” from May 24, 2021, to May 29, 2021. The FDP addressed the various aspects of advances in machining, manufacturing, and computing processes and covered related topics. A total of 150 teaching professionals participated in the event from India and abroad. Dr. Hariprasad S. A, Director - Faculty of Engineering and Technology, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) inaugurated the program. Dr. Adarsha H, HOD – Department of Mechanical Engineering, welcomed the participants and mentioned the significance of attending FDPs, workshops, etc. to remain updated.

The program aimed at creating awareness about recent advancements in manufacturing engineering. Along with highlighting the research domains, it also promoted research in manufacturing and machining processes. The program familiarized the participants with the latest tools and techniques in soft computing. The participants were introduced to the application of quantum dots and crystallography studies in manufacturing.

The first technical session held on day one was delivered by Dr. Ramprasad, Principal - Jnana Vikas Institute of Technology, Bengaluru. He spoke about the advances in friction stir welding. This session also summarized the recent advances in the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of FSW/FSP aluminum alloys. The second technical session had Dr. Lakshsmanan V, Associate Professor - SRM TRP Engineering College, Trichy. He discussed the advancements in welding of dissimilar materials particularly focusing on welding of Incoloy 800HT and P91 steel.

On day 2, Dr. Ramesh, Assistant Professor and Dean Academic, Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge and Technology, (IIIT Cuddappah) discussed the mechanism of plastic deformation in the manufacturing process while emphasizing modes of deformation, dislocation, and critically resolved stresses. The next session was on Controlling Absorptive and Emissive Color in Soft Systems Using Organic Molecules and Quantum Dot by Dr. S. Krishna Prasad, Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru. The focus was on photonic bandgap resulting in various colors, self-assembly routes to tuneable photonic crystals, emissive colors, and their anisotropy and quantum nanostructures.

On day 3, Dr. G. L. Samuel, Professor, Manufacturing Engineering Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, presented recent advances in manufacturing mainly focusing on 3D printing. The next session was by Dr. Man Djun Lee, Lecturer at Curtin University, Malaysia. The topic of discussion was Sustainable Future and Agricultural Waste Management. He revealed the research opportunities in the field of oil palm waste management and also spoke about renewable energy for a circular economy.

On day 4, Dr. Bupesh Raja V K, Professor, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, started the proceedings with the presentation on Friction Drilling - A Green Hole Making Technology. He spoke about the advantages of friction drilling over conventional drilling and also highlighted the research in the area of finding the use for coated friction drilling tools like plasma nitride, liquid nitride, and PVD TiN coated tools, alloy, and sandwich materials. The next session was by Dr. Lilly Mercy, Associate Professor, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, titled Optimizing Process Parameters in Conventional Drilling of Composites. The presentation encompassed the factors influencing the drilling process, the need to optimize drilling parameters, a brief discussion on various optimization methods, and also guidance on choosing the right optimization process.

On day 5, Dr. Kiran KS, Professor, Department of Physics, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), presented his research experiences in the area of Crystallography in the Drug Delivery System. The next session was by Dr. A. D. Urade, Assistant Professor, Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur, on Finish-cut EDM Strategy in Precision Manufacturing.

On day 6, Dr. Paramasivam K, Research Associate, School of Laser Science and Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, spoke about the advances in the laser forming process. The first half of the presentation focused on various aspects of laser forming processes like direction of bending, laser bending parameters, uniformity of free edge, forced cooling, etc. The next half focused on the research works carried out by him in the laser forming of stainless alloys with cut-outs.

Dr. Chadrashekar Shastry, Dean - PG Studies from Faculty of Engineering and Technology, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) joined in the valedictory session to conclude the FDP. He congratulated the participants and organizers on the successful completion of the program. Dr. Chadrasekar Shastry highlighted the challenges faced by the faculties and students to meet the requirements of Industry 4.0 and 5.0. Participants also shared their feedback in the valedictory program. Dr. Adarsha also congratulated the participants and organizers. Dr. Aravindan M K concluded the FDP with the vote of thanks.

An online MCQ exam was also conducted for the participants based on the various topics discussed during the FDP program. Most of the participants fared well and were presented with the certificate. This Faculty Development Program (FDP) fulfilled its prime objective to bring the faculties of different engineering, science, and allied subjects onto one platform to update them with the advances in the machining, manufacturing, and computing processes.