Full-time study

4 years

prof. Ing. Josef Sedlák, Ph.D.

Chairman :
prof. Ing. Josef Sedlák, Ph.D.
Councillor internal :
prof. Ing. Ivan Křupka, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Antonín Záděra, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Jan Zouhar, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Libor Pantělejev, Ph.D.
Councillor external :
Ing. Martin Petrenec, Ph.D.
Ing. Jiří Rosenfeld, CSc.
Ing. Libor Beránek, Ph.D.

The doctoral study programme in Manufacturing Technology is focused on production sciences and technologies, namely machining, forming, welding, foundry technology, surface treatment technology, including automation of production preparation and automation of production processes that use and require these technologies.
During the study, students will gain knowledge of applied mathematics, physical metallurgy, experimental theory and optimization of technological processes, along with other theoretical and practical knowledge closely related to the selected area of doctoral study.
The aim of the doctoral study programme is to prepare highly qualified staff for scientific work in the field of engineering technology. The study is focused on the knowledge of the theoretical basis of the whole field and also on a detailed acquaintance with the most important findings in a narrower focus, which are followed by the topics of the dissertation. The study is focused on preparation for scientific work in the chosen field and the achieved level of knowledge is presented at the state doctoral examination.
The ability to achieve original scientific results is demonstrated by the elaboration and defence of the dissertation. After a successful defence of the dissertation, the graduates of the doctoral study programme are awarded the academic title "Doctor" (abbreviated to Ph.D. after the name).

In the doctoral study of the Manufacturing Technology programme, it is possible to specialize in the field of machining technology and its optimization, forming and welding technology, foundry technology, production management, machine modelling applications and computer simulations. Doctoral students are able to participate in all forms of research, contract development and economic cooperation with industrial companies, where they solve advanced problems of technical practice. They also have the opportunity to take advantage of short-term and long-term internships and study stays in our country and within the EU in cooperation with foreign universities.
Graduates of the doctoral study program Engineering Technology have comprehensive professional skills and knowledge of production technologies, methods of their management and planning, have knowledge in the field of materials science and engineering in application to selected production technologies, both theoretical and practical.
Graduates of the doctoral study programme in Manufacturing Technology are expected to be employed in leading positions associated with the technical and technological preparation of production, its management and further development.
Graduates will also be employed as research and development staff in applied research centres as well as academic staff at universities and academic institutions.

Graduates of doctoral studies are equipped with very good theoretical and professional knowledge and therefore have a wide range of employment opportunities in professional or management positions within state and private engineering or interdisciplinary manufacturing companies, from small and medium-sized companies to large joint stock companies. The acquired knowledge can also be used as research and development workers or private entrepreneurs in our country and abroad.

See applicable regulations, DEAN’S GUIDELINE Rules for the organization of studies at FME (supplement to BUT Study and Examination Rules)

The rules and conditions of study programmes are determined by:
BUT STUDY AND EXAMINATION RULES
BUT STUDY PROGRAMME STANDARDS,
STUDY AND EXAMINATION RULES of Brno University of Technology (USING "ECTS"),
DEAN’S GUIDELINE Rules for the organization of studies at FME (supplement to BUT Study and Examination Rules)
DEAN´S GUIDELINE Rules of Procedure of Doctoral Board of FME Study Programmes
Students in doctoral programmes do not follow the credit system. The grades “Passed” and “Failed” are used to grade examinations, doctoral state examination is graded “Passed” or “Failed”.

Brno University of Technology acknowledges the need for equal access to higher education. There is no direct or indirect discrimination during the admission procedure or the study period. Students with specific educational needs (learning disabilities, physical and sensory handicap, chronic somatic diseases, autism spectrum disorders, impaired communication abilities, mental illness) can find help and counselling at Lifelong Learning Institute of Brno University of Technology. This issue is dealt with in detail in Rector's Guideline No. 11/2017 "Applicants and Students with Specific Needs at BUT". Furthermore, in Rector's Guideline No 71/2017 "Accommodation and Social Scholarship“ students can find information on a system of social scholarships.

The Doctoral Study Programme in Manufacturing Technology is a continuation of the currently accredited master's degree programme in Manufacturing Technology (N-STG), with specializations in Engineering Technology (STG), Engineering Technology and Industrial Management (STG), Modern Lighting Systems (MTS) and Foundry Technology (N-SLE) without specialization.
In the study of Manufacturing Technology, it is possible to specialize in machining technology and its optimization, forming and welding technology, foundry, production control, machine modelling applications, computer aided manufacturing technologies, computer simulations and thus allows to continue in the third stage of study. On the basis of a successful defence and achieving the scientific degree of Ph.D. the graduate demonstrates the ability of scientific work.

1. round (applications submitted from 01.04.2026 to 31.05.2026)

1. Design of a methodology for testing cutting tools for advanced materials used for interdisciplinary applications

   The topic of the thesis will be oriented on the design of cutting test methodology of innovative cutting tools, their implementation and analysis of the cutting process, which will be focused on finding the required properties according to machining operations. The research will cover the evaluation of cutting tool wear, surface quality analysis and other available parameters that will be the basis for the selection of practical applications.

   Supervisor: Sedlák Josef, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

2. Design of cutting tests and analysis of the useful properties of nesting cutters for cutting agglomerated materials

   The topic of the thesis focuses on the design of a methodology and testing of nesting cutters from available tool materials, taking into account the planned experiment. The research will focus on development tools, where the application of polycrystalline diamond (PKD) is expected and its testing in an uncoated state, but also with applied PVD coatings in order to find the optimal tribological and other properties (e.g., thermal stability, chemical affinity) of the carrier plate. The tool bodies themselves will be constructed from steel or heavy metal. The aim of the research is to design a methodology for cutting tests of these tools, their subsequent implementation, and analysis of the process focused on determining the required properties according to machining operations. The experimental part will examine the influence of the number of cutting edges (variants Z1, Z2, and Z3) and specific cutting geometry (PKD insert mounting systems "spiral" and "hedgehog") when cutting agglomerated materials, especially MDF and DTD. The key scientific problem addressed in the thesis is the efficiency of chip removal, which fundamentally affects the quality of the cut, the temperature field, and the dynamics of the process. The finite element method (FEM) will be used to analyze this phenomenon, followed by verification using a high-speed camera. The research will also involve evaluating the wear of PKD cutting edges, analyzing surface quality, cutting forces, and thermal loads in the cutting edge area as a basis for selecting practical applications. The work will also include analyzing selected wear criteria and creating a model for predicting tool life per sharpening.

   Supervisor: Sedlák Josef, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Innovative composite panels made of natural materials with long fibres

   The topic deals with the new design of composite panels and structures based on natural materials, especially long-fibre ones such as flax fabrics. The theme deals with compact panels as well as sandwich structures. Binder systems and manufacturing technologies are included in the thesis and their panel manufacturing efficiency and economic benefits will be evaluated.

   Supervisor: Zouhar Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Manufacturing and joining technologies for hybrid metal–composite components

   The dissertation will focus on manufacturing technology and joint design for hybrid metal–carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) structures, where the metal part is produced additively (metal 3D printing) and the composite part consists of carbon composite components. The key objective is to develop and validate a joint concept with high static load-bearing capacity and, in particular, high fatigue life under combined tensile and torsional loading. Approaches ranging from adhesive bonding through mechanical anchoring to hybrid joints (a combination of an adhesive and a mechanical fastener) will be employed, as these typically increase reliability and resistance to progressive damage. Specific attention will be paid to the interface on the additively manufactured metal side: the effect of controlled surface topography/roughness and integrated “anchoring” features on strength and joint failure mechanisms, because AM surface morphology significantly influences both joint strength and the fatigue behaviour of metal parts. The outcomes will be design guidelines (interface geometry, surface preparation technology, selection of joint concept) supported by experiments and a computational model for lifetime prediction.

   Supervisor: Zouhar Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

5. Recycling and upcycling of fibre-reinforced composites

   The topic focuses on developing and experimentally validating process chains for recycling and upcycling of fibre-reinforced composites (primarily GFRP/CFRP; thermosets and thermoplastics) with the objective of maximising recyclate value (fibres and, where applicable, matrix) under industrially feasible conditions. The work will systematically compare (and where beneficial, hybridise) the main recycling routes—mechanical, thermal, and chemical—and quantify their effects on fibre damage, interphase quality, morphology, and resulting mechanical performance.
   A core emphasis will be placed on mechanical recycling as an energy-advantageous option, while critically addressing its typical constraints (property losses driven by fibre damage and interfacial issues) and proposing mitigation strategies (surface treatment, compatibilisation, and re-processing optimisation).
   For thermoplastic composites, mechanically derived recyclates followed by consolidation/compounding will be investigated as a promising route to recover application-relevant properties in secondary products.
   “Upcycling” will be implemented through the design of higher-value applications (e.g., durable long-life composites and potentially fully recyclable composite systems) and demonstrated on selected prototype components.
   The research will be complemented by environmental and techno-economic assessment (LCA/TEA) and by formulating design-for-recycling guidelines in response to increasing circularity demands for composite waste streams (e.g., wind-energy composites).

   Supervisor: Zouhar Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.