Master's thesis: Effect of process and heat treatment on Metal Additive Manufactured FeCrAl materials

Background
RISE is collaborating with industry to advance precision manufacturing using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) for demanding applications in regulated sectors. The focus is on understanding the impact of additive manufacturing process parameters and further heat treatments on the properties of alumina forming iron-based materials (FeCrAl).

Description
The aim of the thesis is to understand how printing parameters of AM material can affect the final properties of the materials. The thesis addresses a large part of the value chain including printing process, heat treatment and surface treatment of the material. The thesis can be split in three distinct research areas:

1. Development of the AM process for surface texture

2. Evaluation of the effects of heat treatments on microstructure

The main tasks of the thesis are:

• Literature study on PBF-LB of FeCrAl materials, influence on microstructure and surface state

• Design of experiments, manufacturing and characterization of printed samples using various techniques such as light optical microscopy, SEM, optical profiling for surface topography.

• Evaluation of the effect of the manufacturing processes on different heat treatment

• Evaluation of printing parameters and surface treatment

• Summarising findings and providing recommendations for a more robust PBF_LB workflow for FeCrAl materials

Qualifications
We are looking for one Master’s student (30 credits) with:

Background

• Enrolled in a Master’s programme in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline

Skills and interests

• Strong interest in lab work, experimental methods, and materials characterization

• Enjoys data analysis, structured documentation, and systematic comparison of results

• Motivated to work in an applied, industry-oriented research environment

Meriting knowledge

• Knowledge of Additive Manufacturing, especially metal AM / PBF-LB

• Metallography

Terms
Extent: 20 weeks
Start: Mid March 2026
Location: RISE Mölndal, Sweden
Compensation: For an approved thesis project worth 30 credits, we pay a compensation of 39 990.

Welcome with your application!
Apply with your CV, short motivation letter (max 1 page) and transcript of records.

Contact person: Frederic Tholence (frederic.tholence@ri.se)

Last day of application: 2026-03-08