Erasmus+ izmenjava na ADMiRE Research Center, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences
Objavljeno: 06. okt. 2026
During my Erasmus+ exchange, I worked in the field of advanced polymer materials and additive manufacturing, with a main focus on engineering thermoplastic (ET), vitrimer materials, and their processing and characterization for 3D printing applications.
A major part of my work focused on the experimental investigation of ET and vitrimer-based materials. I prepared and printed different test specimens using fused filament fabrication (FFF) and investigated the influence of materials and processing conditions on the quality and properties of printed parts. Particular attention was given to build-plate adhesion and warping. Different materials and printing conditions were compared to identify conditions that improve print quality and dimensional stability.
I also performed mechanical testing of ET, vitrimer materials, and other prepared specimens. Tensile testing was used to determine key mechanical properties, including tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break. The results were used to compare different material systems and processing approaches and to evaluate the repeatability of the measurements.
Another important part of the exchange was polymer processing and recycling. I gained practical experience with injection moulding, including the preparation of specimens according to ISO 527-2 and optimization of processing temperatures and parameters. I also investigated mechanical recycling through repeated cycles of grinding and injection molding to evaluate the influence of repeated processing on the properties of PA12 and other polymer materials.
During the exchange, I worked with different additive manufacturing approaches, including conventional FFF, multi-material printing for sensor applications, continuous-fiber-reinforced printing, and granulate-based extrusion printing. I also gained practical experience with CAD design and optimization of printing parameters.
I was also involved in material characterization and data evaluation, including analysis of mechanical test results and comparison of specimens produced using different manufacturing technologies.
The exchange also included research meetings, collaboration with researchers and students, preparation of scientific presentations, and work on scientific publications related to polymer composites and additive manufacturing. I also presented and discussed my research at a conference.
Overall, the Erasmus+ exchange provided me with valuable practical experience in polymer processing, additive manufacturing, mechanical testing, recycling, and material characterization. It strengthened my research and experimental skills and improved my understanding of the relationship between material composition, processing conditions, and final part performance, with particular emphasis on the development of more sustainable polymer materials and advanced manufacturing processes.
Jaka Vaupot, Ekotehnologije
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