Student brings cutting-edge expertise from Germany

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Buccholz_Steffen.jpg” caption=”Steffen Buchholz is a master’s student from Aachen, Germany. Photo by Susan Bubak.”]Steffen Buchholz is working on cutting-edge research — literally. The master's student from Rheinisch- Westfalische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen in Germany is working on developing an innovative technology to generate the microgeometry of cutting edges used in tools for machining applications.

“The technology can potentially enhance machining productivity and improve the quality of machined components in the automotive and aerospace sectors,” said Buchholz's supervisor, Phil Koshy, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Since arriving at McMaster last October, Buchholz began working as a research associate with Koshy in the Machining Systems Laboratory in the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute. He will be working on his master's thesis in manufacturing engineering until April.

Buchholz commented on the diversity of students and faculty at McMaster.

“You see people from everywhere,” he said. “The professors are from all over the world.” He added that McMaster's campus is much more compact than the one he attends in Aachen.

Koshy said students like Buchholz who come from one of the top machining research institutions in the world enhance McMaster's international reputation in machining research.

“Steffen has integrated himself well in a short time with the graduate students in my research group, and the academic interaction between students is of much benefit to both parties,” said Koshy. “Student exchanges such as this also contribute significantly to establishing specific research collaborations between McMaster and RWTH Aachen.”