Our Team
PROFESSORS
MASSIMILIANO ANNONI
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS
- Master Thesis in Mechanical Engineering (Automation and Robotics), Politecnico di Milano, 1999
- Assistant Professor in Manufacturing Technology and Systems, 2002
- Founder and Scientific Coordinator, WatAJet s.r.l., 2015
- Coordinator, WJ_Lab, Waterjet Laboratory, Politecnico di Milano, 2015
- Coordinator, PoliMill, Waterjet Laboratory, Politecnico di Milano, 2015
- Coordinator, MI_crolab, Mechanical Micromachining Laboratory, Politecnico di Milano, 2015
The main topics of research of Massimiliano are:
- Chip removal processes modelling, simulation and digitalisation.
- Machining of high-precision relevant features (ultra-flat surfaces, thin walls, thin pins, etc.).
- Error sources evaluation. In-situ tool and part measurements.
- High precision waterjet cutting modelling, monitoring, process control, diagnostics.
PhD CANDIDATES
FRANCESCO BARNA
PhD CANDIDATE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2017
- MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2020
Francesco's research activity consists in the advanced digitalization of chip removal production processes with the aim of creating a completely digital workflow from start to finish. This is accomplished using state of the art industry available software (VERICUT, Siemens NX and others) which will interact with FOSS internally written programs.
Beatriz Olarte Martinez
PhD CANDIDATE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- MSc. in Industrial Engineering, University of Zaragoza, 2012
- MSc in Biomedical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, 2014
Beatriz's research activity consists in the definition and development of process planning and a methodology for the standardization of information concerning the resources used, the manufacturing operations and its products, taking into consideration the knowledge of the operator during the setting up of a production cell.
Christian Mhanna
PhD CANDIDATE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.E. in Mechanical Engineering, Lebanese American University, 2022
- MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2024
Christian's research deals with the development and validation of a force prediction model during the micromilling process, expanding its capability to the case of ball-end mills.
Andrea Monfredini
PhD CANDIDATE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
SERVICE INNOVATION, PROPOSER
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2017
- MSc in Mecahnical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2021
Andrea's research activity consists in the mapping and dynamic evaluation of the production capacity on numerically controlled industrial machines, with the aim of optimizing the production planning of the entire plant and real-time verification of the quality of the production process.
RESEARCH FELLOWS
ALESSANDRO TENCONI
RESEARCH FELLOW
- Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2020
- Master’s Degree: Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2022
Alessandro's research activity concerns the digitization of the micromilling process starting from the use of FEM simulation and the implementation of mechanistic models for the prediction of the force generated during the process itself.
Francesco Tarantola
RESEARCH FELLOW
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2017
- Master’s Degree: Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2023
Francesco's research activity is focused on optimizing Python code for force computation in micro-milling in order to be able to develop an application for industrial use. Integrations with machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) will also be explored.
Kiara Geovana Rodrigues Da Silva Nascimento
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2021
- Laurea Magistrale: Ingegneria dell’automazione, Politecnico di Milano, 2024
Kiara's research focuses on real-time data collection from the machining center. The collected data is analyzed to monitor machining quality and machine performance over time.
ANTONIO COSTETTI
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, 2020
- MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2024
Antonio's research focuses on the micro-milling of precious metals for the jewelry sector, placing particular attention on the correlation between processing parameters and surface finish.
CURRENT THESIS STUDENTS
Mohamed Maajith Rahman Sheik Abdul Kader
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Production Engineering, Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology, 2021
The thesis is carried out in collaboration with a company specialized in precision mechanics, focusing on evaluating advanced manufacturing solutions for broach tools. The work includes three key areas: assessing the feasibility of waterjet cutting for roughing operations, exploring the integration of wireless sensors to monitor tool wear, and investigating the application of wire EDM turning to eliminate traditional machining steps. The project combines academic research with direct industrial involvement and aims to develop solutions applicable in real manufacturing environments.
Felicia MASTURZO
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Universty of Salerno, 2023
The thesis is carried out in collaboration with Caracol, a company active in the production through WAAM technology. The work combines experimental activities on real components and research activities, with the aim of evaluating the use of waterjet cutting for the removal of supports, testing the process on pieces actually produced. In parallel, design guidelines are developed to facilitate this phase starting from the design and improving its quality.
LUIGI MASTROCINQUE
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2023
L’obiettivo della tesi è quello di acquisire dati in tempo reale durante una lavorazione da una macchina utensile per tornitura e immagazzinarli in un database aziendale. Questa acquisizione permetterà la realizzazione di un’analisi degli stessi dati, principalmente in termini di usura e consumi energetici.
Daniel valmori
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2023
The thesis focuses on the design and development of a database system with a specific focus on high levels of performance for industrial environments. High-speed reading and writing must be achieved for the storage of real-time data acquired from machines during production.
Abdul Moiz
MSc STUDENT IN DESIGN & ENGINEERING
- Laurea di Primo Livello: Ingegneria della Produzione Industriale, NED University of Engineering & Technology, 2022
The objective of Abdul thesis work is to design, validate and manufacture and innovative chassis for an Edge Device for Industry 5.0 applications in manufacturing. The Device will leverage the complete product pipeline of Siemens NX from CAD to CAM, from CFD to FEM, the finalized device will be manufactured and put in operation within the PoliMill laboratory.
RIFAA JAVED
MSc STUDENT IN DESIGN & ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aligarth Muslim University, 2022
The objective of Rifaa thesis work is to design, validate and manufacture and innovative chassis for an Edge Device for Industry 5.0 applications in manufacturing. The Device will leverage the complete product pipeline of Siemens NX from CAD to CAM, from CFD to FEM, the finalized device will be manufactured and put in operation within the PoliMill laboratory.
Devin Ardisa Thiodorus
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Indonesia, 2021
Devin's research concerns the development of an AR/VR method to manage extremely delicate topics in manufacturing, such as remote operator training, maintenance operations and the management of a virtual environment compatible with the production environment.
GRADUATED THESIS STUDENTS
Ekin Numan Uludere
MSc STUDENT IN DESIGN & ENGINEERING
- Bachelor's Degree: Industrial Product Design, Istanbul Technical University, 2023
- Master’s Degree: Design & Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2025
The thesis is centred upon the design and manufacturing of a camera for motorsport applications considering the constraints deriving from the racing teams with an eye on versatility and upgradability. The thesis will also consider a similar set up deployable within machine tool
Francesco la speme
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2020
- MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2025
Creation of a machine vision system capable of correlating components that are mounted on the machine tool, such as vices and other fixing systems to 3D objects derived from CAD.
YANNICK PAGANI
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2022
- MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2025
Yannick's research will mainly take place at WatAJet s.r.l. and consists in the study of a system with a peristaltic pump for the introduction of abrasive in gel solution into Micro Abrasive Waterjet systems. The aim is to guarantee the low flow rate required by the type of application in a constant manner over time.
SIMONE TESA
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2022
- MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2025
Simone's thesis consists of the development of an automated tool centering system for magnesium micromachining for biomedical applications, using the Kern EVO high-precision machining center.
MARCO ROSSINI
MSc STUDENT IN DESIGN & ENGINEERING
- Bachelors Degree: Industrial Product Design, Politecnico di Milano, 2020
- Master’s Degree: Design & Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2023
Marco's research thesis is aimed at developing and engineering an interactive totem to bring AR and VR technologies into learning, so that this sector can have objective benefits: in particular, the world of manufacturing will be explored.
Hamidreza Yekchekiyan
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, 2020
- Master’s Degree: Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2023
Hamidreza's research thesis is focused on improving data communication between the machine and the host computer for real-time data monitoring and developing a graphical user interface (GUI) for their representation.
FABRIZIO SALA
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2020
- Master’s Degree: Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2022
Fabrizio's research thesis concerns the use of finite element simulation as a tool to predict forces in micromachining processes, also considering the evolution of temperature, tool deflection and stresses and strains induced on the machined piece.
Antonella Polimeno Camastra
MSc STUDENT IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2020
- Master’s Degree: Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2022
Antonella's research thesis concerns two-phase fluid dynamics (air-water) for the experimental and CFD analysis in OpenFOAM of a low pressure water jet used for traction of brass wires in an EDM machine.
Federica grimaldi
MSc STUDENT IN DESIGN & ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Industrial Design, University of Rome La Sapienza, 2020
- Master’s Degree: Design & Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2022
Federica's research thesis concerns the design in the field of sustainable mobility, starting from a study of reworking of steel plates from automotive applications.
HONGWEI XU
MSc STUDENT IN DESIGN & ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Design, Mechanical Construction and Automation, Tongji University, People's Republic of China, 2020
- Laurea di Primo Livello: Ingegneria Gestionale e della produzione, Politecnico di Milano, 2020
- Master’s Degree: Design & Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2022
Hongwei's research thesis concerns the development of an industrial camera for in-situ measurements on general machine tools. This new optical measurement product would be based on machine vision technology which focuses on in situ measurement with fast response and high adaptability.
SAMER ABOU MRAD
MSc STUDENT IN DESIGN & ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Architecture, Lebanese American University, 2018
- Master’s Degree: Design & Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2022
Samer's research thesis concerns the study of a structure that could be used to better integrate designers into the world of production on two levels: the first at an academic level through additions to the study programs and the second at a professional level through sharable data online.
Danel asier Errasti Arrizabalaga
B.S. student in mechanical engineering
- Laurea di Primo Livello: Ingegneria Meccanica, Mondragon Unibertsitatea, 2023
Danel's research thesis is focused on developing the foundations of a machine learning (ML) approach to predict dimensional errors in micro-milling as a function of process parameters. The goal is to provide the first steps of a long-term work that will be improved over time and help advance the LIVE4.0 project.
PAST RESEARCHERS
MARGHERITA PIZZI
PhD CANDIDATE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2018
- MSc in Biomedical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2020
Margherita's research activity consists in the study of magnesium micromachining for biomedical applications, using the high-precision Kern EVO machining centre. Her project is based on the development of a magnesium-based drug-releasing intraocular device.
VENKATESHWER SANKARANARAYANAN
RESEARCH FELLOW
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Anna University, India, 2019
- Master’s Degree: Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2022
Venkateshwer's research activity regards the optimization of the machining parameters for the reduction of the residual stresses in railway wheels. In order to understand and minimize the development of residual stress in the tensile direction by optimizing the machining parameters using for the machining operation both through simulation and real time experimental measurements.
TIZIANA VARIO
RESEARCH FELLOW
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2019
- MSc in Mecahnical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 2021
Tiziana's research activity concerns micro-milling and high-precision machining on a 5-axis YASDA YMC 650. Furthermore, it carries out research on 5-axis abrasive water jet machine.
