The Department of Metal Materials (OKM) is dedicated to the research, development, and application of modern metallic and composite materials. In teaching, it provides education in materials engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of Brno University of Technology at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels.

At the same time, it serves as a center for both basic and applied research in engineering materials and physical metallurgy. The department participates in national and international projects focused on new materials, lifetime extension of components, repair and refurbishment of engineering parts, and the implementation of advanced technologies into industrial practice.

Within the framework of lifelong learning, the department offers postgraduate studies and specialized qualification and retraining courses (e.g. non-destructive testing, metallography, heat treatment), addressing both students and industrial partners.

Key research and development areas

Core research projects and main topics addressed by the department include:

• Composite materials, specifically Metal Matrix Composites (MMC).
• Cold Gas Dynamic Spray (Cold Spray) and additive manufacturing – research and application of coatings, development of protective and functional layers, and Cold Spray-based metal additive manufacturing.
• Electron beam technology – utilization for welding, surface treatment, local heat treatment, and modification of metallic materials.
• Heat treatment of metal alloys – optimization of microstructure and properties for specific service conditions.
• Advanced metallic alloys – high-strength aluminium and magnesium alloys, and nickel-based superalloys for demanding applications (e.g. power engineering, aerospace).
• Special steels and cast irons – development and characterization of cast materials, tool steels, and special alloys with tailored mechanical and functional properties.

Research activities are closely linked to industrial practice – from fundamental studies of microstructure and mechanical behaviour to the design of specific technological procedures and material solutions for industrial partners.

Staff Expertise

Ing. Lukáš Řehořek, Ph.D.

• Study of advanced surface treatment technologies for metallic materials with an emphasis on Cold Kinetic Deposition (Cold Spray) – research of deposition methods and optimization of process parameters.
• Application of composite coatings with anti-corrosion and mechanically resistant properties.
• Study of mechanical and microstructural properties of coatings applied by modern technologies.
• Development of new material solutions to increase the service life and functionality of metal components.

Ing. Marek Doubrava, Ph.D.

• Basic and applied research of Cold Spray technology focusing on industrial utilization, technical problem solving, and technology transfer.
• Consulting in materials engineering and specialized training focused on Cold Spray.
• Optimization of deposition parameters for protective, wear-resistant, decorative, and repair coatings.
• Development of methods for evaluating metallic and composite coatings.
• Material selection for 3D printing (LPBF, FDM), testing, and optimization.

Ing. Pavel Doležal, Ph.D.

• Advanced magnesium alloys, biodegradable magnesium materials, powder-based magnesium biomaterials.
• Preparation and evaluation of new magnesium-based materials prepared by powder metallurgy.
• Research and development of heat treatment for TiAl6V4 titanium alloys produced by 3D additive technology (SLM) to achieve optimal microstructure and mechanical properties for aerospace applications.

Ing. Petr Havlík, Ph.D.

• Weldability of metallic materials using conventional and unconventional methods.
• Welding of heterogeneous joints followed by structural and phase analysis.
• Utilization of electron beam technology for welding, surface modification, and heat treatment of metallic materials.
• Cooperation with industrial partners in implementing new welding procedures or optimizing established welding and soldering processes.