Hambal Iqbal
Postdoctoral Researcher | Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
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Summary: R&D Specialist
Results-driven Mechanical Engineer and R&D specialist with 5+ years in advanced manufacturing & materials. Expert in data-driven process/product optimization and quality control, specializing in DED, LPBF & WAAM Additive Manufacturing. Currently advancing research as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Bologna.
Key Expertise
R&D Leadership
Leading complex projects in metal additive manufacturing (DED, LPBF, WAAM).
Process Optimization
Optimizing manufacturing processes through DOE, statistical analysis, and ML.
Innovative Solutions
Developing solutions for biomedical, aerospace, and automotive applications.
Team Management
Managing cross-functional teams and international collaborations.
Technical Proficiencies
Advanced Manufacturing
  • Metal AM, WAAM, LPBF, FDM
  • CNC/CAM
Process Control
  • In-situ monitoring
  • Parameter optimization
  • Quality control
Digital Tools
  • SolidWorks, ANSYS, Python (ML/DL)
  • Minitab, nTopology, Geomagics, OriginPro
Industry 4.0
  • Machine learning
  • Process automation
  • Data analytics
Experience: Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna
1
Adjunct Professor
Sept 2025 - Present (3 months)
Teaches master's courses on advanced/sustainable manufacturing, supervises students, and updates teaching materials.
2
Postdoctoral Researcher
March 2025 - Present (9 months)
Optimizing biomedical implant design and production using FE analysis, graded structures, and LPBF.
3
Doctoral Researcher
Nov 2021 - March 2025 (3 years 5 months)
Conducted experimental studies on DED processes (GMA, PTA-based WAAM, Laser-wire DED), material characterization, and data analysis.
Experience: SUI SOUTHERN GAS COMPANY
Operation Engineer
April 2016 - Sept 2017 (1 year 6 months)
Managed operation and maintenance of Turbo-machines (Gas Turbine-driven industrial compressors). Handled troubleshooting, interfaced with PLC/HMIs, interpreted process parameters, and maintained equipment for uninterrupted flow.
RLNG Project
Pre-commissioning, supervision, and monitoring of mechanical works, including turbine/compressor alignment, auxiliary equipment installation, and station valve calibration.
Early Career & Education
Halcrow Pakistan
Trainee Engineer (Oct 2015 - Jan 2016)
Worked on the Pakistan Deep Water Containers Ports project, supervising power plant construction and verifying mechanical works.
Pakistan State Oil Company (PSO)
Intern (July 2013 - Aug 2013)
Worked in infrastructure and construction, making bills of quantities and calculating materials for new gantry construction.
Education
PhD, Politecnico di Milano (Master), Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology (Bachelor).
Skills & Languages
Top Skills
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Lattice Structures
  • Research & Development
Languages
  • English (Full Professional)
  • Urdu (Native or Bilingual)
  • Baluchi (Native or Bilingual)
  • Hindi (Professional Working)
  • Italian (Limited Working)
Certifications & Honors
Certifications
  • Security, Computer terminal, Occupational stress
  • Health, Security, Risk
  • Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • School of Climate Change 2021 (9-weeks)
Honors & Awards
  • Gold Medal in Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
  • Merit scholarship for Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering
Publications
  • Elucidating the effects of metal transfer modes and investigating the material properties in wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM)
  • Analysis of process parameters, deposition strategies and build orientations in wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM)
  • Dry Grinding: A More Sustainable Manufacturing Process for the Production of Automotive Gears
  • A process-driven experimental analysis of different wire-fed Directed Energy Deposition processes employing the Laser, Electric Arc and Plasma sources
  • Experimental investigations on solid and metal-cored creep-resistant wires deposited under GMA and PTA-based wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM)
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