Advanced Materials Processing Laboratory (AMPL)
The Advanced Materials Processing Laboratory, led by Dr. Sandeep Sahu, focuses on developing advanced metallic materials through controlled processing and microstructural engineering. The group works at the intersection of metal additive manufacturing, severe plastic deformation, and thermomechanical treatments to tailor grain boundaries, refine microstructures, and enhance mechanical, corrosion, and functional performance.

Research Focus & Materials Systems
AMPL investigates process–structure–property relationships in stainless steels, Ni-based superalloys, Al- and Mg-based alloys, Cu alloys, and multi-material additively manufactured components. The emphasis is on understanding fundamental deformation and transformation mechanisms while developing practical routes for high-performance materials.

Processing Techniques
The laboratory actively employs and integrates a wide range of advanced processing routes, including:

• Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and other metal additive manufacturing methods

• High-pressure torsion (HPT) and other severe plastic deformation techniques

• Hot rolling, annealing, and thermomechanical treatments

• Multi-material joining and interface engineering

Characterization Techniques
AMPL uses state-of-the-art characterization tools to reveal microstructure, defects, and phase evolution across length scales, including:

• Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD)

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)

• X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for phase analysis and texture studies

• Microhardness mapping and mechanical testing

• Corrosion and wear properties evaluation of processed alloys

Vision
The lab aims to design robust processing strategies that deliver reliable, high-performance, and sustainable metallic materials for applications in aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Through integrated experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student-led research, AMPL serves as a leading centre for advanced materials development at IIT Mandi.

“When we control structure, we create performance.”