The Department of Applied Engineering serves as a bridge between science and industry. It connects cutting-edge research and development in materials science, additive technologies, and precision engineering with the practical needs of industrial partners. The department offers collaborative scientific research, professional internships, and a broad portfolio of commercial partnerships.

The primary mission of the department is applied research and development that facilitates the transfer of unique materials and advanced technological processes into real industrial applications. In doing so, it creates an environment for innovations that can be deployed in energy, healthcare, mechanical engineering, sensing technologies, and other technical fields.

The department comprises two specialized units: the MATCA Centre for Applied Research and Development and the Optical and Mechanical Workshops.

MATCA Centre for Applied Research and Development

MATCA leverages the unique infrastructure of FZU, enabling the complete development cycle of new materials — from thermodynamic design and production to characterization and the preparation of final products. A key piece of equipment at the centre is an atomizer, which enables the production of metallic powders suitable for subsequent processing using advanced additive manufacturing technologies.

The centre’s outputs are applied across a wide range of industrial sectors, including energy, defense, healthcare, and sensor systems.

Optical and Mechanical Workshops

Optical and Mechanical Workshops are an independent unit, which together with Optical Workshops form Department No. 31. This Department is a part of the Optics Division. In the workshops, we manufacture new parts, and we machine, modify or service components that are intended primarily for optical instruments and devices used by the Optics Division. All items are processed according to approved blueprints and in compliance with any relevant safety standards. 

Machinery equipment of Mechanical Workshops under Department 31: 

  • The Haas VF-3YT machine is equipped with a modern vertical CNC machining center designed for precision milling of medium to large parts. The maximum range of axes is X1000mm; Y650 mm; Z600 mm. C AXIS Faceplate diameter 310mm; length approx. 650 mm.
  • Milling of workpieces of up to 270 x 900 mm using FA 3, FN32, FN 40, CNC FVP30 milling machines, according to provided models
  • Turning of diameters of up to approx. 400 mm using SU 50, SV 18RA, SM 16A lathes.
  • Grinding of surfaces, round parts, and tools using BPH 20, 2 UD, BN 102 grinders
  • Drilling work using a VS 20B stand drilling machine.