Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bahman Azarhoushang
Spotlight on profs: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bahman Azarhoushang emphasises networking and international exchange
In the production hall of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (KSF) at Furtwangen University, the focus is on surface machining down to the nanoscale. The state-of-the-art equipment, consisting of precision machines and measurement systems, forms the foundation for the research of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bahman Azarhoushang. Here, he pursues a clear goal: to connect knowledge across disciplines and national borders.
His career path has taken him from a technology-enthusiast student to an institute director with an international focus. Today, he bridges the gaps between academia, industry, and global collaborations. At the KSF in Tuttlingen, he works with a team of around 30 researchers and approximately 20 students on topics such as precision engineering, advanced manufacturing processes, digitalisation and sustainable production. The aim is to translate research into concrete industrial applications.
From an early age, he was interested in how things are made and how complex systems and machines function. He viewed machines, materials, and processes as complex systems that needed to be analysed and further developed. While studying engineering, he gained practical industrial experience and discovered his passion for manufacturing technologies. After completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, he decided to pursue a doctorate at the University of Stuttgart, specialising in grinding technology.
After completing his doctorate, he received offers from several large corporations but deliberately chose to join a medium-sized company. At Bärhausen, he took over as head of research, development and applications. In this role, he oversaw industrial applications worldwide, visited numerous companies, and optimised manufacturing processes. This period shaped his understanding of industrial requirements and strengthened his international network.
In 2013, he accepted a position at Furtwangen University and assumed the professorship in Manufacturing Engineering as well as the leadership of the KSF. “I was drawn to the opportunity to combine research and teaching; on the one hand, to pass on my experience to young students, and on the other, to delve deeper into the areas I find particularly exciting. The role offers the freedom to set my own priorities in research and teaching.”
His areas of expertise lie in machining, grinding technology and electrical discharge machining, as well as in modern manufacturing systems such as laser processing, additive manufacturing, and data-driven production. The focus is not only on understanding the processes but also on their targeted further development and optimisation. A particular focus is on the integration of multiple processes as well as the development of hybrid manufacturing processes that enable productivity gains and unlock new potential in manufacturing. “I’ve always been convinced that research shouldn’t stay confined to the lab,” he says. “It must create tangible value − especially for industry and society.”
This philosophy also shapes the work at the KSF. Under Azarhoushang’s leadership, the institute has developed into a renowned research institute. Together with industry partners − ranging from regional small and medium-sized enterprises to globally active companies − the team works on solutions for real-world challenges in production − greater efficiency, higher sustainability, and better product quality.
“For example, with our ‘Recapture’ project, we are currently developing a new technology that can convert CO₂ from industrial exhaust gases − such as those from power plants − into useful raw materials,” reports Bahman Azarhoushang. Thanks to the advantages of additive manufacturing, specialised filter systems with complex geometries can be efficiently produced and specifically adapted to various industrial applications. The goal is to make industrial processes more climate-friendly.
In addition to his research, Azarhoushang is also active at the national level; at the beginning of the year, he was appointed to the German Science Council by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. International collaboration plays a central role in his work. Due to Furtwangen University’s location in the border triangle, there are close collaborations with partners in France and Switzerland. As part of the KTUR² tri-national innovation partnership, he works with international research institutions and companies on cutting-edge topics. “Topics such as sustainable precision manufacturing, digitalisation, and new materials can only be further developed through close cross-border collaboration,” Azarhoushang is convinced. His mission is therefore clear; to open doors − between disciplines, between industry and academia − and above all between countries.
Profs in the spotlight:
In this series, we introduce the distinguished scholars who teach and conduct research at Furtwangen University. As a university of applied sciences, Furtwangen University’s professors bring many years of practical experience to their work. We present these fascinating personal and professional stories in no particular order.