Lars-Erik Rännar

Lars-Erik Rännar is a Professor at the Department of Engineering, Mathematics and Science Education (IMD) at Mid Sweden University, where he serves as Deputy Head of Department and research leader in additive manufacturing. He earned his PhD at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) with a thesis on injection molding cooling optimization.

• Academic affiliation: Mid Sweden University (Campus Östersund)
• Research focus: Additive Manufacturing (Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion, PBF-EB)
• Teaching areas: Manufacturing, 3D modeling, reverse engineering, CAD

His research spans material development for PBF-EB processes, with a particular emphasis on medical applications, sports technology, and certification of advanced manufacturing techniques. He supervises PhD student William Sjöström and leads projects like NewAIMS and FRAMGRAF, focusing on graphene-enhanced materials and super-duplex steel fabrication. His team is one of few globally certified for PBF-EB development.

Key publication trends show expertise in metal additive manufacturing (316L steel, Ti6Al4V), process optimization, microstructure control, and biomedical applications. Collaborations include academic-industry partnerships in Sweden and international institutions.

As subject chair for mechanical engineering, he oversees course development spanning basic to advanced manufacturing topics. Current research priorities include new material development for PBF-EB and exploring graphene integration for enhanced metal properties.