Arif Rochman obtained his Dipl-Ing. (FH) degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Applied Sciences Munich, in Munich Germany, in 2000. He finalised his undergraduate study with a successful thesis at the former DaimlerChrysler Aerospace in Ottobrunn (Munich) where he worked on the failure analysis of fire protected glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP). Driven by his experience and interest in light weight structure and long fibre reinforced plastics, he furthered his studies in Polymer Technology at postgraduate level at Aalen University in Germany where he obtained his MSc Degree in 2002. He subsequently joined the Institute of Polymer Science and Processing at Aalen University, where he worked on several research projects in the field of polymer processing and polymer testing as well as on simulations of polymer processing.

In July 2010, he obtained his PhD degree from Queen's University Belfast (UK). His research work dealt with the development of a novel processing method for manufacturing thin-walled micro components made from engineering and high-performance polymers. In cooperation with one of the industrial research partners, the developed processing method, named Thermo Flow Forming (TFF), has been patented. TFF process enables the manufacturing of microparts made not only from standard polymer but also from high performance polymers, which are mostly high viscous and some of which not processable using injection moulding process.

Since January 2009, he works at the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (DIME) at University of Malta.

Funded Research Projects:

Rheometric 3D Printing (REO3D)
Programme: MCST FUSION R&I REP (2023)
Role: Principal Investigator and Coordinator

Elucidation of Crystallisation Process Using FFF 3D Printer Assisted IR Thermal Imaging
Technique on Plastic Waste (CPW)
Programme: HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (May 2024 - April 2026)
Role: Supervisor

Single Pellet Extruder for 3D Printing (SPELL3D)
Programme: MCST FUSION R&I CVP (R&I-2022-010)
Role: Principal Investigator and Coordinator

Combining 3D printing and Microinjection moulding for the fabrication of polymer components
with embedded miniature hollow cavities (MICORE)
Programme: MCST FUSION R&I REP (2022)
Role: Partner and Work Package Leader

Development and Performance Analysis of Sustainable Conformal Cooling Channels (CONFORM)
Programme: University of Malta TRAKE (2022)
Role: Principal Investigator and Coordinator

Innovative Mold Vacuum System (VacuUM)
Programme: MCST FUSION R&I TDP (R&I-2020-004T)
Role: Principal Investigator and Coordinator

Inflatable Arthroscopic Device as an Alternative to Knee Replacement Surgery (MALTAKNEE)
Programme: MCST FUSION R&I TDP (R&I-2019-027-T),
Role: Partner

Development of an Innovative 3D Printer (MALTI3D)
Programme: MCST FUSION R&I TDP (R&I-2018-009T)
Role: Principal Investigator and Coordinator

Biodegradable Iron for Orthopaedic Scaffold Applications (BioSA)
Programme: MCST FUSION R&I TDP (BioSA R&I-2017-037T)
Role: Partner

Development of 3D Printing Head with Laser Melting for Printers Using Fused Filament
Fabrication (FFF) Technology (LASeeeR)
Programme: MCST FUSION R&I TDP (R&I-2017-025T)
Role: Partner

Exploiting Multi-Material Micro Injection Moulding for Enhancing Manufacturing
Competitiveness (EX-MMIM)
Programme: MCST R&I 2012-002
Role: Partner and key expert 1

Editorial Board Membership:
Discover Mechanical Engineering Journal, Springer

Scientific Committee Membership:
International Conference on Advanced Computational Engineering and Experimenting (ACEX)
(www.acex-conference.com)
International Conference on Polymer Process Innovation Conference(PPI)(www.ppiconference.eu)

Patent:
Rochman A., Frick A., Schlipf M., Stern C., Production of Plastic Moulded Parts by Forming,
International Patent WO 2009/027019 A1, 05.03.2009