Dr. Dhiraj Deshmukh: Associate Professor at MET Institute of Engineering, Bhujbal Knowledge City, Adgaon, Nashik (Maharashtra), India
Dr. Dhiraj D. Deshmukh is an accomplished academic and researcher, serving as an Associate Professor and recognized Ph.D. Research Guide at MET Institute of Engineering, Nashik. With over 16 years of professional experience in the fields of Smart Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, and Welding Processes, Dr. Deshmukh has made significant contributions to the study of welding techniques such as Plasma Transferred Arc Welding (PTAW), AutoTIG, MIG, SMAW, and FSW. His research primarily focuses on materials joining, hardfacing, corrosion resistance, and failure analysis. Throughout his career, Dr. Deshmukh has demonstrated a keen ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry by securing research grants, publishing high-impact papers, and leading several industry-sponsored projects. His passion for education and mentorship has further extended to his leadership role as the Chairman of the IIW Students’ Chapter and his involvement in organizing numerous workshops and FDPs on advanced manufacturing technologies.
Online Profiles
Dr. Dhiraj Deshmukh is an academic with a notable research presence, as indicated by his citation metrics. With a total of 243 citations, his work has garnered attention in the scholarly community. His h-index of 8 suggests that he has made significant contributions, with 8 of his papers receiving at least 8 citations each. The i10-index of 7 further demonstrates the quality of his research, as it indicates 7 papers have been cited at least 10 times. These metrics highlight his consistent output and the relevance of his work in his field.
Education
Dr. Deshmukh earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat, in 2019, where his research focused on Plasma Transferred Arc Welding (PTAW) and hardfacing materials. He completed his M.E. in Manufacturing and Automation at K.K.W.I.E.E.R. Nashik in 2014, with a focus on advanced manufacturing processes and optimization techniques. His academic journey began with a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Shri Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Engineering, Shegaon, followed by a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Government Polytechnic Khamgaon. Throughout his education, he consistently demonstrated a deep interest in manufacturing technologies and materials science, laying the foundation for his future research endeavors.
Research Focus
Dr. Deshmukh’s research focuses on advanced welding techniques, smart manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and materials characterization. His work investigates the metallurgical behavior of coatings and overlays in welding, specifically through PTAW and other welding methods. He explores the deposition characteristics, corrosion resistance, wear performance, and mechanical properties of hardfaced materials like Stellite, NiCrBSiC, and Co-Cr-based alloys. Another key area of his research is optimizing welding parameters to improve surface integrity and wear resistance. Dr. Deshmukh also applies machine learning and AI in manufacturing processes to enhance automation and predictive capabilities. His multidisciplinary approach addresses practical industry problems such as premature failure analysis, process optimization, and sustainable manufacturing solutions.
Experience
Dr. Deshmukh has accumulated over 16 years of academic and industrial experience. Since 2019, he has been an Associate Professor and Ph.D. Guide at MET Institute of Engineering, where he leads research in welding and materials engineering. He has played an instrumental role in fostering collaborations with industries for sponsored research projects and guiding students through research activities. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at the same institution, where he pioneered research in welding and hardfacing technologies. His early career as a Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET) at Ultam Galva Steel Ltd., Khopoli, provided him with valuable hands-on experience in a steel manufacturing environment, enabling him to apply academic knowledge to real-world industrial challenges.
Research Timeline & Activities
Dr. Deshmukh’s research trajectory is marked by significant milestones and a consistent focus on solving industrial problems. His Ph.D. research (2015-2019) on PTAW was sponsored by KOSO India Pvt. Ltd., and it laid the groundwork for his future work on hardfacing materials and failure analysis. After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Deshmukh expanded his research to include additive manufacturing and smart manufacturing technologies. His research projects have received funding from various academic and industrial bodies, including a BCUD research grant of INR 2.5 Lakhs and AICTE grants for FDPs. His research timeline includes key studies on optimizing welding parameters, failure analysis of industrial components, and the development of AI-based systems for enhancing welding automation.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Deshmukh’s career has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. He was honored with the Promising Engineer Award 2020 by The Institution of Engineers (India) – Nashik Centre for his contributions to welding and manufacturing. Additionally, he received the Best Paper Award at the International Conference at SVNIT Surat in 2025 for his innovative research on hardfacing and welding techniques. Dr. Deshmukh has also been acknowledged for his leadership as Joint Secretary of the IIW Mumbai branch (2025-26). His efforts in advancing research and education have earned him several accolades, including an Appreciation Award from MET’s Institute of Engineering, Nashik, and the Primary Evaluator Certificate for Toycathon 2021.
Top Noted Publication
Deposition Characteristics of Multitrack Overlay by Plasma Transferred Arc Welding on SS316L with Co-Cr Based Alloy–Influence of Process Parameters
DD Deshmukh, VD Kalyankar
Published in High Temperature Materials and Processes, 38 (2019), 248-263.
Cited by 44
This study investigates the deposition characteristics of multi-track overlays using Plasma Transferred Arc Welding (PTAW) on SS316L, a stainless steel alloy, with a Co-Cr-based alloy. It explores the influence of various process parameters on the deposition quality and coating characteristics.On the Performance of Metallurgical Behaviour of Stellite 6 Cladding Deposited on SS316L Substrate with PTAW Process
V Kalyankar, A Bhoskar, D Deshmukh, S Patil
Published in Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly, 61 (2), 130-144 (2022).
Cited by 41
This paper focuses on the metallurgical behavior and performance of Stellite 6, a cobalt-based alloy, when cladded on an SS316L substrate using the PTAW process. It assesses the coating’s microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance.Metallurgical Characterisation of Multi-Track Stellite 6 Coating on SS316L Substrate
A Bhoskar, V Kalyankar, D Deshmukh
Published in Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly, 62 (4), 665-677 (2023).
Cited by 38
This research provides a detailed metallurgical characterization of multi-track Stellite 6 coatings deposited on SS316L, analyzing the effects of multi-track deposition on the mechanical properties and coating integrity.Recent Status of Overlay by Plasma Transferred Arc Welding Technique
DD Deshmukh, VD Kalyankar
Published in International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 56 (1-2), 23-83 (2018).
Cited by 36
A comprehensive review that presents the current status and advancements in the PTAW technique for overlay coatings, detailing the various materials, process parameters, and applications.Experimental Investigations and Optimisation of Ni-Cr-B-Si Hardfacing Characteristics Deposited by PTAW Process on SS 410 Using Response Surface Method
SP Kakade, AG Thakur, DD Deshmukh, SB Patil
Published in Advances in Materials and Processing Technologies, 9 (3), 826-842 (2023).
Cited by 12
This paper focuses on the experimental study and optimization of Ni-Cr-B-Si hardfacing coatings deposited by PTAW on SS410 steel. The response surface methodology (RSM) is used to optimize process parameters for better coating quality and performance.
Strength for the Best Researcher Award
1. Extensive Research Expertise in Advanced Welding and Manufacturing Technologies
Dr. Deshmukh’s research spans key areas in advanced welding (such as Plasma Transferred Arc Welding (PTAW), AutoTIG, MIG, and FSW) and smart manufacturing. His expertise in welding process optimization and materials joining has contributed significantly to industries facing challenges in corrosion resistance, hardfacing, and material failures. His studies on coating behavior, especially with materials like Stellite and Ni-Cr-B-Si, highlight his ability to explore complex material properties, making his work highly relevant for practical, industry-specific solutions.
2. Leadership and Industry Collaboration
Dr. Deshmukh has a remarkable ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry. As a Ph.D. Research Guide and Chairman of the IIW Students’ Chapter, he not only leads academic research but also fosters collaboration with industry stakeholders. His role in organizing workshops, FDPs, and securing sponsored research projects from industry giants, such as KOSO India Pvt. Ltd., underscores his role in shaping future engineering leaders while solving real-world industrial problems.
3. Recognized for Contributions to Welding and Hardfacing
Dr. Deshmukh’s work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Promising Engineer Award 2020 from The Institution of Engineers (India), Nashik Centre. His papers, like those on multitrack overlays using PTAW and the metallurgical behavior of Stellite 6 cladding, have garnered attention globally, with citations showing the impact of his work in the field. These contributions make him a leader in welding and hardfacing technologies, areas critical to industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy.
4. Pioneering Research in Additive Manufacturing and AI
Dr. Deshmukh’s expanding research into additive manufacturing and the application of machine learning (ML) in manufacturing processes is a significant strength. By incorporating AI-based systems for welding automation, he is pushing the boundaries of smart manufacturing, an area increasingly vital for the industry’s future. His integration of predictive technologies into welding and additive processes positions him as a researcher ahead of the curve.
5. Dedication to Education and Mentorship
Dr. Deshmukh’s passion for education and mentorship has been central to his career. His role in guiding students through research projects and providing opportunities to apply advanced techniques in real-world settings has left a lasting impact on many. By fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation, he ensures that his students are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the field of engineering and manufacturing technologies.