Associate Professor | Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation Research
Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, China

Dr. Ray Tahir Mushtaq is an Associate Professor specializing in Hybrid Additive-Subtractive Manufacturing, with a focus on integrating 3D printing with laser-based postprocessing, finishing, and machining processes. His research develops advanced manufacturing solutions for high-performance biomedical and industrial components.

Research Focus: Bridging Additive and Subtractive Technologies
Dr. Mushtaq’s work centers on the synergistic combination of additive manufacturing (3D printing) and subtractive processes (laser polishing and cutting) to overcome the limitations of standalone methods. His expertise includes:

• Laser-Enhanced Additive Manufacturing: Using CO₂ laser polishing to improve the surface quality, mechanical strength, and biological compatibility of 3D-printed parts.

• Design for Hybrid Manufacturing: Developing biomimetic lattice structures (e.g., Gyroid) for bone scaffolds that are optimized for both 3D printing and post-process laser treatment.

• Process Integration & Optimization: Applying parametric modeling, Response Surface Methodology (RSM), and Taguchi methods to optimize hybrid process parameters for efficiency, precision, and sustainability.

Academic Pathway
He holds a PhD (2023) and MS (2018) in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern Polytechnical University (NWPU), China, where he also completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023–2025). His graduate studies were supported by the Chinese Government Scholarship. He earned his BSc in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology Taxila, Pakistan.

Scholarly Contributions & Leadership
Dr. Mushtaq has authored over 50 SCI-indexed publications, with 21 as first or corresponding author in leading Q1/Q2 journals. His research advances the science of hybrid manufacturing systems for biomedical and aerospace applications. He serves as a Guest Editor for international journals and has performed over 100 peer reviews for top-tier publishers including Elsevier, Springer, and Wiley.

Mentorship & Collaboration
Committed to translational research, Dr. Mushtaq mentors graduate students, develops funding proposals, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to bridge advanced manufacturing research with real-world engineering challenges.