Michael Head, PhD

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Software Engineer - Distributed systems, hardware control, applied ML



Engineer of 7+ years. Taught 3D printers new tricks. Now I build software.

Cross-domain: bits, atoms, and everything in between.

• SWE at Axle Energy

• PhD in L-PBF 3D printing

• Hold four land speed world records

• 4 granted/published patents

• Built production systems across hardware, cloud, and data

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Projects

WHPSC Race Data Analysis

WHPSC visualisation example

The World Human Powered Speed Challenge takes place in Nevada each year, and the current world record is 89 mph. In this project I analyse the race data from 2001-2019, creating visualisations for the riders, bikes, and runs.

L-PBF Additive Manufacturing Density Prediction Model

BEAM-ML Logo

Machine learning system for predicting relative density in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing. Combines process parameters with material thermophysical properties to improve density prediction accuracy.

In-Process Surface Finishing of L-PBF Produced Parts

Image showing a part with ablated and non-ablated surfaces

Developed a novel in-situ surface finishing process for laser-based metal 3D printing, achieving 85% improvement in surface quality (~2 μm roughness) and 12x better dimensional accuracy (±0.01mm) than conventional systems.

Hardware Interface Libraries

SPI G4 Pulsed Laser Control

Python library for controlling a SPI G4 pulsed laser.

CIMSII Midas Ink Control

Python library for controlling a CIMS-II Midas ink recirculation system.

Binder Jet Image Format Convertor

Convert between binder jet image formats, with presets for common controllers.

Patents

Semiconductor package produced by 3D printing (Granted)

A 3D-printing technique for building advanced semiconductor packages with better cooling and electrical performance.

Method of ink jetting to influence a microstructure (Granted)

A 3D printing process that mixes different inks as they're deposited, enabling control over microstructure and material properties in the finished product.

Additive manufacturing using binder jetting (Published)

A 3D printing technique that precisely controls material interfaces in 3D printed parts, enabling multi-material components with tailored properties and designed-in recycling capabilities.

Package produced by binder jet 3D printing (Published)

A binder jetting technique that uses different ink formulations on the same metal powder layer to selectively create electrical conductors and insulators, enabling customisable semiconductor packages with optimised electrical routing and thermal management.