Thomas has recently completed his M.Eng degree in Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo while working full-time at Liburdi Automation Inc. Thomas designed custom welding systems used in the aerospace industry. As a mechanical designer, he was drawn to the Advanced Design Engineering option offered, which kicked-off a series of collaborative projects between Liburdi and the program.
"The ability to work on meaningful, real-world projects while receiving one-on-one mentorship from experienced teaching staff was part of what attracted me to this stream. The advanced design concepts and techniques I was exposed to during my time in the program culminated into the design of Liburdi Automation’s new Friction Stir Welding system. A system capable of generating the high tool forces required for the processing of steels while using force and IR temperature feedback for closed-loop control; the first such system to be designed and built in Canada. This system is currently in use by Professor Adrian Gerlich and his research team at the Centre for Advanced Materials Joining (CAMJ) on campus".
