Intelligent CNC & toolpath optimization
Tool selection, genetic algorithms for cutting conditions, and time-efficient machining—including collaborative work on machine performance and magazine/tool positioning.
University of Prishtina · Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Afrim Gjelaj
Associate Professor · Manufacturing, automation & CNC systems
Prof. Afrim’s work connects advanced manufacturing with industry practice: intelligent CNC programming, process optimization, and metal-cutting research, alongside long-term training and applied engineering projects in Kosovo and the region.
- PhD in manufacturing technology & systems (University of Maribor, Slovenia)
- Peer-reviewed publications in machining, CNC optimization, and related engineering topics
- Industry experience: CNC programming, CAD/CAM, and 40+ applied manufacturing projects (per public profile)
- Collaboration with GIZ and KIMERK as a CNC / advanced manufacturing trainer (since 2017)
0
Applied projects
2017
Training since
2022
Associate Professor
About
Education
- BSc & MSc in Mechanical Engineering — University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (Kosovo).
- Master’s practical work (2007–2008) — Juraform E.K. Rechberghausen (Germany), CNC milling using Mastercam.
- PhD (Dr.sc.), Manufacturing & Automation — University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (Slovenia), 2014. Dissertation: Automated and Intelligent Programming of CNC Machine Tools (“Samodejno in inteligentno programiranje CNC strojev”); supervisor Prof. Jože Balič, co-supervisor Doc. Dr. Mirko Ficko (DKUM repository).
Career
- Associate Professor — University of Prishtina, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (September 2022–present).
- Assistant Professor — Department of Manufacturing and Automation, same faculty (October 2017–September 2022).
- CNC trainer — GIZ & KIMERK Kosova (2017–present): turning, milling, machining centers, CNC plasma, and 3D printing for the metal industry.
- Autodesk Inventor designer — MTA2 Hebeprofi (March–August 2013): FMS-style layouts, 2D/3D/assembly design.
- CNC programmer — Kosova Steel (2007–2008): milling, lathe, machining centers, CNC plasma.
Research interests
Metal cutting and machinability of materials; CNC programming and toolpath optimization; CAD/CAM; optimization of machining parameters using artificial intelligence (genetic algorithms, artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic); surface quality and cutting forces; reverse engineering and product design; flexible manufacturing systems and factory/layout design; deep drawing and sheet-metal forming; hydraulics and pneumatics.
Teaching & mentorship philosophy
Bridging academic rigor with shop-floor relevance—students learn methods that mirror how modern factories program, measure, and improve processes. Industry projects and trainer work inform examples used in the classroom.
Research & projects
Process modeling & quality
Milling surface roughness, cutting force optimization, and experimental approaches using computational intelligence.
Systems & equipment design
Modular CNC design, welding robot layout for aluminium frames, production-line layout using FlexSim, and vehicle suspension design (collaborative).
Industry & training impact
Experience converting manual machines to CNC, FMS-style design in Inventor, and continuous professional training with GIZ and KIMERK in metal cutting, plasma, and additive topics.
Publications
- A. Gjelaj. Intelligent CNC Programming of Machine Tools: Artificial Techniques. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2016. ISBN 978-3-659-88662-1.
- A. Pajaziti, O. Tafilaj, A. Gjelaj, B. Berisha. “Optimization of toolpath planning and CNC machine performance in time-efficient machining.” Machines 13(1):65, 2025. DOI: 10.3390/machines13010065.
- A. Pajaziti, O. Tafilaj, E. Hasanaj, A. Gjelaj. “Optimization of CNC working time depending on the positioning of the tools in the magazine.” Machines 12(8):512, 2024. DOI: 10.3390/machines12080512.
- A. Gjelaj, B. Berisha, W. Sitek. “An experimental based approach using artificial intelligence algorithm for determining the surface roughness by milling process.” Int. Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management & Applied Sciences & Technologies 13(5), 2022. DOI: 10.14456/ITJEMAST.2022.86.
- A. Gjelaj, B. Berisha, F. Smaili. “Optimization of turning process and cutting force using multiobjective genetic algorithm.” Universal Journal of Mechanical Engineering 7(2):64–70, 2019.
- A. Gjelaj, J. Balič, M. Ficko. “Intelligent optimal tool selections for CNC programming of machine tools.” Transactions of FAMENA 37(3):31–40, 2013.
- A. Pajaziti, K. Stuja, A. Gjelaj, L. Calvin. “Design and optimization of the welding robot system for aluminium frames using simulation software.” Annals of DAAAM & Proceedings 34, 2023.
- F. Smaili, H. Ibishi, X. Mehmeti, A. Gjelaj. “Utilization of FlexSim software to identify the suitable layout planning of a production line.” UBT International Conference, 2020.
- A. Gjelaj, J. Balič. “Optimization of cutting tool path generation using genetic algorithm.” DAAAM Proceedings, 2011.
- Cross-disciplinary collaborations (surface-roughness / wear measurement, with University of Prishtina dentistry colleagues):
- B. Salihu, M. Stavileci, T. Pustina, X. Bajrami, A. Gjelaj, F. Rrustemaj, J. Véronneau. “Zirconium particles in toothpaste: a novel approach to whitening and its impact on enamel wear.” BMC Oral Health, 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12903-025-07242-1.
- M. Stavileci, T. Pustina, B. Salihu, J. Véronneau, X. Bajrami, A. Gjelaj. “In vitro evaluation of the abrasive capacity of zirconia whitening toothpaste on radicular dentin.” Heliyon, 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e41867.
Teaching
Courses
Bachelor
| Course | Semester | Year | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatizimi i prodhimtarisë | |||
| Bazat e metrologjisë | |||
| CAD dhe modelim i produktit | |||
| CAD/CAM | |||
| Fonderitë | |||
| Makinat CNC | |||
| Makinat për përpunimin e materialeve polimere | |||
| Pajisjet ndihmëse | |||
| Përpunimi i materialeve polimere | |||
| Përpunimi me prerje | |||
| Përpunimi me prerje I | |||
| Saldimi | |||
| Teknologjia e përpunimit të drurit | |||
| Teoria e përpunimit me prerje |
Master
| Course | Semester | Year | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menaxhimi i teknologjisë, inovacioneve dhe zhvillimit | |||
| Menaxhmenti strategjik | |||
| Pajisjet ndihmëse | |||
| Përpunueshmëria e materialeve | |||
| Projektimi i fabrikave |
Awards & recognition
- Promotion to Associate Professor (2022)
- — per tu mbushur
Students & mentorship
Prof. Gjelaj supervises and mentors BSc, MSc, and PhD students in the Department of Manufacturing and Automation, working closely with teaching assistants and PhD researchers on applied, industry-relevant projects.
Topics for theses & supervision
- CNC programming and toolpath optimization
- CAD/CAM and reverse engineering
- Machining-parameter optimization with AI (genetic algorithms, neural networks, fuzzy logic)
- Factory layout and flexible manufacturing systems (FlexSim)
Prospective students interested in these areas are welcome to get in touch.
Contact
- afrim.gjelaj@uni-pr.edu
- Affiliation
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering · University of Prishtina · Prishtina, Kosovo
- Department
- Manufacturing and Automation
- Profiles