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 — University of Maribor, 2014
  • Associate Professor since 2022
  • 15+ peer-reviewed papers
  • 40+ industrial projects

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Afrim Gjelaj, portrait

Publications

  • 2016
    A. Gjelaj. Intelligent CNC Programming of Machine Tools: Artificial Techniques. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing. ISBN 978-3-659-88662-1.
  • 2025
    A. Pajaziti, O. Tafilaj, A. Gjelaj, B. Berisha. “Optimization of toolpath planning and CNC machine performance in time-efficient machining.” Machines 13(1):65. DOI: 10.3390/machines13010065.
  • 2024
    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. DOI: 10.3390/machines12080512.
  • 2022
    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). DOI: 10.14456/ITJEMAST.2022.86.
  • 2019
    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.
  • 2013
    A. Gjelaj, J. Balič, M. Ficko. “Intelligent optimal tool selections for CNC programming of machine tools.” Transactions of FAMENA 37(3):31–40.
  • 2023
    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.
  • 2020
    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.
  • 2011
    A. Gjelaj, J. Balič. “Optimization of cutting tool path generation using genetic algorithm.” DAAAM Proceedings.
  • Cross-disciplinary collaborations (surface-roughness / wear measurement, with University of Prishtina dentistry colleagues):
  • 2025
    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. DOI: 10.1186/s12903-025-07242-1.
  • 2025
    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. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e41867.

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Research & projects

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.

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.

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.

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

Email
afrim.gjelaj@uni-pr.edu
Affiliation
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering · University of Prishtina · Prishtina, Kosovo
Department
Manufacturing and Automation
Profiles