Igor Ortiz is a R&D Project Manager for special projects at Ikergune-Inzu Group, with over 15 years of expertise in product development, computer aided engineering (CAE), computer aided manufacturing (CAM) and production facilities. He holds an MSc in Industrial Engineering from Ecole CESI (France), an MBA from the University of Barcelona. He has completed an executive program in Mergers & Acquisitions from ESADE business school. Sponsored by his company, currently he is pursuing an international PhD at the Polytechnic University of Madrid and research stays at Penn State University. Igor focuses his research on the fatigue analysis of laser-powder DED manufactured gear teeth. Igor Ortiz is R&D Project Manager for Advanced Projects at Etxetar & Ikergune, part of Inzu Group. With over 15 years of experience in product development, computer aided engineering (CAE), computer aided manufacturing (CAM) and production facilities. He holds an MSc in Industrial Engineering from CESI, College of Engineering and an MBA from the University of Barcelona. In addition, he has enhanced his leadership skills through ESADE's Mergers & Acquisitions executive program. Igor has completed three research stays at Penn State University and now leads several Etxetar & Ikergune funded programs at the Gear Research Institute (GRI), the Center for Innovative Materials Processing through Direct Digital Deposition (CIMP-3D) and the Millennium Science Complex. Currently, he leads an advanced machine tool laser cell program focused on near net shape/freeform manufacturing, advanced repairs and coatings for high added value parts. He specializes in automating laser processes, such as Laser Powder DED, Laser Hardening and Laser Peening. While pioneering innovative workflows and technologies to elevate laser-based manufacturing, repair solutions and novel coating applications.