Thomas Björk holds a Ph.D. in materials science. He currently leads the group in Cutting Technology at Swerea KIMAB. The research is focused on machinability and machining processes of steels for components, transmissions, tool steels and aerospace materials. Studies of the cutting tools used and tool wear mechanisms are critical in explaining and differentiating machinability behavior. As Research Leader in Cutting Technology he also serves as secretary of the Member Research Consortia in Cutting Technology at Swerea KIMAB. He is the Institute's representative of the International Academy for Production Engineering (CIRP).