Engineers discussing and looking at a machine

RELA

Resource-wise manufacturing

Project information

Project	Rela – Resource-wise manufacturing
Duration	1.4.2026 – 30.9.2028
Partners	Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), Tampere University (TAU) and University of Oulu (OY)
Funders	Business Finland
Budget	1 298 790 €

In RELA project, we are developing solutions for small and medium-sized companies in the metal industry that reduce dependence on critical and harmful raw materials, improve competitiveness, and support the circular economy.

The metal industry is a critical sector for Finland’s exports and security of supply, but its competitiveness has weakened due to raw material supply issues, cost pressures, and the demands of the green transition. In RELA – Resource-wise manufacturing project, we are developing solutions for SMEs in the sector that reduce dependence on critical and harmful raw materials, improve competitiveness, and support the circular economy.

We address key challenges in the metal industry by combining new manufacturing methods, AI-assisted alloy design, and process automation. We investigate how critical and hazardous materials can be replaced and process quality ensured, as well as how recycled hard metal powders could be utilized. We generate new research data on material microstructures, the effects of process parameters, and AI-based optimization methods, which support product development and enable the industrial implementation of solutions.

The results of our research strengthen the competitiveness and exports of the Finnish metal industry. Companies gain new insights and methods to help them meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and the industry’s need for renewal. At the same time, the research enhances security of supply and reduces the environmental impact.

The project consortium consists of 16 companies and 4 research organizations. The research conducted will generate new expertise at the intersection of metallurgy, manufacturing technology, and artificial intelligence, and pave the way for international collaborative projects.

Target group

The target group consists primarily of small and medium-sized companies in the metal industry.

Operating area

The project will benefit the Finnish metal industry.

Project objectives and results

OBJECTIVES:

To develop laser-based repair and coating methods, as well as binder jetting technology, that reduce material waste and enable the utilization of recycled hard metals.
To create a data-driven method for developing new metal alloys, replacing critical and/or harmful elements with sustainable alternatives.
To develop real-time control and monitoring systems based on machine learning that improve process reliability and reduce errors.