Circular economy advancing additive manufacturing (KIERTO-AM)

Project information

Project	Circular economy advancing additive manufacturing (KIERTO-AM)
Duration	1.3.2025-31.10.2027
Partners	HAMK LUT
Funders	The Regional Council of Häme (ERDF)
Budget	400 205 €

KIERTO-AM is strengthening the ability of metal and manufacturing industry companies in the Kanta-Häme region to adopt binder jetting technology.

Global challenges such as climate change and the depletion of natural resources call for more sustainable manufacturing solutions. Binder jetting supports this transition by enabling production that is lower in emissions and more efficient in terms of material and energy use. It is a 3D printing technique in which objects are built layer by layer by jetting a binding agent onto a powder material, forming a three-dimensional part in the desired shape. The method offers several advantages, including a wide range of usable materials and cost-effectiveness.

As part of the Promoting Circular Economy through Additive Manufacturing (KIERTO-AM) project, we are introducing a new binder jetting 3D printer and creating an accessible experimentation environment for companies at HAMK’s Riihimäki campus. The environment offers regional businesses the opportunity to prototype and innovate with additive manufacturing without major investments.

Saisiko tätä kappaletta vielä sujuvoitettua, merkitystä muuttamatta: Manufacturing companies in the region will receive hands-on support in utilizing binder jetting technology and will have the chance to test the new method in practice. In addition, we will enhance companies’ expertise in additive manufacturing and share knowledge on energy- and material-efficient solutions that support the circular economy. In doing so, we help companies innovate new business models and transition toward low-emission, resource-smart production.

As part of the project, we will also explore bio-based and industrial by-product materials that promote circularity and encourage companies to adopt them. LUT University, a project partner, brings complementary expertise in 3D printing technologies and the testing of printed components.

Target group

The target group of the project consists of metal and manufacturing industry companies operating in the Kanta-Häme region.

Operating area

Primary area of activity in this project is Kanta-Häme.

Measures to be implemented in the project

Comparison of binder jetting and laser powder bed fusion based on the samples

Printing and testing of sample parts

Evaluation of suitable applications for each technology and preparation of guideline documentation

Mapping of printing materials that promote circular economy and low-carbon production
Testing of metal powders that support circular economy and low-carbon objectives using the binder jetting method
Exploring the potential of using bio-based industrial side streams as printing materials for binder jetting, and developing bio-based binders
Designing and manufacturing a mold prototype using binder jetting for growing fungal materials that support the bioeconomy
Designing and manufacturing an innovative heat exchanger prototype, intended for use in fungal material cultivation, using binder jetting technology

Organizing a demonstration to showcase the printing environment, technology, and materials for companies
Refining the needs of companies in preparation for printing trials and conducting needs-based printing trials with selected companies
Ensuring the quality and durability of printed parts through testing and analysis

Publications on the results of work packages 1-4
Final seminar on the project results
Enabling a low-threshold, shared experimentation environment for companies to explore binder jetting technology

Integrating the project into the Defense and Security Technology and Innovation Network, DEFINE
Presenting the results achieved in the project to national and international ecosystems
Networking with international stakeholders

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