Using 3D printing of large pieces is promoted with an extensive joint project in Finland - The University of Oulu is the leader in the 3.2-million-euro project

This EU-funded project of a wide network of universities and companies is led by the University of Oulu. The development work in the project is mainly carried out in the laboratory of the University of Oulu's Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT) group in Nivala.

"We have gathered a good team. We have the best know-how and the best equipment for the 3D printing of large pieces and its research and product development, meaning that the different 3D printers complement each other comprehensively. Our network extends well across the country, which means that we can improve the 3D printing expertise of large pieces nationwide," says Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT) Group Development Manager Kari Mäntyjärvi from the University of Oulu's Kerttu Saalasti Institute.

The implementation of the three-year project is carried out by the Additive Manufacturing Research- and product development operators of Northern Finland (University of Oulu, Lapland Education Center REDU), Eastern Finland (University of Eastern Finland, Savonia University of Applied Sciences), Southern Finland (LUT University) and Western Finland (Tampere University of Applied Sciences). Innovation platform DIMECC Ltd's ecosystems FAMN (Finnish Advanced Manufacturing Network) and FAME (Finnish Additive Manufacturing Ecosystem) ensure the project’s business impact. 3DTY includes twenty companies from the manufacturing industry around the country.

"By researching and developing the use of new technology together with companies, we can speed up its application in practice. With the help of pilots and demonstrations, we are able to offer participating companies reliable information about the application of 3D printing of large parts to their specific applications. Through our networks, we can disseminate emerging information to other companies struggling with the same questions. For example, there is no information or concrete examples in Finland about the use of 3D printing for large-scale mold manufacturing. In this way, we promote the renewal of the industry and generate new business", says Senior Ecosystem Lead Antti Karjaluoto from DIMECC Oy.

In the technology of additive manufacturing, i.e. 3D printing, we are at a stage in the size range of large pieces, meaning a maximum of a few meters, where there are technologies available for industrial use, both in metal and plastic printing, and in combining different materials. In the industrial process, additive manufacturing is seamlessly connected to other manufacturing technologies, and when manufacturing large pieces, 3D printing and machining and different joining methods can alternate.

"The 3DTY project supports the engineering industry of North Ostrobothnia to 3D print large metal pieces using direct deposition technology. The project will produce practical information on how the tens of robotic welding cells in the region and hundreds of robotic welding cells in the country will be partially or fully harnessed for 3D printing," says Antti Järvenpää, research director of the Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT) group from the University of Oulu's Kerttu Saalasti Institute.

3D printing is a digital technology, the transition to which also supports the green transition of companies. It helps to manufacture products energy-efficiently and with a smaller amount of waste.
3DTY is part of the Renewing and competent Finland 2021–2027 EU regional and structural policy program. The support of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has been granted by the South Savo Business, Transport and Environment Center (ELY). The total budget of the project is 3.2 million euros and the budget of the University of Oulu is 536,000 euros.

More information:

Kari Mäntyjärvi, Development Manager, University of Oulu's Kerttu Saalasti Institute - Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT), kari.mantyjarvi@oulu.fi, + 358 400 843050

Antti Järvenpää, Research Director, University of Oulu's Kerttu Saalasti Institute - Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT), antti.jarvenpaa@oulu.fi, +358 40 6720 544