Implementation of DeD AM in future manufacturing - IDiD

The university of Oulu’s Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT) research group is the main implementer in the new joint Nordic research consortium Implementation of DeD AM in future manufacturing (IDiD) project, which aims to promote the introduction of metal directed energy deposition methods in companies.

Directed energy deposition (DeD) is a 3D printing method that opens new possibilities for the production of large and demanding parts. 3D printing of metals by directed energy deposition is possible with modern robotic welding and CNC cells that are used in industry. The goal of the project is to promote the renewal of the engineering industry in the region by utilizing already existing equipment for the direct energy deposition of metals. The project produces information on the management of the directed energy deposition process and the mechanical properties of the direct energy deposited structures. In addition to local industry, the project is carried out in cooperation with international equipment manufacturers.

For the sustainable development of the metal industry, it is important that the directed energy deposition becomes more common: it also accelerates the digital manufacturing revolution. The introduction of metal printing methods in companies is also one of the keys to maintaining security of supply during crisis situations, such as war or a pandemic, when global supply chains do not operate normally.

IDiD project is beeing funded by the Interreg Aurora 2021-2027 funding programme and the budget of the project is around 2 million euros. In addition, the project is being funded by the Regional Council of Lapland, the city of Nivala, Nivala Industrial Park Ltd, Region Norrbotten and two finnish companies. IDiD project will be implemented between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025 and the main implementer of the project is the FMT group, and the other implementers are the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT), Luleå University of Technology (LTU) and UiT - the Arctic University of Norway.