Project objectives
The objectives are divided into three main areas:
- To develop laser-based repair and coating methods (EHLA, handheld laser) as well as binder jetting technologies that reduce material waste and enable the utilisation of recycled hard metals.
- To create a data-driven approach for the development of new metal alloys, replacing critical and/or hazardous elements such as cobalt, tungsten and hexavalent chromium with sustainable alternatives.
- To develop machine learning-based real-time control and monitoring systems that improve process reliability and reduce errors.
Project activities
- To develop and investigate repair and coating methods (EHLA, handheld laser cladding and binder jetting). Validation includes optimisation of process parameters and comprehensive performance testing under industrial conditions.
- To establish a research-based AI/ML-assisted alloy design methodology that integrates thermodynamic simulations (Thermo-Calc) with machine learning.
- To develop real-time process automation for laser-based methods, utilising sensor fusion and machine learning in closed-loop control systems.
Contact details:
HAMK
Janne Sundelin
janne.sundelin@hamk.fi
tel. +358 50 521 7894
SAMK
Veli-Matti Härmä
veli-matti.harma@samk.fi
tel. +358 44 710 3360
Tampere University
Jari Tuominen
jari.tuominen@tuni.fi
tel. +358 40 849 0196
University of Oulu
Jukka Kömi
jukka.komi@oulu.fi
tel. +358 40 5490311
Project outcomes
- Validated manufacturing methods: Laser cladding solutions suitable for on-site repair, as well as binder jetting and EHLA coating processes, enabling practical deployment, extending component lifecycles, and reducing material waste.
- New metal alloys: AI-assisted alloy designs based on non-critical raw materials, meeting high requirements for wear, corrosion, and fatigue resistance.
- Automation solutions for laser-based processes: A real-time control system based on sensor fusion and machine learning, enabling closed-loop control with a response time of under 50 ms in industrial conditions.
- Extensive characterisation data: Microstructural, mechanical, and performance data demonstrating the properties of the developed solutions compared to current methods.
- Guidelines and recommendations: Guidance for further development and industrial implementation of the methods.
The RELA project is a Business Finland Co-Research project, involving collaboration between research organisations and SMEs. The project includes four research organisations: Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), Tampere University, and University of Oulu, as well as 16 companies. The project is coordinated by Häme University of Applied Sciences.