Turku University of Applied Sciences develops circular economy of metal products together with the University of Turku

Metal parts used in industry are rarely repaired after they have broken down. Turku University of Applied Sciences and the University of Turku have launched a project to develop effective methods for repairing metal products and thus improving the reliability of industrial maintenance.

– Today, in many industries, a broken part of a machine or piece of production equipment can affect the entire production chain. It is possible that the supply chains for spare parts are long. In addition, special parts are not easy to find on the shelves, and of course all this takes up valuable working time,” says Miikka Karhu, a Senior Advisor at Turku University of Applied Sciences.

The New Life for Metals project focuses on solving this problem, namely the repair of large or complex industrial parts using direct deposition. Direct deposition is one method of 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, of metals. It can either be used to build a new product in layers or to add material on top of an existing metal part to add features or repair a part if it is worn.

– Direct layering saves time, resources and energy. However, a new part always requires melting, alloying and machining of the metal, and all this takes energy. By repairing metal products, it may be possible to make much more durable end products: a part subject to heavy wear can in principle be made more durable by using a different grade of metal. Better durability will bring savings in the longer term,” says Karhu.

– It should be remembered that about 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from steel production and about 10% from metal production. Steel is often made from iron ore and fossil carbon, and it is therefore important to extend the lifetime of metal products as much as possible,” says Oskar Karlström, Associate Professor of Circular Economy at the University of Turku.

Karlström adds that the circular economy emphasises the key concept of extending the life cycle of products. It is good to understand that extending the life cycle of products is demanding. In addition, assessment methods need to be developed.

The repair can be carried out on the premises of the plant, saving time. Almost all weldable materials are suitable for direct deposition, including stainless steels, cobalt alloys, structural steels and various nickel alloys. In particular, the chemical, process, marine and mining industries can benefit from direct deposition and process development.

The New Life for Metal Products project will first take stock of the state of technology in general and of companies in Southwest Finland. At the same time, the business potential of the method will be mapped. Ten years ago, Sitra estimated that the machinery sector alone has a growth potential of €300-450 million if the circular economy is integrated into its business operations. A circular economy perspective can create entirely new businesses offering repair services for metal products.

The project combines the expertise of Turku University of Applied Sciences and the University of Turku in mechanical engineering and production economics, creating a better understanding of the repair possibilities of metal products. The project will end in summer 2026 and is co-funded by the Regional Council of Southwest Finland and the European Union. From Turku University of Applied Sciences, the project involves the research group of Manufacturing Engineering.

A new life for metal products

In the New Life for Metals project, we support companies in adopting a circular economy.

Discover the Life of Metal Products project

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