RELA Resurssiviisas valmistus

The RELA project aims to support the recovery of Finland’s metal manufacturing sector, which has declined due to reduced global demand, rising costs, and the green transition. It focuses on developing sustainable, high-performance solutions using non-critical and non-hazardous materials to improve wear, corrosion resistance, and fatigue strength.

RELA introduces innovative technologies—Portable Hand-Held Laser Cladding, Extreme High-Speed Laser Application (EHLA), and Binder Jetting—combined with AI-assisted alloy design and machine learning-based process control. These methods are largely unused in Finnish and global manufacturing, making the research highly novel. The research addresses the following critical needs in the industry:

• Secure and sustainable raw materials: Replacement of critical and hazardous elements
(e.g., Co, W, Cr) with alternatives to improve security of supply and reduce environmental
impact.

• Cost-efficient repair and life-cycle extension: Advanced laser-based repair methods for
large, immobile components to minimize downtime and material waste.

• High-performance coatings and alloys: Wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and fatigueresistant surfaces for demanding applications.

• Accelerated alloy development: AI and simulation to shorten design cycles and enable
tailored properties for industrial use.

• Automation and quality assurance: Machine vision and closed-loop control to reduce
defects and improve reliability in additive manufacturing.

• Circular economy integration: Material reuse, reduce waste, and extend product life cycles
through innovative processes.

RELA brings together SMEs, mid-sized companies, corporations, and research institutions to tackle challenges beyond the capacity of individual actors. The outcomes will help Finnish industry comply with EU regulations (REACH, CRMA), support circular economy goals, and enhance global competitiveness through sustainable manufacturing.