The spearhead of the research and development activities of the FMT group consists of 3D printing of metals and various finishing treatments in the optimisation of product features, such as rapid thermal processing and chemical and mechanical surface treatment.

The FMT group serves enterprises by offering for their use the latest production technology and scientific research data in order to develop existing activities and to create new commercial breakthroughs. The group’s activities are based on solid materials expertise, covering the product process from design to manufacture. The spearhead of the research and development activities consists of 3D printing of metals and various finishing treatments in the optimisation of product features, such as rapid thermal processing and chemical and mechanical surface treatment. The operations are closely connected to various research and development measures related to the properties and usability of materials, and the group has specialised in piloting the latest innovations at a rapid time span, which creates added value from the superiority factors of the processes/products as well as from the rapid commercialisation process. The technology readiness levels of developed and studied methods vary on a wide scale starting most commonly from the proof of concept (TRL 3) phase, continuing to prototype manufacture (TRL 7) and support for start of production.

The FMT group operates in the facilities of Nivala’s Elme Studio and the University of Oulu in close cooperation with other actors. The operating principle is based on both project work (public + private funding) and direct contract research (private funding). The projects typically last for 2-3 years. Direct contract research is always case-specific. Research and development services are open to all enterprises in the sector, and the group’s acts in close cooperation with other national and international research organisations.

The research team is using the latest printing and heat treatment technologies. Currently, in metals 3D printing research, the company is using a SLM 280 printer based on powder bed fusion method as its own equipment, as well as adjustable induction heaters in the power range 1–600 Kw (15 kHz – 1.1 MHz). In addition to various surface treatment technologies and diverse laser laboratory (welding, coating, cutting), the group has extensive materials characterisation equipment especially in order to determine mechanical properties (e.g. fatigue). The group is also using equipment from the University of Oulu and other partners in order to carry out profound material studies.