Towards a functioning circular economy and security of supply (KOHU)

Project info

Project	Towards a functioning circular economy and security of supply (KOHU)
Duration	1.5.2023-30.4.2026
Implementor	Hämeen ammattikorkeakoulu
Funding	EAKR
Budget	364 560 €

Towards a functioning circular economy and security of supply (KOHU) project aims to launch research and innovation activities related to additive manufacturing in Kanta-Häme.

The circular economy and the security of supply have emerged as important factors in the debate on the development of the machinery and metalworking industries. In the future, additive manufacturing techniques will more clearly rise alongside traditional manufacturing methods, enabling the production of more sustainable and recyclable products.

Towards a functioning circular economy and security of supply (KOHU) project aims to launch research and innovation activities related to additive manufacturing in Kanta-Häme. The project will strengthen circular economy skills and deployment in companies in the mechanical and metal industry by developing solutions to e.g. repair or reuse broken parts, and by utilizing 3D printing. The project also aims to improve the security of supply for companies by clarifying the compatibility of companies’ existing manufacturing machines with additive manufacturing methods, in order to make them suitable for repair and reuse operations.

The project will carry out targeted practical experiments, as well as related testing and research activities to evaluate the feasibility of the identified measures. Companies will also be supported in connecting to the field’s expert networks.

Work packages

Project coordination and communication activities.

Identifying how to transfer the knowledge and technology required to ensure the circular economy of the mechanical and metalworking industries to companies in the region
Organization of workshops
Sparring of the innovation development in the field

Identifying the equipment of the region’s companies and their suitability for the use of new technologies
Transfering the knowledge and technology required to ensure the security of supply of the mechanical and metalworking industries to companies in the region
Launching security of supply -related innovation activities in the companies

Experiments related to the circular economy and security of supply
Study and analysis of the technical aspects of the test pieces
3D printing of test pieces
Testing of new printing materials and their use in the pilots and applications in support of the research

Study on international and national innovation ecosystems
Discussions on cooperation opportunities with ecosystem representatives and companies in the region
Defining the vision and strategy for the circular economy and security of supply for the region’s mechanical engineering and metalworking companies
Initiating cooperation between companies and innovation ecosystems
Project studies