Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT)

Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT) group's research utilizes a variety of technological fields, ranging from material engineering to manufacturing. The group aims to cost-effectively bring out desired properties of the materials into the end product.

Research topics include e.g. characterization and customization of materials, whereby special heat treatments can be performed on the material, for example by means of induction or laser. Different surface treatments and mechanical forming can also be performed on the material. With characterization you can determine i.e. static and cyclic strength, microstructure, weldability and formability of the material.

FMT has plenty of experience and skill in designing work steps and machines parts, as well as simulating (lightweight and robust structures) and utilizing engineering workshop know-how. The group’s laboratory and equipment enable also plastic and metal additive manufacturing, material welding and cost-effective production automation prototyping.

FMT’s areas of expertise in development are design of testing and piloting environments, as well as their implementation and use. The group also participates in technology development through its partnerships, while utilizing results from fundamental research. Thus, FMT works as a helping agent in transferring the latest knowledge to companies and the industry, but also a developer of exceptional research pilot schemes. The group investigates future manufacturing methods and material phenomenon, among other things, in cooperation with leading research teams in the field.

The group’s research and development often create a base for new innovations to grow, which have later been applied in the industry. FMT’s researchers work and design together with our partner(s) to manufacture and personalize innovative parts that fulfil their set demands and requirements. After the design process, the part is prototyped with the selected manufacturing method, such as 3D printing. The FMT group also organizes innovation workshops, where the participating experts of the field discuss about new innovative steps in the manufacturing industry.

Academic knowledge and skills and goals of companies can meet though this cooperation, sparking mutually beneficial knowledge and know-how. Through this practice the group has successfully been able to create cost-effective solutions for companies and bring academic knowledge and expertise to the industry.

Since FMT group’s operations are in large part based in Nivala, we are in a close-knit collaboration with many local actors, such as the city of Nivala, Nivala Industrial Park Ltd., as well as the Nivala-Haapajärvi Sub-region Association Nihak. There are also many partnerships with local businesses in the metal industry through projects and commissioned research cases. In addition to well established relations with the local actors, the FMT group’s operations receive vital support and funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), its different programs and local operators Council of Oulu Region and Regional Council of Lapland.

Many of the researcher also work at the university’s main campus in Linnanmaa, Oulu. There, the FMT research group works together with many material and mechanical technology research units and the Centre for Advanced Steels Research (CASR).

Visiting and postal address:
University of Oulu, Kerttu Saalasti Institute
Pajatie 5, 85500 Nivala, Finland

Research Director
Antti Järvenpää, D.Sc. (Tech.)
antti.jarvenpaa(at)oulu.fi
+358 40 672 0544

Development Manager
Kari Mäntyjärvi, M.Sc. (Tech).
kari.mantyjarvi(at)oulu.fi
+358 40 084 3050

Post-Doctoral Researchers
Atef Hamada, D.Sc. (Tech.)
atef.hamadasalef(at)oulu.fi
+358 45 251 6553

Ahmed Abdelghany
ahmed.abdelghany(at)oulu.fi

Mahmoud Khedr
mahmoud.khedr(at)oulu.fi

Project Managers, Researchers and Engineers

Terho Iso-Junno, M.Sc. (Tech).
terho.iso-junno(at)oulu.fi
+358 50 467 1213

Matias Jaskari, M.Sc. (Tech).
matias.jaskari(at)oulu.fi
+358 50 543 0823

Markku Kananen, M.Sc. (Tech).
markku.kananen(at)oulu.fi
+358 40 559 4969

Aappo Mustakangas, M.Sc. (Tech).
aappo.mustakangas(at)oulu.fi
+358 50 511 9346

Mika Puirava, B. Eng
mika.puirava(at)oulu.fi
+358 50 467 0285

Timo Rautio, Lic.Sc. (Tech.)
timo.rautio(at)oulu.fi
+358 50 562 4668

Mikko Hietala, M.Sc. (Tech).
mikko.hietala(at)oulu.fi

Sanna Viirelä, B. Eng
sanna.viirela(at)oulu.fi
+358 50 575 7022

Joonas Päkkilä, graduate
joonas.pakkila(at)oulu.fi

Jari Arvola
jari.arvola(at)oulu.fi

Alessandro Ranta-Nilkku
alessandro.ranta-nilkku(at)oulu.fi