ProFlex

Research area: Smart Industry

Project code: 385994

Language: Finnish

Project description

ProFlex – Flexible and Business-Transforming Production is a rural business cluster project coordinated by the Smart Industry research area at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK). In the project, four SMEs operating in rural areas of Ostrobothnia and South Ostrobothnia are working together with VAMK to integrate additive manufacturing into their own production and product development processes.
The project responds to a transformation in manufacturing, where demand is increasingly focused on small batches, bespoke products, fast deliveries and customer-driven solutions. By combining 3D design, industrial design and additive manufacturing in a practical way with the companies, pilot projects are being carried out to develop production tools, prototypes, components and new product solutions.

At the heart of the project is needs-driven co-development with companies: through the pilot projects, each company contributes practical experience from its own sector, testing findings and production challenges, which form the basis for building a cross-sectoral, generalisable roadmap. The roadmap is a concrete ‘Path from idea to product and from pilot to production’ operating model, which will enable other companies in the region to benefit from the results generated by the project.

The project will enhance the capacity of the region’s SMEs to develop their production, reduce dependence on the supply chain, strengthen security of supply and create new business opportunities, including in markets suitable for dual-use applications. The project will also generate new expertise for businesses in the Technobothnia region.

Goals