Project duration: 1 April 2017 – 31 March 2020

Objective

The main objective of the project FASTRAM is the up-scaling of FAST techniques for the production of sustainable hard materials, for substituting existing hard metal (WC-Co) in the selected particular applications.Europe’s share of the world’s primary and secondary tungsten consumption is estimated to be 12 000 tonnes or 13 % of the world total of 90 000 tonnes for 2011, and 74 % of it is imported. New market areas will enable investments for production facilities and that way open possibilities to participate also to the larger invitation of tenders. For AMES the main driver is also to find new business areas. AMES is a producer of PM metal parts for different sectors. The introduction of products in the mining sector will be very interesting for the company. The production of new products will open the possibility of increasing the production lines.For Metso, hard materials containing no W or Co would be desired also due to their role in REACH and in Conflict mineral listings.

The solution (technology)

The FASTRAM project will strengthen the competitiveness of industries across Eu-rope and contribute to increased employment and growth, mainly focused on mining sector. From R&D; centres and universities, to material suppliers, component manufacturers and final users. It is a key point of the FASTRAM project to provide knowledge, skills and technology for the design of new sustainable hard metals using advanced technologies that respond to end-user needs.After a successful up-scaling process, it is an aim of the project is not only to facilitate the growth of the partners of the project but also to be a springboard for supporting people with ideas to create start-ups. FASTRAM project also embraces the principles of sustainability (sustainability in terms of the elimination of hazardous and possible carcinogenic materials like cobalt). FASTRAM is focused in the mining sector, but the development achieved within the project will affect the KIC community in general. In the near future, the development can be easily adapted for other sectors like cutting tools or other sectors.

Partnership

  • Fundación Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Spain (Lead Partner)
  • Aleaciones de Metales Sintetizados, S.A. (AMES), Spain
  • Exote Oy, Finland
  • H.C. Starck GmbH, Germany
  • Metso Minerals Oy, Finland
  • Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. VTT), Finland

For more information please, visit the official website of the project.