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Business Finland grants funding for R&D project for silencers – opportunity for international growth
JTK Power is set to start an R&D project for new silencer technology. The project’s cost estimate is more than a million euros, and Business Finland has awarded a significant amount of funding for it. A-Insinöörit Suunnittelu Oy, an engineering company offering expert services, will be working in close cooperation with JTK Power on the project.
The objective of the project is to design new technology for silencer models of the future. The project integrates the entire chain of production from the laboratory to prototype production, testing, manufacturing and installation.
JTK Power’s R&D Director Jouni Hartikainen says that JTK Power is extremely happy with the funding provided by Business Finland. The company applied for it in December 2019 and it was granted in May 2020.
“JTK Power has huge potential for growth in the international market. To gain new customers, we need more know-how to allow us to further develop our business operations. This project offers a unique opportunity for that,” Hartikainen explains.
The new silencers will be modular
The project consists of designing and implementing modular silencer systems that are made up of different components. These silencer modules can be combined and assembled into a system that meets the needs of each final destination. At the moment, silencers are made in one piece from start to finish for each destination. Making them modular will speed up the manufacturing process and make it less expensive.
According to special expert Esa Nousiainen from A-Insinöörit Suunnittelu, creating modular solutions is something completely new in silencer design. The psychological effects of noise pollution are another important factor to take into account.
“In this project, we will focus particularly on the removal of the psychological stress and disruption caused by noise pollution, to help increase the well-being of people living close to power plants. The challenge is finding a technology that will make the silencers also durable and inexpensive to manufacture.”
The project consists of several stages and will take 2 years to complete. In addition, the project will help to develop JTK Power’s service business activities by acquiring more know-how about acoustic measurements.
Experts are confident the project will succeed
JTK Power and A-Insinöörit Suunnittelu have been collaborating for some twenty years, providing the ideal circumstances for a large R&D project.
“JTK Power has extensive experience of making silencers and the fortitude to follow through with the project. I am certain that they will make the most of the designs. The cooperation will also increase our expertise at A-Insinöörit Suunnittelu and our opportunities in the international market,” Nousiainen says.
Both Nousiainen and Hartikainen praise Business Finland’s mode of operation. Right from the planning of the project, a coach from Business Finland was there to stimulate their thinking processes. Throwing ideas around with technology and funding experts was a great help in planning the project.
“The positive funding decision is a sign that this project is worth implementing. It’s a big project, but we have a team of the best experts in the field to help us,” Hartikainen says.