Exel relies on TUT’s research expertise
Long-term collaboration benefits both parties
Exel Oyj, known for its sports poles for skiing and Nordic walking, engages in diverse collaboration with the Laboratory of Plastics and Elastomer Technology at TUT. "We have a long-standing tradition of research collaboration. This is why we are reliable and familiar partners to each other", tells Jyrki Vuorinen, Professor of Plastics and Elastomer Technology.
Exel actively participates in the development of technology and materials with universities and centres of expertise in composite technology. "Often companies don't have the necessary resources to conduct basic research, so they usually invest in short-term projects", says Product Development Manager of Exel Oyj, Jukka Juselius.
Special properties and durability with composite materials
Exel manufactures, for example, protective covers for mobile phone antenna masts. For such tall structures durability is of utmost importance, because the masts must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain and temperatures below zero.
Nanotechnology competence through networking
Exel partners with TUT in the FinnNano programme of the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes) in developing durable materials for industrial components with the help of nanotechnology. "There’s an array of suitable application areas – most important are the outstanding mechanical properties of plastic components. They offer our customers added value", estimates Juselius.
TUT’s researchers are not working alone in these projects, but collaboration is carried out with several research centres and institutes of higher education. Collaboration with companies benefits the research unit on an international level, as well, since company contacts may spawn new contacts with global research units.
"We are definitely reaping the benefits from research collaboration. Working with competent cooperation partners is like a virtuous circle with people stimulating each others’ thinking", describes Vuorinen.
Exel partners with TUT in developing durable nanotechnological components for industry