Repair Instead of Replace

When repairing components, conventional methods often reach their limits because they remove more material than necessary and are also very time-consuming. Additive manufacturing (AM) offers a promising alternative. It allows for the production of complex parts with minimal material usage. This technology opens up new opportunities, particularly for the repair of metal components.

Why Repairs Often Fail

Internationally, interest in this process is growing significantly. However, in the Bavaria-Austria border region, widespread adoption is still lacking, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises. The reasons for this are, on the one hand, a shortage of qualified personnel and, on the other hand, limited knowledge transfer between research and industry. Furthermore, maintenance is not a core activity for many manufacturing companies. The result: long downtimes, inefficient repairs, and high costs for replacement parts.

AMRT Brings Industry and Research Together

This is where the cross-border AMRT project comes in. The University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria in Wels and the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences are pooling their expertise and working closely with companies from both regions. The goal is to compile know-how on AM-based repair, develop practical training programs, and make the technology usable in everyday industrial settings.

Two Methods Under Test

“In this context, repair means identifying geometric and material defects in the component, removing them, and then applying new material using additive manufacturing,”

explains Fabian Riß from Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences. He and his team are focusing on wire-based laser cladding, while the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria is conducting parallel research on powder-based laser cladding. Both partners jointly evaluate the processes and adapt them for industrial use. The goal: repairs using less material, in less time, and at affordable costs.

“By working on two different processes, we can develop practical solutions for various components with specific requirements,”

says Aziz Huskic from the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria.

Practical Training Programs

In addition, the project partners are developing training formats that demonstrate real-world applications and empower skilled workers to use modern manufacturing technologies safely and efficiently.

“These programs are cross-border initiatives—this is intended to ensure that the technologies are applied on a broad scale. In the long term, this will strengthen the competitiveness of local companies and create skilled jobs throughout the region,”

emphasizes Veronika Miron from the Plastics Cluster, which is supporting the project. The project manager adds:

“We’re connecting the participating research teams with Austrian companies and ensuring that the developed solutions are quickly put into practice.”

AMRT – Additive Manufacturing Repair & Training

Project partners:

• Technische Hochschule Rosenheim (Lead)
• Fachhochschule Oberösterreich Campus Wels 

Project Duration:

January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027