DED laser additive manufacturing: a lever for industrial remanufacturing
On 1 and 2 July 2026, IREPA LASER will take part in the PLI Conférences in Limoges, the leading event dedicated to industrial laser processes. On this occasion, our experts will speak in particular on a topic at the heart of today’s industrial challenges: DED laser additive manufacturing with powder and wire applied to prevention, repair and remanufacturing.
Extending component life: a major industrial challenge
In a context marked by pressure on resources, cost reduction and decarbonisation targets, manufacturers need to rethink their maintenance and production strategies.
The ability to extend component life is becoming a key competitive factor.
Laser Direct Energy Deposition (DED) processes, using powder or wire feedstock, address this challenge directly by depositing material locally, only where it is needed, with precise control of heat input and geometry.
They therefore offer high-performance solutions for:
- Repairing damaged parts,
- Cladding critical areas,
- Restoring components to their original dimensions,
- Tailoring surface properties to resist wear or corrosion.
DED processes already integrated into industry
The presentation will share several case studies from real-world industrial applications, demonstrating the maturity of laser DED processes.
These technologies are now used for:
- Restoring degraded functional surfaces,
- Repairing critical parts in harsh environments,
- Preventive cladding of equipment subject to high stresses,
- Integration into existing production lines.
Developments in heads and nozzles make it possible to achieve performance levels compatible with industrial requirements: high throughput, dilution control, repeatability and deposit quality, including on complex geometries.
Towards structured industrial remanufacturing
Beyond one-off applications, DED processes are now part of a broader shift in industrial models.
They make it possible to move from an opportunistic repair approach to a genuine remanufacturing strategy, aimed at extending equipment life while reducing costs and environmental impact.
This approach helps to:
- Reduce waste and raw material consumption,
- Secure the availability of critical parts,
- Improve the resilience of production chains.
The RESTORE project: industrialising large-scale remanufacturing
This momentum is illustrated by the European RESTORE project, presented at the conference.
Funded by the Horizon Europe programme, the project aims to structure the use of DED processes for large-scale remanufacturing applications, particularly on large components from sectors such as shipbuilding, rail and automotive.
The work focuses in particular on:
- Integrating recycled filler materials,
- Optimising deposition paths,
- Reducing manual operations,
- Digitalising the repair chain, from diagnosis to traceability.
The aim is to reduce uncertainties relating to costs, lead times and performance, while making these processes fully industrialisable.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under grant agreement No 101138775.
A lasting transformation of industrial models
By combining powder and wire DED processes, parameter control, digital tools and field experience, remanufacturing is becoming a credible alternative to the systematic replacement of components.
Laser DED processes are thus helping to build a genuine industrial model based on giving products a second life, in line with the challenges of sustainability, competitiveness and industrial sovereignty.
See you at the PLI Conférences 2026
This presentation is part of a wider programme in which IREPA LASER will also present:
- Simulation of the melt pool in laser welding,
- Productivity optimisation through multi-beam strategies.
The PLI Conférences 2026 will bring together researchers, engineers and manufacturers around the latest advances in laser technologies.
IREPA LASER looks forward to seeing you in Limoges on 1 and 2 July 2026 to talk with its experts and discover its R&D and innovation solutions for a more sustainable and high-performing industry.
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Discover the RESTORE project and its ambitions for industrial remanufacturing
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