Large-dimension metal repair printing in mechanical engineering

MCR Engineering Lausitz GmbH is a subsidiary of the energy producer Lausitz Energie AG and evolved from the mining maintenance business at the Schwarze Pumpe site. MCR Engineering's portfolio includes component maintenance for large open-cast mining equipment, rail vehicle maintenance, steel construction and gearbox reconditioning.
The current global political situation is leading to increasing delivery times and procurement costs for new parts. At the same time, however, cost efficiency, short lead times, sustainability and resource conservation must be taken into account when refurbishing components.
Many of the damaged components that are reconditioned by MCR are made from heat-treatable steels or other steels that are difficult to weld and exhibit similar wear patterns. Due to these material properties, reconditioning such components using conventional arc welding is time-consuming and cost-intensive.

As a result, MCR Engineering Lausitz invested in a robot-assisted laser welding system for metal repair printing in 2022. Compared to conventional arc processes, difficult-to-weld steels can now be reconditioned without additional heat treatment. The broad portfolio makes it possible to carry out the entire repair process chain at MCR.
Reconditioning with the low-energy laser welding process increases the service life of the components. On the one hand, this leads to cost savings during reconditioning and, on the other, to resource-saving and sustainable utilisation of the components and assemblies.