Digital Repair Chains in the Automotive Sector: Rapid Repair with 3D Technology

This paper presents the prototypical development and demonstration of a Rapid Repair Workflow designed to address challenges faced by manufacturing industries, particularly medium-sized automotive suppliers, in sourcing and replacing obsolete or unavailable machine components. The workflow integrates 3D scanning, digital repair, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies to rapidly recreate damaged parts, reducing lead times, storage costs, and downtime. We outline the process stages – initial assessment, scanning, digital file preparation, additive manufacturing, and quality assurance – highlighting the tools and techniques employed. The prototype was successfully showcased at a trade fair, receiving positive feedback for its precision, ease of use, and potential for industrial application. Key challenges such as intellectual property issues, technical limitations of scanning and CAD tools, and quality assurance requirements are discussed. Future work will focus on automation, AI-driven damage analysis, expanded VR functionalities, and broader adoption of additive manufacturing methods. Overall, the Rapid Repair Workflow demonstrates significant potential to enhance maintenance practices and operational efficiency across industries.