The LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen, part of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, will once again be represented at the WAAMathon at the Estrel Congress Centre in Berlin on 11 June 2026. This international specialist event is regarded as the only platform dedicated exclusively to the topic of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), bringing together researchers, industry representatives and users of wire-based additive manufacturing.
This year’s presentation will focus on current demonstrators from the field of metal additive manufacturing. Among other things, a hydrogen heat exchanger, a highly conductive copper busbar and a lightweight magnesium component for the aerospace industry will be showcased.
Through this, the AIT demonstrates the range of materials and applications that are increasingly becoming feasible on an industrial scale through WAAM and WAM (Wire-based Additive Manufacturing). The technology enables the resource- and material-efficient production of large-volume metal components at high build rates, opening up new possibilities for sectors such as energy, aerospace, mobility and mechanical engineering.
WAAM as a key technology for industrial metal manufacturing
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing is one of the most dynamic developments in metal additive manufacturing. Unlike subtractive manufacturing processes, components are built up layer by layer directly from welding wires using an arc process. This enables complex geometries to be manufactured in a material-efficient manner and significantly reduces development and production times.
WAAM offers particular advantages, especially for large metal structures and materials that are difficult to machine. At the same time, the technology allows for a high degree of flexibility in terms of material selection and component properties.
A key factor in this context is the welding wire used. Its chemical composition, quality and geometry have a significant influence on process stability, material properties and component quality. AIT is therefore actively engaged in the development of application-specific wire and alloy concepts for demanding industrial applications.
“The quality and adaptability of the welding wires are key to the industrial advancement of WAAM”, explains Stephan Ucsnik, head of the research group for wire-based additive manufacturing at the LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen. “By making targeted adjustments to the alloy composition and wire diameter, component properties can be tailored very precisely to different applications.”
From aluminium to magnesium: materials development as a driver of innovation
For many years, AIT has been one of the leading research institutions in the field of wire-fed additive manufacturing of light metals. At last year’s WAAMathon, the research team presented progress made in processing demanding aluminium alloys from the 2XXX, 6XXX and 7XXX series.
The focus was on new approaches to process control, optimised alloy compositions and specially developed welding wires to overcome material-related challenges.
This year’s demonstrators highlight the growing variety of materials within WAAM technology – from highly conductive copper materials for energy applications to magnesium solutions for lightweight construction in the aerospace industry.
On site, the AIT stand will be managed by Martin Klein, a researcher at the LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen.
The WAAMathon thus offers a central platform for discussing current developments in the field of wire-based additive manufacturing and for further strengthening the exchange between research and industrial practice.
WAAMathon #3
11 June 2026
Estrel Congress Center, Berlin
Further Informations: https://www.waamathon.de/
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