Prospects for the application of 3D printing by welding in agriculture

Significant wear of metal components in agricultural machinery and equipment necessitates their restoration using the most rational and cost-effective methods. The research aimed to identify the most promising and economically viable method for the designing and repair of agricultural machinery parts using additive technologies. An analysis of metal 3D printing methods based on equipment cost and process complexity indicates the feasibility of using devices for spatial orientation of the welding torch when employing widely available welding wires of various compositions. For agricultural enterprises, the most rational approach for restoring the geometry of worn parts and manufacturing new spatial metal structures is the use of semi-automatic welding technologies. The DED-W/WAAM/3DMP technology offers the highest productivity (up to 800 cm³/h) and the lowest cost among metal printers (without the use of specialized robots). Additionally, milling and engraving machines can be utilized both for metal printing and for subsequent mechanical processing. Field test results of working elements reinforced with intermittent wear resistant beads using the WAAM method show that after 24.785 hectares of operation, the linear wear of the blade width on reinforced shares is, on average, 10-11 mm less than that of non-reinforced shares. The integration of additive technologies into the maintenance and repair system of large and medium-sized agricultural enterprises – based on milling and engraving machines and semi-automatic welding kits – will enhance the efficiency of 3D printing by welding in the restoration of machine components while reducing the wear rate by 30-40%.

1. Grigoryants A.G., Lutchenko A.V. Modern problems of technological development of additive techniques in mechanical engineering. Science Intensive Technologies in Mechanical Engineering. 2022;8(134):27-30. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30987/2223-4608-2022-8-27-30

2. Tolochko N.K., Auramenka P.V., Kravtsov V.B., Golinitskiy P.V. Theoretical grounds for the use of metal multilayer structures in the manufacturing and repair of agricultural machinery. Agricultural Engineering (Moscow). 2025;27(3):64-73. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26897/2687-1149-2025-3-64-73

3. Dorokhov A.S., Sviridov A.S. Application of additive technologies in the technical service of garden equipment. Agricultural Engineering (Moscow). 2020;6:39-44. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.26897/2687-1149-2020-6-39-44

4. Egorov I.B., Pozdnyakov N.A. Application of additive WAAM technology for the repair of agricultural machinery and equipment. Molodye uchenye: Sovremenniy vzglyad na budushchee APK: Proceedings of the X International scientific and practical conference, Krasnoobsk, April 15, 2025. Novosibirsk: Agronauka. 2025:280-284. (In Russ.)

5. Kataev Yu.V., Goncharova Yu.A., Sviridov A.S., Tuzhilin S.P. Application of 3D printing and 3D scanning technologies in the manufacture and repair of agricultural machinery. Machinery and Equipment for Rural Area. 2023;1:34-38. (In Russ.)

6. Slavkina V.E., Mirzaev M.A., Lopatina Yu.A. Using 3A-printing technology to optimize gear repair. Machinery Technical Service. 2020;1:58-64. (In Russ.)

7. Slinko D.B., Dorokhov A.S., Denisov V.A., Lyalyakin V.P. Practice of using plasma-powder surfacing in the restoration of worn machine parts. Tekhnologiya mashinostroeniya. 2019;3:32-37. (In Russ.)

8. Senin P.V., Chatkin M.N., Kilmyashkin E.A. Additive technologies for production and repair of agricultural equipment. Engineering Technologies and Systems. 2024;34(4):584-596 (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15507/2658-4123.034.202404.584-596

9. Tsench Yu.S., Mironov D.A., Pyzhov V.V. Development of methods for restoring tractor engine parts. Machinery Technical Service. 2025;63;1:102-110. (In Russ.)

10. Chernoivanov V.I., Denisov V.A., Kataev Yu.V., Solomashkin A.A. A new strategy for the maintenance and repair of machines. Machinery and Equipment for Rural Area. 2021;9:33-36. (In Russ.)

11. Kuzmin V.N., Gavrilov A.V. Organization of repair and restoration technologies for machine parts in the agro-industrial complex. Machinery Technical Service. 2024;62(3):33-39. (In Russ.)

12. Kulikov A.A., Nebyshinets Yu.V., Sidorova A.V., Balanovsky A.E. 3D printing technology for metal products: from a computer-aided design system to a real part. Bulletin of Irkutsk State Technical University. 2020;24(4):728-739.

13. Erokhin M.N., Dorodov P.V., Dorokhov A.S. Stress concentration and shape optimization for a fillet surface of a step-shaped shaft. Journal of Machinery Manufacture and Reliability. 2020;3:45-55. (In Russ.)

14. Bulkanov S.A., Chavdarov A.V., Berzin M.M. et al. Unit for automatic surfacing of rail tracks: Patent No. RU44682 U1 IPC B23K9/04 / applied on 22.12.2004; issued on 27.03.2005. (In Russ.)