Advancing Dutch Circular Economy through Additive Manufacturing

Advancing Dutch Circular Economy through Additive Manufacturing: Strategies for Repair and Remanufacturing using AM (Add-reAM)

Traditional manufacturing produces too much waste and pollution. Researchers aim to solve this problem by using Additive Manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) to repair and reuse parts. This method helps to keep products longer in use, reducing waste and emissions. Add-reAM uniquely combines new design methods and digital tools to support industry in adopting this sustainable approach. Universities, industry and municipalities will collaborate closely to implement and share knowledge, aiming for wide acceptance and effective use of this technology throughout the Dutch economy.

For more information on the other projects awarded in the 2024 NWA-ORC round, please visit the NWO page.

VACANCIES

We are expanding our team for the awarded NWA ORC Add-ReAM project. Join us in advancing next-generation additive repair and manufacturing technologies. Explore the opportunities below.

PhD position on Integration of Additive Manufacturing in Circular Factory Systems
This project explores how Additive Manufacturing (AM) can be embedded into digital factory environments to support circular production. The PhD will develop digital factory models and simulations of AM process chains, integrating materials, energy, and operational efficiency. The research includes designing, planning, and configuration tools, prototyping both digital and physical workflows (e.g., intralogistics), and validating models with industrial case studies. The ultimate aim is to deliver guidelines for scalable, circular AM-enabled factories.
For more information regarding this position, contact Yingjun Quan

PhD position on Supply Chain Design and Coordination for AM-Based Repair/Remanufacturing
This project investigates how AM changes the design and governance of supply chains for spare parts in repair/remanufacturing contexts. The research focuses on developing design principles for circular supply chains that integrate AM, while also addressing cooperation and coordination mechanisms between network actors. Empirical methods such as Delphi studies, case studies, and design science will be applied to benchmark and guide the creation of sustainable AM-based networks.
For more information regarding this position, contact Dirk Pieter van Donk

PhD position on Design of Forward and Reverse Supply Chains for Additive Manufacturing in Maintenance
This project aims to design dynamic supply chain models that integrate forward and reverse flows in AM-supported maintenance environments. The PhD will investigate where in product structures AM can best be deployed for repair and spare parts, optimize strategies for repair/replacement (including direct repair and consolidation), and study how AM equipment can be repositioned dynamically — including in Defence and industrial settings. Real-life cases with partners like the Dutch Ministry of Defence, GKN, and ProRail will be used for validation.
For more information regarding this position, contact Engin Topan

PhD position on AI-Driven Repair Recommendations for Sustainable Manufacturing
This project develops intelligent AI-driven tools for deciding whether a component should be repaired, reused, or discarded in a sustainable manufacturing context. The focus is on machine learning methods for Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prediction and condition assessment, emphasizing data-centric approaches that work even with imperfect or limited data. The research combines predictive models with optimization techniques to support cost-effective and environmentally responsible decisions, contributing to circular economy goals.
For more information regarding this position, contact Zaharah Bukhsh

PhD position on Sustainable Spare Parts Management using Additive Manufacturing
This project looks at how AM can fundamentally transform spare parts logistics by reducing waste, avoiding overstocking, and enabling on-demand local production. The PhD will develop operations research-based models for sustainable spare parts management, including designing AM-enabled supply chains, optimizing inventory and ordering policies, and deciding on treatment options for failed parts (repair, remanufacture, recycle). Case studies with partner organizations will ensure practical relevance and contribute to advancing circular and data-driven supply chains.
For more information regarding this position, contact Rob Basten

PhD position on Hybrid AI for Real-Time Quality Control of Additive Manufacturing
This project addresses the challenge of ensuring consistent quality in AM-based remanufacturing, where processes are nonlinear, uncertain, and partially observable. The PhD will design a hybrid AI framework that combines data-driven learning and model-based reasoning for adaptive quality control. The system will support real-time monitoring of in-process performance, assessment of returned parts, and decision-making under uncertainty. The goal is to create an integrated, intelligent control system that improves reliability, sustainability, and circularity in AM production.
For more information regarding this position, contact Mehrdad Mohammadi

PhD position on Spatial Planning of Industries Strategies and Circular Economy
This project aims to examine how additive manufacturing can reshape industrial ecosystems, spatial planning, and circular economy strategies in the Netherlands. The PhD research involves mapping production networks, infrastructure, and policy conditions using mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. Outcomes will support evidence-based recommendations for sustainable, competitive regional development and integration of advanced manufacturing into future-oriented planning frameworks, while collaborating with stakeholders to identify barriers and opportunities for broader technology adoption.
For more information regarding this position, contact Dr. Karel Van den Berghe

EVENTS

• 21 November 2025: Consortium agreement signing started

NEWS

Keep up to date with the latest news relating to Add-reAM