Stratasys provides 3D printing solutions in the rail industry for the first time
A few weeks ago, we were explaining that new markets entrants of the additive manufacturing industry are railways and processing industries. Transportation companies increasingly call for the help of providers of 3D printing services or manufacturers of 3D printing systems in order to manufacture spare parts. On the other hand, such type of manufacturing is also new for these manufacturers.
Anyway, that’s the case of Stratasys that marks its premiere in manufacturing for this industry. As part of a collaboration, Stratasys and engineering consultancy ESG Rail will produce four fully approved interior components using 3D printing. The interior components will be used in Angel Trains, one of Britain’s train leasing companies.
An arm rest, grab handle and seat back table, components that will be manufactured will be used in trains in 2019.
Leveraging additive manufacturing for various issues
In order to enable vehicles to remain in service for longer, transportation companies should not only provide solutions for obsolete parts, they should also reduce whole life rolling stock while lowering their costs. 3D printing will therefore enable them to produce low run parts as much as needed.
As far as technical details are concerned, ESG Rail assessed the components using Stratasys 3D printed tooling and the rail-certified thermoplastic materials. Furthermore, the manufacturer’s Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology has been exploited in the manufacturing process.
The components will soon commence in-service passenger trials, which are expected to last until the summer of 2019.
For further information about 3D Printing, follow us on our social networks and subscribe to our newsletter!
Would you like to be featured in the next issue of our digital magazine? Send us an email at contact@3dadept.com
//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});