MATERIALS
Using 3D printing for spare rail parts can bring down costs and reduce downtime
MIND THE GAP T
By adopting 3D printing technologies and high-performance materials, rail vehicle manufacturers can achieve significant cost savings. Jake Holmes explores the advantages of the additive manufacturing spare parts market for the rail sector
he upkeep and maintenance of railways and rail vehicles can cause significant downtimes, resulting in loss
of revenue and high costs for rail operators. Having effective systems that can prevent downtime and improve the speed of maintenance is therefore crucial. Additionally, all rail vehicles – whether a tram, passenger train, high-speed train, freight train, or subway – require precisely designed and tested parts made of certified materials. This is where 3D printing has been making its mark for several years,
enabling rapid prototyping, tooling, and spare parts for wear and tear components production according to industry standards. Railway assets tend to have a
lifetime range of 20 to 40 years for electrical and mechanical systems, meaning rolling replacements and upgrades are an absolute necessity. This is a significant cost to an operator, as on average rolling stock makes up 30% of lifecycle costs for a high-speed train – matching energy consumption costs (30%). By integrating 3D printing into their operations, rail companies can implement improvements that
result in substantial time savings and reduced maintenance of rolling stock costs.
CERTIFIED MATERIALS ARE KEY The rail industry has very specific fire safety rules and standards which describe how the materials used in rail vehicle construction should act when exposed to fire. Materials used in rail vehicles for the European market, for instance, must follow the rail standards EN45545-2 to protect passengers and staff against onboard fire risks.
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