Wabtec opens new 3D printing center for railway spare parts

Additive Manufacturing Wabtec opens new 3D printing center for railway spare parts

2023-10-30 Source: SLM Solutions 2 min Reading Time

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Manufacturing spare parts for the rail industry is a complex task, as many ageing components are no longer available on the market, requiring bespoke manufacturing processes. This can result in significant costs, idle trains and extended delivery times. Nikon SLM Solutions is able to address this issue with its additive manufacturing technology.

Located in Tours, France, the 3D printing center comprises the entire 3D printing process chain.(Source: SLM Solutions) — Located in Tours, France, the 3D printing center comprises the entire 3D printing process chain.
(Source: SLM Solutions)

Nikon SLM Solutions offers additive manufacturing machines that enable customers to produce parts in a matter of weeks, a significant reduction compared to the timescales associated with other manufacturing techniques. Recognising the challenges of obsolescence in the railway sector, Wabtec, a leading railway technology company, has opened its first 3D printing centre in the EMEA region focused on additive manufacturing for the railway industry. Nikon SLM Solutions was selected to supply the centre with machines and technology solutions, including a new SLM 500 machine.

Located in Tours, France, the centre will cover the full spectrum of the 3D printing process, from the production of high quality metal parts to quality assurance and post-processing. The inauguration of this facility marks a significant development for both the railway industry and Nikon's SLM technology in addressing obsolescence issues by enabling the rapid production and distribution of high quality spare parts.

The addition of the SLM 500, alongside the SLM 280 and SLM 800, means that Wabtec has access to a wide range of Nikon SLM products. Henri de Chassey, Head of Additive Manufacturing at Wabtec Transit, said the company's decision to choose Nikon SLM Solutions was based on the company's superior technical capabilities with aluminium and its proven track record with previously validated parts. He also highlighted the excellent support provided by Nikon SLM's technical team in the implementation of this new project.

The centre will produce a variety of spare parts for Wabtec, addressing both supply chain and obsolescence issues, as well as new products for various applications, including braking systems, pantographs, HVAC and doors.

Ralf Frohwerk, Global Head of Business Development at Nikon SLM Solutions, highlighted the positive impact of the partnership with Wabtec, citing the production of numerous production-ready metal parts. He emphasised that the 3D printing centre is driving the rail industry forward and demonstrating the practical applicability of Nikon SLM technology. Frohwerk pointed out that parts produced on Nikon SLM machines are readily available, meet all industry safety requirements and open up new possibilities in functional part design for the railway industry.

The Tours site is strategically important for Wabtec as it offers a full range of post-processing options to finish the manufactured parts, from machining to painting and surface treatment if required. All production lines at this facility meet the stringent quality standards required by the railway industry.

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