Deutsche Bahn (DB), a frontrunner in 3D printing amongst railway corporations, has been utilizing 3D printing since 2015. What started with easy spare elements, like a plastic coat hook, has now grown right into a collection of greater than 200,000 elements for greater than 1,000 functions. The method permits quick and environment friendly procurement of spare elements and has already saved greater than 20 million euros.
DB makes use of 3D printing to provide spare elements, notably for the upkeep of trains and locomotives. The vary extends from small plastic elements to substantial metallic parts, resembling a 540-kilogram gearbox housing. The parts are produced on demand and, due to this progressive know-how, are shortly accessible within the required portions. This protects on storage prices and logistics house, shortens supply occasions, and will increase independence.
The inspiration for that is Deutsche Bahn’s Digital Warehouse – a central database for technical drawings of spare elements. It at the moment comprises greater than 1,000 digital fashions. This permits 3D printing to make a big contribution to DB’s effectivity and sustainability: trains and locomotives may be repaired extra shortly and proceed working in the long run. That is particularly essential when producers or suppliers are unable to ship important spare elements or have even ceased manufacturing. In such instances, 3D printing supplies a quick and simple resolution.
“With the assistance of 3D printing, we will actually present wanted spare elements on the push of a button. Our prospects profit from this, because it permits us to get trains again on observe sooner. On the identical time, we assist our staff, who can work extra effectively,” mentioned Stefanie Brickwede, Head of Company 3D Printing Challenge.
DB makes use of its personal printers and its companion community to fabricate the parts. In 2016, the corporate launched the ‘Mobility goes Additive’ community. Greater than 140 corporations – from customers, printing press producers, and printing service suppliers to universities and startups – collaborate to drive innovation. Numerous printing processes are used, together with materials extrusion, powder mattress fusion, and binder jetting.
