Deutsche Bahn (DB), a frontrunner in 3D printing amongst railway firms, has been utilizing 3D printing since 2015. What started with easy spare components, like a plastic coat hook, has now grown right into a choice of greater than 200,000 components for greater than 1,000 functions. The method permits quick and environment friendly procurement of spare components and has already saved greater than 20 million euros.
DB makes use of 3D printing to provide spare components, significantly for the upkeep of trains and locomotives. The vary extends from small plastic components to substantial steel elements, akin to a 540-kilogram gearbox housing. The elements are produced on demand and, due to this modern know-how, are shortly obtainable 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 components. It at the moment comprises greater than 1,000 digital fashions. This permits 3D printing to make a major contribution to DB’s effectivity and sustainability: trains and locomotives could be repaired extra shortly and proceed working in the long run. That is particularly vital when producers or suppliers are unable to ship important spare components or have even ceased manufacturing. In such circumstances, 3D printing offers a quick and easy resolution.
“With the assistance of 3D printing, we will actually present wanted spare components on the push of a button. Our prospects profit from this, because it permits us to get trains again on monitor quicker. On the similar time, we help our staff, who can work extra effectively,” stated Stefanie Brickwede, Head of Company 3D Printing Challenge.
DB makes use of its personal printers and its accomplice community to fabricate the elements. In 2016, the corporate launched the ‘Mobility goes Additive’ community. Greater than 140 firms – from customers, printing press producers, and printing service suppliers to universities and startups – collaborate to drive innovation. Varied printing processes are used, together with materials extrusion, powder mattress fusion, and binder jetting.
