FDM 3D-printed parts include, from left to right, electrical connection covers, grab handle, arm rest and seat back table. Credit: Business Wire.

UK-based train leasing company Angel Trains has partnered with 3D printing technology provider Stratasys and engineering consultancy ESG Rail to manufacture 3D-printed interior rail components.

The additive manufacturing process will manufacture four approved components, including an armrest, grab handle and seat back table.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

These 3D-printed rail components are expected to be trialled on passenger trains next year.

The collaboration aims to utilise additive manufacturing technology to address the issue of outdated components in the vehicles.

It will enable train operators to manufacture low run parts based on requirements instead of mass production, helping to reduce rehabilitation costs.

Additionally, the technology aims to increase the operating life of rolling stock by replacing the obsolete parts.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Angel Trains technical director Mark Hicks said: “This exciting industry-first collaboration has the potential to transform manufacturing within the rail industry.

“We believe our FDM additive manufacturing solutions offer huge potential to replace traditional manufacturing for a diverse range of applications within the rail industry.”

“We are proud to be driving this innovation with ESG Rail and Stratasys and hope that this solution will help to free the industry from technological constraints, and allow our trains to continue to meet passengers’ needs now and in the future.”

The collaboration will utilise high-performance materials such as Stratasys Antero 800 NA, a PEKK-based thermoplastic, to develop the products.

All the components will be designed for additive manufacturing and 3D printing using Stratasys’ Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology. Subsequently, the parts will be structurally assessed by ESG Rail to ensure their suitability.

Stratasys strategic account team EMEA manager Yann Rageul said: “With the highest level of repeatability in the industry and advanced, rail-certified, materials, we believe our FDM additive manufacturing solutions offer huge potential to replace traditional manufacturing for a diverse range of applications within the rail industry.

“This collaboration will help us to explore how we can support rail companies such as Angel Trains to produce parts on-demand, both cost-effectively and efficiently, eradicating the need for obsolete inventory and improving their ability to service customers.”