3D Printing in the Railroad Industry: How FDM Keeps Operations on Track

Reliability on Rails — Now 3D Printed

Rail transport is a complex system where every detail matters. From the handle in the carriage to the sensor mount on the locomotive. When you need a part quickly, accurately, and reliably, FDM 3D printing becomes the number one tool.

Applications of 3D Printing in Railways

1. Service and Maintenance

FDM printers manufacture:

• housings and caps for non-standard components;

• protective covers, mounts, and clamps;

• adapters, gaskets, buttons, and handles.

Printed parts allow quick system restoration without waiting for factory deliveries.

2. Equipment for Repair Crews

Fabrication of:

• jigs and templates for welding;

• fasteners for temporary installations;

• hand tools and organizers.

3. Internal Carriage Equipment

Printing:

• interior elements: seat fasteners, shelves, holders;

• cover plates and panels;

• vent grilles and interface modules.

Advantages of FDM Printing for Railways

• Speed — parts printed in 1–2 days instead of weeks of waiting.

• Independence from suppliers — spare parts are created on-site.

• Cost savings — especially for older models out of production.

• Flexibility — producing customized solutions for specific tasks.

Materials Used in Railway Printing

• PC, PC-ABS — heat-resistant and durable.

• PA12-CF, PA6-GF — reinforced materials for mechanical stress.

• TPU — vibration-isolating and flexible components.

• PETG, ASA — UV-resistant for external parts.

International Experience

• Deutsche Bahn uses 3D printing for more than 10,000 different parts.

• ÖBB (Austria) prints spare parts directly in their depots.

• Russian Railways (RZD) is testing FDM for local component manufacturing.

Protype Printer — Reliable Solution for Depots, Factories, and Maintenance Centers

The printer is designed for tasks where stability and repeatability are crucial:

• Industrial heat chamber — for stable printing of PA-CF, PC, TPU;

• Automatic filament change — convenient for continuous operation;

• Nozzle cleaning module — reliability in production;

• Air filtration — safe operation in enclosed environments.

We Offer a Trial Installation at Your Facility

Try the Protype in action — risk-free, with our support.