Deutsche Bahn Is Using 3D Printing to Make the Train Fleet of the Future

Faster, cheaper and more efficient – that’s how Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway service, plans to handle train maintenance in the future. For that reason, DB has now signed a deal with the American company Essentium to ensure train maintenance and access to spare parts in the future. To this end, Deutsche Bahn is using Essentium’s High Speed Extrusion 3D printing platform that processes high-performance materials for 3D printing train parts and tools, making timely refurbishment of trains possible.

As you may already know, Essentium Inc has made a name for itself within the AM industry for its industrial 3D printing solutions and high-speed extrusion technology, and is now considered a global leader in additive manufacturing. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company’s goal is to disrupt traditional manufacturing processes and bridge the gap between 3D printing and machining, actively shaping the future of the AM industry. Partnerships like the one now with DB are proof to Essentium that the use of additive manufacturing in all sectors is forward-looking and will continuously play an increasingly important role.

With the help of Essentium’s AM expertise, Deutsche Bahn aims to maintain its train fleet faster, cheaper and more efficiently (photo credits: Deutsche Bahn AG / Dominic Dupont)

Blake Teipel, CEO of Essentium, has this to say about it, “A lot of people still wonder if additive is ready for prime time. Deutsche Bahn, which is 3D printing tens of thousands of replacement parts for its trains, proves it is. We look forward to advancing Deutsche Bahn’s AM capabilities to speed repairs and keep its assets operational with minimal downtime. This partnership will pave the way for others in the rail and transport industries to follow.”