Top 5 Videos: Trains Keep On Rolling with 3D Printed Spare Parts

Yes the change of seasons is almost upon us yet again. The chill in the air, the changing of the leaves, the fall spices mingling with the breeze, the farms begin to harvest pumpkins and potatoes from their fields, ready to adorn the kitchen tables of the upcoming fall holidays. And as the sun sets and the glow of lights fills the night air, what could it be? The leaping candle of a smiling jack-o-lantern? The full moon rising over the hills? No! It’s the top five videos of the week! Bringing you the latest fascinating factoids from the world of 3D printing. This week prepare for a trainload of medical and industrial innovations as well as a look at new solutions to one of 3D printing’s oldest problem – the jam.

Top 1: 3D Printed Parts Keep Trains Chugging Along

In this video from Prusa, we get a lesson in locomotive upkeep as we join additive manufacturing specialists at the Danish Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems who explain their process of 3D printing new, more robust and flame-retardant parts that can be used to replace broken, inefficient, or discontinued parts with are otherwise impossible to acquire. Around the world, aging trains have been facing the same problem – the obsolescence of previously used parts. However, instead of allowing these perfectly good machines to fall into disrepair, additive manufacturing has stepped in to offer a perfect solution. Now, rail companies around the world are using 3D printing to design and print replacements which are sometimes even better than the parts they were meant to replace. Learn more about the process from the professionals below!

Top 2: The Next Generation of Surgical Equipment is 3D Printed

In this video brought to us from Formlabs, we take a look at medical equipment supplier, restor3D and their philosophy on using 3D printing to create bespoke creations for medical patients. The use of 3D printing to move away from the ‘one size fits all’ type solution of traditional medicine has already been advancing by leaps and bounds, however the restor3D team take this a step further by customizing not only their implants and prosthetics, but even the surgical tools and cutting guides that are used to undertake the operation. By providing this focus on individual needs in heretofore unexplored areas, patients may react better, be treated more efficiently and heal faster than with traditional operating practices. But don’t just take my word for it, listen to what they have to say for yourself!