Alstom, the Mannheim-based mobility firm, has achieved a big milestone with the manufacturing of 150,000 additively manufactured elements. This achievement serves as an illustration of the rising impression of 3D printing expertise on the manufacturing trade.

Alstom’s Head of Additive Manufacturing Program, Aurelian Fussel, revealed that the corporate has been yearly producing about 40,000 elements over the past two years. This manufacturing features a numerous vary of supplies, reminiscent of ceramics, polymers, and metals like aluminium, chrome steel, high-performance metal, and titanium. The functions are equally numerous, starting from machine instruments and jigs to spare elements and new designs.

Fussel highlighted the spectacular number of parts, citing examples like a headlamp case for a high-speed practice in France, a jig for automotive physique shells in Germany, a comfortable materials half for an air-con evacuation tube in Spain, and a metal cowl for a bogie within the Nordics.

Alstom’s world presence in 3D printing is noteworthy, with hubs in numerous places, housing a complete of 150 machines. Fussel additionally hinted at upcoming developments, mentioning the potential for extra-large prints utilizing robots within the coming months.

One of many key benefits emphasised by Fussel is the lowered lead time supplied by additive manufacturing. With no minimal order portions, it offers a cheap answer, particularly for small orders. Moreover, the expertise allows laborious stock discount, contributing to the event of ‘digital warehouses’ and ‘on-demand spares.’

Wanting forward, the corporate envisions a future the place the 3D printing market transforms right into a extra data-centric trade. Digital warehousing is rising as a brand new enterprise mannequin, with a whopping 20% of practice elements now printable. This shift permits for the seamless transmission of digital recordsdata globally, facilitating native manufacturing and lowering lead instances considerably. Alstom’s achievement signifies a notable stride in additive manufacturing, showcasing its versatility, effectivity, and potential to reshape conventional manufacturing paradigms.

Come and tell us your ideas on our Fb, X, and LinkedIn pages, and don’t neglect to join our weekly additive manufacturing e-newsletter to get all the newest tales delivered proper to your inbox.