The US company Chromatic 3D Materials has for the first time additively manufactured functional components for rail vehicles of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). These include bellows and seals made of polyurethane, which are in use in several ÖBB trains.
According to Chromatic, ÖBB approached the company in June because certain components were no longer available. Within a few weeks, Chromatic initially delivered 130 printed seals as well as bellows, cable glands and valve covers.
The components were manufactured using Chromatic’s RX-AM technology. This uses a special material extrusion 3D printing process in which a chemical reaction causes the material to cure.
Among other things, the components are intended to reduce vibrations in the ÖBB trains and prevent dust and moisture from penetrating certain areas. Therefore, an air- and watertight, permanently flexible seal was required.
According to ÖBB manager Sebastian Otto, Chromatic was chosen because of its ability to print polyurethane in different degrees of hardness. The printed parts would have the same strength and pressure resistance as injection-molded components.
Chromatic CEO Bart Engeldahl sees the application at ÖBB as confirmation of the durability of the printed materials under real conditions. He expects that this will make it suitable for other transportation-specific as well as aerospace, industrial and military applications.
The polyurethane components were specifically tailored to meet rail vehicle requirements. According to Chromatic, the collaboration demonstrates how 3D printing can be used to quickly deliver customized replacement parts.
Chromatic specializes in additive manufacturing of resilient polyurethane components. The company sees great potential for 3D printing in the area of seals, sleeves and other components where high mechanical resilience is required.
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