Chromatic 3D Materials, a 3D-printing materials and technology provider, has announced that they have produced the first 3D-printed bellows and other printed components for Austria's ÖBB railcars.
The components were designed to enhance the performance, longevity, and comfort of ÖBB's fleet by reducing vibrations and preventing dust and moisture from infiltrating specific areas of its railcars. The applications required the parts to tightly seal against air and water in moving vehicles. All the parts were 3D printed with thermoset polyurethane for durability and flexibility.
"We chose Chromatic because they can print PU in different hardness between 50-90 shore A,” said Sebastian Otto, Head of AM at ÖBB Train Tech. “The 3D-printed polyurethanes have the same three-dimensional strength and compression set as injection-molded parts.”
Chromatic's RX-AM™ platform for reactive extrusion additive manufacturing is a type of deposition 3D printing that uses chemical reactions. This allows for the production of industrial-strength elastomeric products that are more flexible, cost-effective, and sustainable than traditional manufacturing methods. The use of 3D printing to produce durable elastomeric components is a promising development for the transportation industry. This technology has the potential to reduce costs, improve performance, and extend the lifespan of railcars.
