When it comes to repairing trains, Danish company Knorr-Bremse is increasingly turning to 3D printing to extend the life cycle of components and avoid waste. The main workshop in Copenhagen uses 3D printers from Prusa.
Lasse Dampe Hardö, additive manufacturing expert at Knorr-Bremse, set up the 3D printing operation at the company. The workshop now has several Prusa 3D printers, which are located in enclosed housings. This means that even challenging materials such as PC blend can be printed.
Applications range from simple housings to sensors and safety parts. By 3D printing wear parts, entire assemblies can be recycled instead of having to be replaced. This significantly reduces costs and waste volumes.
For safety-relevant parts, the self-extinguishing PETG filament Prusament is used. It is certified and meets the strict requirements in rail transport. Lasse Dampe Hardö praises the consistent quality and excellent printing properties.
Despite the advantages, the approval of printed spare parts takes a lot of time and bureaucracy. The parts have to be approved by the manufacturer and often also by government agencies. But Lasse Dampe Hardö is optimistic that 3D printing will continue to gain acceptance in the industry.
Knorr-Bremse has been using Prusa 3D printers for years and appreciates their reliability and simplicity. By using 3D printing, the company saves costs, reduces waste and contributes to greater sustainability.
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