Wabtec 3D prints over 150,000 parts for aging rail fleets

Wabtec is using additive manufacturing to replace obsolete spare parts for Europe's aging trains, with more than 150,000 printed parts now in active service worldwide. Europe's average fleet age is about 27 years, and a train stuck in the depot costs operators €50,000–500,000 per day.

• Over 150,000 additively printed parts are installed on trains in service
• Average European rail fleet age is around 27 years
• A train stuck in the depot costs operators €50,000–500,000 per day
• A brake panel was cut from 17 kg to 2 kg by printing it as one part