Those who visit cities that have a tram or commuter rail system quickly notice that trains and streetcars tend to look very different from city to city. For example, some cities have low-floor trams with a very low entryway, while others have tram stations with high platforms. All different types of rail systems can be found because every public transport operator has its own unique requirements. Siemens also offers a wide range of rail-vehicle types and variants. However, this variety can make maintenance and repair operations at depots a challenge because it means that many different types of spare parts have to be used.

Public transport companies want to be able to service their rail vehicles quickly so they can get them back into operation as soon as possible – ideally within one day at the latest. This means that spare parts also need to be obtained quickly. Unlike the case with automobiles, however, rail-vehicle components tend to be complex in their design and are generally manufactured in small numbers. In other words, spare rail-vehicle components are usually only manufactured, cast, or milled as needed, and it can easily take several weeks or even months for such components to be delivered after they’re ordered. That type of time frame would be unacceptable for a public transport operator, however.

“Over the next few years, we will establish a complete network of digital printers at our various locations worldwide and link them with our headquarters in Erlangen, where we operate a Center of Competence for 3D printing,” says Michael Kuczmik, Head of Additive Manufacturing at Siemens Mobility.

A total of 88 such maintenance projects are currently being conducted around the globe.

Shipping takes time, however, and it’s clear that using 3D printers to manufacture parts at the depots themselves shortens the maintenance process. “The use of 3D printers at our depots marks a major step forward,” says Kuczmik, who along with his colleagues expects to achieve significant cost reductions as a result. Until now, for example, it was necessary to order a minimum quantity of components from a supplier. In addition, the use of Additive Manufacturing reduces the amount of warehouse equipment needed while also ensuring that spare parts can be made available more quickly.