Cheaper, better quality, simpler and more flexible.
SJ sees great benefits and development opportunities from the company's start-up manufacturing of spare parts using modern 3D technology.
– We have come so far now that we have actually started to mass-produce parts, and that it will be cheaper than manufacturing the parts with traditional technology, says Anders Gustafsson, head of major projects at SJ's Vehicles division, to TT.
He says that SJ conducted preliminary studies on manufacturing with 3D printers in 2017 and got started in earnest last year. An order for 200 mass-produced parts has now been placed.
The technology simplifies production, and according to Gustafsson, it will be cheaper for both SJ and society at large.
– I would say that the biggest savings at the moment are that we get the parts in the first place and that in that way we get the trains into service and can drive the passengers.
Avoiding piracy
The first 3D-printed spare parts at SJ are a further developed plastic toilet roll holder for SJ 3000 trains, metal toilet locks for passenger carriages, and protective covers for electrical outlets and ventilation covers.
But a possible problem in this context is that manufacturers of the original parts may have views on licenses and piracy.
– That's why we have now concentrated on spare parts where there are no longer any rights and no one wants or can sell the part. These are often slightly older parts, says Gustafsson.
According to him, future train procurements will also include drawing rights to various parts.
”More quick-footed”
Gustafsson says that 3D technology also means that spare parts can be manufactured more when they are really needed by the large manufacturers SJ collaborates with, instead of being stored in anticipation of a possible need. In addition, the quality of the materials can be improved, delivery times shortened and administration streamlined, says Gustafsson.
– We are becoming much more agile.
So far, SJ has printed spare parts that do not affect the safety of the trains. But now the company is about to go further and also 3D manufacture safety-sensitive parts. The first part affected has to do with the train's wheel axles and it has begun to go through the process that will lead to a safety approval.
“We will probably be able to assemble the first copy of that part next year,” says Gustafsson.
Source: TT
