Hitachi Rail has chosen the Roboze ARGO 500 3-D printer from
Roboze SpA, the Italian manufacturer of additive manufacturing (AM) machines, to operate in its factory in Naples (Italy), and its new ‘digital rail factory’ in Washington County, Maryland (USA). The machines will enable Hitachi Rail to implement industrial 3-D printing technology, using materials such as Ultem 9085 and Carbon PEEK in the production of spare parts for its trains.
Hitachi says the railway industry constantly faces the challenge of availability and costs associated with the production of spare parts, and that Roboze’s AM technology “offers a concrete solution to this problem, enabling faster and more cost-effective production compared to traditional machining methods. With the implementation of the ARGO 500 solution, Hitachi Rail can now replace traditionally machined metal parts, significantly reducing costs and delivery times.
“Moreover, the collaboration between Hitachi Rail and Roboze extends beyond the mere supply of machines. Hitachi Rail will also benefit from the engineering services and consulting provided by Roboze experts, both in the US and Italy, ensuring continuous and highly specialised support.”
Hitachi Rail will soon open its new $70 million rail car factory in Washington County, Maryland (pictured). The factory, set to deliver the new fleet of 8000-series railcars for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) as its first order; and by partnering with Roboze, Hitachi Rail will be able to harness its advanced 3-D printing solution to produce prototypes and railway spare parts.
Hitachi Rail has revenues of over 7 billion euros and 24,000 employees throughout more than 50 countries. Hitachi Group is present in 140 countries with over 270,000 employees and global revenues of 54.55 billion euros.