Chromatic 3D Materials prints multiple parts for ÖBB Train Tech

ÖBB, the federal railway of Austria, is operating multiple trains with industrial-strength, polyurethane bellows, grommets, and other parts 3D printed by Chromatic 3D Materials, a 3D-printing materials and technology provider.

In June, ÖBB Train Tech faced challenges sourcing obsolete components, a familiar issue in the transportation sector. The company approached Chromatic about prototypes for several custom parts. Just a few weeks later, ÖBB Train Tech purchased 130 grommets as well as bellows, cable glands, and valve covers printed with Chromatic’s RX-AM platform for reactive extrusion additive manufacturing.

The components were designed to enhance the performance, longevity, and comfort of ÖBB’s fleet by reducing vibrations and preventing dust and moisture from infiltrating specific areas of its railcars. The applications required the parts to tightly seal against air and water in moving vehicles. All the parts were 3D printed with thermoset polyurethane for durability and flexibility. These included, for example, load-bearing grommets with dense, solid walls that were 1.5 cm thick.

“We chose Chromatic because they are able to print PU in different hardness between 50-90 shore A,” said Sebastian Otto, Head of AM at ÖBB Train Tech. The 3D printed polyurethanes have the same three-dimensional strength and compression set as injection-molded parts.

“At Chromatic, we take pride in the durability of our 3D printed materials, which have undergone rigorous testing. Now that ÖBB is demonstrating the use of our 3D materials in rail applications, we expect customers with demanding transportation, aerospace, industrial, and defense applications will have confidence in Chromatic’s products and printing technologies,” said Dr. Bart Engeldahl, Managing Director of Chromatic 3D Materials, in Germany.