Wabtec Adopted 3D Printing for Train Parts
The manufacturer utilized additive techniques to produce components for aging rail fleets.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Auto Parts
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Wabtec currently has 150,000 3D printed parts installed on trains to address supply chain gaps. The initiative supports aging rail fleets across Europe by manufacturing components that traditional foundries no longer supply.
Why it matters
Additive manufacturing provides a solution for older trains where original parts are scarce. By digitizing legacy drawings, operators can avoid daily downtime costs that range from k€50 to k€500 per unit.
Wabtec achieved significant efficiency gains, including reducing the weight of a brake panel from 17kg to 2kg. The company provides a warranty of up to 24 months on its printed parts.
The players
Wabtec
This global rail technology company specializes in the manufacturing of equipment and components for freight and passenger trains.
Deutsche Bahn
This German national railway company is a major proponent of additive manufacturing in the rail sector through its industry networks.
The details
Wabtec engineers convert legacy 2D PDF drawings and handwritten documentation into 3D models to bypass traditional supply constraints. These printed components undergo rigorous fatigue, vibration, and salt-spray testing before receiving clearance for service.
Timeline
1999: Wabtec was formed via the merger of Westinghouse and MotivePower.
2016: Deutsche Bahn founded the Mobility Goes Additive network.
2023: Deutsche Bahn certified a new high-speed extrusion printer.
2025: Company representatives discussed manufacturing strategies at AMA: AM 2025.
Roadmap
The adoption of additive manufacturing signals a shift toward digital warehousing to maintain aging infrastructure. This reduces reliance on traditional foundries, positioning firms to better manage the 27-year average fleet age seen in European rail markets.
Operators benefit from reduced downtime by sourcing rare parts that were previously unavailable. While the technology is currently focused on industrial use, it sets a precedent for long-term maintenance of heavy machinery that could eventually influence wider component availability.
The takeaway
Additive manufacturing transforms how rail operators manage the maintenance of aging mechanical systems. Digitizing legacy documentation ensures that fleets remain operational despite the exit of original equipment manufacturers from the market.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in the industry by visiting the Auto Parts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 3D Printing Industry.
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