Passenger trains equipped with parts created using a 3D printer have been rolled out on tracks in the UK for the very first time.
Those not quite all aboard with the concept of 3D printing may be relieved to hear that the tech is not yet being used for engines and wheels, but it has still been tipped to provide a boost to industry efficiency.
Armrests and grab handles have been 3D printed for use on Chiltern Railways services linking London and Birmingham, with huge time savings compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
Equipment provided by US-based 3D printing company Stratasys can make an armrest in just a week, compared to the usual time of around four months.
When it comes to a grab handle, manufacturing costs drop significantly from the standard £15,000 and production goes from two-and-a-half months to about three weeks.
James Brown, a data and performance engineer at leasing firm Angel Trains, said: "In recent times, we've seen growing concern among operators that sourcing replacement parts for older train fleets at a reasonable cost and in a short time frame is proving increasingly difficult.
"The problem is that traditional manufacturing methods only make it cost-effective to produce high volumes of spare parts, even though an operator may only need a few obsolete train parts replaced."
It is hoped that 3D printing could make the replacement of train parts a far more "on-demand" experience for rail companies, especially when responding to vandalism.
The techniques used by Stratasys have been approved for use in the UK by engineering consultancy DB ESG, which made sure they met industry fire, toxicity and smoke standards.Armrests can be manufactured much faster using 3D printing
Great Western Railway will be the next franchise to take part in the scheme and hopes to install 3D printed parts on a selection of its trains before the end of the year.
Not content with just armrests and grab handles, the possibility of 3D printing seat tables is also being explored.
Tests have already been carried out on 3D print seat tables featuring braille, designed to inform the passenger how far away from the on-board toilet they are.
Yann Rageul, of Stratasys, said 3D printing could have a "transformative" impact on the UK rail industry.
"Train operators can eradicate the issues associated with physical inventories by building a library of digital inventory that can be 3D printed as and when they need it," he said.
"We are witnessing a new era of true on-demand production with no waste."
Source: Sky