Use Case · Rail Industry
Alstom Achieves Series Approval for a Partition Door Stopper in 6 Weeks
For a partition door between first and second class in a diesel multiple unit, Alstom worked with Replique to qualify its first visible, 3D-printed metal part for series production.
How Replique Helped
The Challenge
For a partition door between first and second class in a diesel multiple unit, Alstom only needed a small quantity of door stoppers. Tooled production would have been uneconomical and delayed the project. The part also had to meet high visual standards, as it is installed visibly in the passenger area.
The Solution
Replique supported Alstom in selecting the material and manufacturing process: 3D-printed stainless steel with subsequent densification met both the mechanical and aesthetic requirements for the visible part.
The Result
The door stopper successfully passed first-article inspection and assembly and received series approval – cost-neutral compared to conventional manufacturing, in just 6 weeks.
From Customer Request to Approved Series Part
Defining Requirements
Alstom specified the load-bearing and visual requirements for the partition door's door stopper.
Material & Process Selection
Replique selected stainless steel and a suitable 3D printing process with densification from its manufacturing network.
Qualification
The part underwent first-article inspection and assembly protocols.
Series Approval & Delivery
After 6 weeks, the door stopper received approval for series production.
The Result
“Additive manufacturing has become a core part of our supply chain. With Replique, we benefit from 3D printing and materials expertise as well as a decentralized manufacturing network covering all relevant locations and technologies. Their end-to-end services allow us to respond to different customer requirements faster and more cost-effectively.”
— Ben Boese, former 3D Printing Hub Manager, Alstom Transport Deutschland GmbHYour Advantages with Replique
Cost-Effective Even for Small Series
No tooling costs – even small quantities can be manufactured economically.
Quality for Visible Parts
Material and process selection along with inspection protocols for visually and mechanically demanding parts.
Global Manufacturing Network
Decentralized production across all relevant locations and technologies from a single provider.
Get Your Series Parts Approved Faster
Discover how Replique qualifies additive series production for your parts.