The use of plastics in rail vehicles has been state of the art for many years. Here too, 3D printing is becoming increasingly important for component production. 3D-printed plastic components are used for both the exterior and interior of rail vehicles. In addition to its use in new vehicles, additive manufacturing also plays its strengths in the production of spare parts. Here, components can be produced cost-effectively in small and medium quantities, and in some cases only 3D printing makes it possible to replace components.
Components in rail vehicles are subject to special requirements regarding fire behaviour. In Europe, the EN 45545 standard, which includes various tests that simulate the behaviour of materials in the event of fire, applies. Among other things, the smoke density and the oxygen index are determined. Depending on the area of application, the requirements exceed the high demands of the aviation industry. The tests are classified according to hazard levels (HL1 - HL3) and applications or requirements (R-classes).
From the LUVOCOM 3F product range, three products based on the polymers PEI, PPS and PA have currently been tested and classified. The test specimens were manufactured using the FFF process. The smoke density (DIN ISO EN 5659-2) and the oxygen index (DIN ISO EN 4589-2) were tested. The products LUVOCOM 3F PEI 50236 GY, LUVOCOM 3F PPS CF 9938 BK and LUVOCOM 3F PAHT KK 50056 BK FR meet R22 and R23 in HL 1, HL 2 and HL3 and can therefore be used in a wide range of applications. PEI 50236 GY is coloured grey as required by the industry, which makes subsequent coloured painting superfluous.
All three products also comply with UL94 V0 from a wall thickness of 0.4 mm with 3D printed test specimens.
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