UK: The ability to use aviation-specification flame retardant plastic in additive manufacturing - commonly known as 3D printing - has enabled 3T RPD to win its first contracts in the rail sector.
The company was able to reverse-engineer spare parts for onboard ventilation and communication systems, despite the original toolings no longer being available.
The polyamide used contains a halogen-based flame retardant which is released in the event of a fire, starving the flames of oxygen. It also has good mechanical properties and tensile strength, which result in strong but lightweight parts.
