Hitachi Rail chooses ROBOZE printers and materials including carbon fiber/PEEK for railway spare parts

ROBOZE (Bari, Italy) a supplier of high-performance 3D printers, materials and technology for additive manufacturing, announces its collaboration with Hitachi Rail (London, U.K.). Hitachi Rail has chosen the ROBOZE ARGO 500 solution to operate in its high-tech factory in Naples, in Italy, and its new digital, state-of-the-art rail factory in Washington County, Maryland. The solution enables Hitachi Rail to implement industrial 3D printing technology, using materials such as ULTEM 9085 and ROBOZE’s Carbon PEEK for the production of spare parts for its trains.

The railway industry constantly faces the challenge of availability and costs associated with the production of spare parts. ROBOZE's additive manufacturing technology reportedly offers a solution, enabling faster and more cost-effective production compared to traditional machining methods. With the implementation of the ARGO 500 3D printing system, ROBOZE explains that Hitachi Rail can now replace traditionally machined metal parts, significantly reducing costs and delivery times.

The collaboration between Hitachi Rail and ROBOZE extends beyond the mere supply of machines. Hitachi Rail will also benefit from the engineering services and consulting provided by ROBOZE's expert teams, both in the United States and Italy, ensuring continuous and highly specialized support.

Hitachi Rail will soon open its state-of-the-art rail car factory in Washington County, Maryland in the U.S. The $70 million facility — which is set to deliver the new fleet of 8000-series railcars for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority as its first order — will draw on the wider Hitachi Group’s technological expertise to be its most advanced digital site. By partnering with ROBOZE, Hitachi Rail will be able to harness advanced 3D printing solutions to produce prototypes and railway spare parts.

"Our partnership with ROBOZE underlines our commitment to delivering advanced, high-quality manufacturing for our customers,” says Luca D’Aquila, COO Hitachi Rail Group and CEO Hitachi Rail Italy. “The partnership will enable us to harness 3D printing to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs for producing prototypes and railway spare parts. "This additive solution will be used at our Naples site in Italy and our new digital factory in Washington County, Maryland, allowing us to respond effectively to our customers' needs."

ROBOZE explains that Hitachi Rail's choice to adopt its technology highlights the growing importance of additive manufacturing in the railway sector. This technology not only enhances production efficiency but also represents a significant step towards greater sustainability and innovation in the transportation industry.

"ROBOZE continues to prove itself as a reliable and innovative partner for companies aiming to rethink their production and push the boundaries of progress through technology," says Alessio Lorusso, founder & CEO of ROBOZE. This collaboration with Hitachi Rail marks another important milestone in ROBOZE's mission to transform industrial manufacturing globally.

About ROBOZE

ROBOZE develops and produces advanced solutions in industrial 3D printing. Founded with the aim of transforming how companies design and produce components, ROBOZE offers additive manufacturing capabilities with high-performance polymers and composite materials, enabling applications in sectors such as aerospace, mobility, energy and manufacturing. ROBOZE's mission is to accelerate the adoption of 3D printing through continuous innovation and the provision of reliable and sustainable solutions.

About Hitachi Rail

With revenues of over €7 billion and 24,000 employees across more than 50 countries, Hitachi Rail is a partner to the world’s leading transport organizations. The company's reach is global, with success built on developing local talent and investing in people and communities.

Hitachi Rail is committed to driving the sustainable mobility transition and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, seamless and sustainable transport. Its international capabilities and expertise span every part of the urban, mainline and freight rail ecosystems – from high quality manufacturing and maintenance of rolling stock to secure digital signaling, smart operations and payment systems.

Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high speed bullet train, draws on the digital and AI expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies. Hitachi Group is present in 140 countries with over 270,000 employees and global revenues of €54.55 billion.