While Alstom produces advanced, next-generation high-speed engines and rail cars, they also provide service to a large existing customer base with fleets that can be over 30 years old. With aging rolling stock there are a wide range of components that need to be maintained or replaced in order to extend a rail car’s life. “In 30 years maybe the original suppliers of the product no longer exist, maybe the molds used to produce the parts were destroyed because after 30 years there’s a cost to just maintain a mold.,” says Lorenzo. Suffice to say, it can be a challenge to find or produce spare parts. In mid-2022, Lorenzo’s team was tasked with producing hundreds of footrests that were in need of replacements – they would use 3D printing as an alternative to machine a new tool and molding for relatively low volumes. A higher speed 3D printer would also serve to improve their overall ability to respond better to customers’ urgent needs, “For our customer to stop a train to wait for spare parts is not economical, so we need to be able to provide them a quick solution.”