GE Additive Binder Jet BETA H2 machine
Wabtec believes AM could be used in the production of up to 250 components for its product lines by 2025.
Wabtec Corporation, a global manufacturer for the rail and transit industries, has invested in GE Additive’s H2 binder jet technology to expand its growing additive manufacturing strategy and application within the transportation sector.
Philip Moslener, global director of the WabtecOne Platform & Applied Innovation identified additive as one of Wabtec’s “key technology pillars” and believes the addition of GE’s binder jet technology will enable the company to design and produce reliable, low-cost components for current and developmental engines, locomotive, transit and mining programs.
The company claims additive technologies could be used in the production of up to 250 components for its product lines by 2025 and is said to be working closely with GE Additive to support its industrialisation strategy. Wabtec has already received its first H2 machine, which is currently located at GE Additive’s labs in Cincinnati where a Wabtec team is collaborating on development before the machine is relocated to their Grove City, PA facility later this year.
GE Additive first announced its move into binder jetting in late 2017 with the introduction of its ‘H1’ project. Throughout 2018, GE developed its second generation H2 machines and begun working with a number of strategic partners and key customers to quickly scale the technology through a beta programme. Last month GE announced Fortune 500 manufacturer, Cummins had also taken on its beta H2 platform which GE expects to make commercially available in early 2021.
Josh Mook, innovation leader at GE Additive commented: “Fast forward to early 2019 and we launched the H2 beta testing and partner program. We deliberately sought out partners and key customers, like Wabtec, who are committed to mass production, but also known and respected for their commitment to the early adoption of innovation. Most importantly we want to partner with customers whose businesses will benefit tremendously from Binder Jet’s ability to reliably print large, complex parts at high throughput and low cost.”
