CFK uses Constellium’s aluminium alloy to create braille handrail signs for German railways

CFK CNC-Fertigungstechnik Kriftel GmbH has secured a new deal with Deutsche Bahn to supply additively manufactured braille handrail signs for German railways. By using the high-performance Aluminium alloy Aheadd® CP1, provided by Constellium, CFK will be able to manufacture these parts at high build rates without compromising quality, resulting in cost reduction for AM parts and improved product performance.

The company's cutting-edge Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing technology is capable of producing customised handrail signs with different messages, including braille, and of varying lengths in a single production run.

Arvid Eirich from Deutsche Bahn asserted: "Our team is committed to driving the development of 3D printed solutions to not only combat supply chain challenges but also to improve the travel experience of customers, including visually impaired people, in the rail sector."

"It is important that industry experts develop user-focused 3D printing applications by creating specific solutions and materials. This boosts the end users' confidence in Additive Manufacturing products and will accelerate the transformation towards digital manufacturing," Eirich illustrated.

The CEO and shareholder of CFK, Christoph Over, commented: "We are keen to include the new material in our portfolio as it brings us competitive advantages in terms of product performance in several aluminium applications. Through the use of Aheadd CP1, we are able to shift our existing 3D printing solution for visually impaired persons to the next level. We are convinced that this is an attractive option for other transportation operators in need of solutions for handicapped people."

CFK's Additive Manufacturing team has been pushing the boundaries of Aheadd CP1 alloy since 2021, exploring various Additive Manufacturing aluminium applications where conventional materials have difficulties meeting the desired performance. With the new signage in place, visually impaired travellers navigating train stations will receive even better assistance.