Roboze, an Italian company known for its expertise in 3D printing high-performance polymers and composites, has recently achieved a significant milestone in the Japanese railway sector. The company received Japanese Nannen-sei certification for its ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED and ARGO 1000 HYPERMELT 3D printers, specifically for their use of ULTEM 9085 material in extrusion processes. This certification ensures that materials and components such as panels, coatings, and air ducts used on trains meet Japan’s stringent combustion resistance standards.
The certification was made possible through collaboration with SOLIZE PARTNERS Corporation, aligning with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) standards. It enables the use of 3D printing for producing internal train components, thereby enhancing safety and compliance with local regulations.
In separate tests conducted by the Japan Railway Rolling Stock Machinery Association, Roboze demonstrated that its technology can consistently produce high-quality components, regardless of whether using filament extrusion with the ARGO 500 or pellet extrusion with the ARGO 1000. Junpei Kise, General Manager at SOLIZE PARTNERS Corporation, emphasized that Roboze’s technology embodies qualities of precision, quality, and reliability, essential for the stringent demands of the Japanese railway industry.
Moreover, the integration of ARGO systems allows rail manufacturers to shift toward more agile production methods. This adaptability can significantly reduce lead times and logistics costs through on-demand production of parts. Davide Schiena, Roboze’s Business Development Manager for EMEA Mobility, Aerospace, and Defense, underscored the strategic significance of this achievement, stating that the Nannen-sei certification not only validates Roboze’s systems but also opens doors for international partnerships in highly regulated sectors.
The adoption of ARGO technology by rail manufacturers promises to accelerate the development of new components, facilitating more efficient operational models that adhere to the high standards of robustness and precision characteristic of Japan’s railway infrastructure.