Flame-retardant 3D printing plastics in accordance with EN 45545

Applications in rail vehicles

Mara Hofacker, 05.01.2021, 05:35

Flame-retardant 3D printing plastics

The use of plastics in rail vehicles has been state of the art for many years. Here too, 3D printing is becoming increasingly important for component production. 3D-printed plastic components are used in both the exterior and interior of rail vehicles.

In addition to its use in new vehicles, additive manufacturing also shows its strengths in the production of spare parts. Here, components can be produced cost-effectively in small and medium quantities and, in some cases, 3D printing is the only way to replace components.

Components in rail vehicles are subject to special fire behavior requirements. In Europe, the EN 45545 standard applies here, which includes various tests that simulate the behavior of materials in the event of fire. Among other things, the smoke gas density and the oxygen index are determined. Depending on the area of application, the requirements are even higher than the stringent requirements of the aviation industry. They are classified according to hazard levels (HL1-HL3) and applications or requirements (R classes).

Three products from the Luvocom 3F product range from Lehvoss based on the polymers PEI, PPS and PA were tested and classified. The test specimens were manufactured using the FFF process. The smoke gas density (DIN ISO EN 5659-2) and the oxygen index (DIN ISO EN 4589-2) were tested. The products Luvocom 3F PEI 50236 GY, Luvocom 3F PPS CF 9938 BK and Luvocom 3F PAHT KK 50056 BK FR comply with R22 and R23 in HL 1, HL 2 and HL3 and are therefore suitable for a wide range of applications. PEI 50236 GY is dyed grey in accordance with industry requirements, which eliminates the need for subsequent color coating. All three products also comply with UL94 V0 from a wall thickness of 0.4 mm with 3D-printed test specimens.

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