As part of the initiative to modernize the Piccadilly Line, Photon is manufacturing the front masks for the new Inspiro London trains developed by Siemens Mobility. These subway trains, which are specially tailored to the requirements of the London Underground, are lighter, more energy-efficient, and technologically much more advanced than the outdated fleet from the 1970s, thus supporting London's goals for more sustainable urban development.
Innovation for greater comfort and sustainability in the London Underground
In November 2018, Transport for London awarded Siemens Mobility a contract to supply 94 nine-car trains, which are scheduled to enter service by 2025. In addition to passenger comfort, sustainability is a key criterion of this massive investment project. The state-of-the-art deep-tube trains from the Inspiro family are made from 95 percent recyclable materials and, thanks to their future-proof design, will provide reliable service for many decades to come.
Sustainability and efficiency through advanced manufacturing methods
Photon is involved in the production of the front masks for the new trains from metallic raw materials. These are significantly more sustainable than conventional plastic front masks, but also more challenging to manufacture: This is the initial design of a component that cannot be manufactured in one piece from this material due to its size, geometry, and component depth. In addition to the extreme requirements for dimensional accuracy and flatness, the particular challenge lies in segmenting the component perimeter in such a way that the individual components can be manufactured using Photon's state-of-the-art deep-drawing equipment and then welded together to form the front mask ready for installation.
Outstanding technology in action: Photon's thermoforming presses
Photon was able to fully meet the specific requirements for component manufacturing thanks to its advanced deep-drawing presses. Once again, Photon's many years of experience and expertise in deep-drawing large individual parts and joining them using conventional welding techniques came into play. The result is a front mask for the new Siemens trains that is not only 100 percent recyclable, but also significantly more durable and easier to repair than conventional plastic front masks. The London Underground project is an excellent example of how Photon's thermoforming presses can continue to contribute to increased efficiency and sustainability in the future.