The University of Sheffield Rail Group hosted industry partners at British Steel on 7th November to see laser-clad field-demonstrations, which showed how additive manufacturing can repair railway infrastructure and provide superior wear resistance.
The field testing in Scunthorpe bridges the gap between successful laboratory trials and the real-world application of laser cladding technology for rail repair and maintenance. This phase follows two key milestones: the May 2023 installation of laser-clad sections to demonstrate wear resistance, and the August 2025 installation of a test segment specifically focused on the in-situ repair of existing rail.
Both installations have been regularly monitored utilising non-destructive techniques to precisely capture changes in rail profile, surface roughness, and hardness, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the technology's performance under in-service conditions.
Industry partners, such as Network Rail and Technogenia UK - Laser Cladding Technology Ltd, were invited to British Steel to view the field tests firsthand and engage in productive discussions regarding the next steps for application and implementation within the rail industry.
Dr Kate Tomlinson, Lecturer in Tribology, said: “Our research demonstrates that laser cladding is a highly promising alternative for rail repair. It can be used for rail life extension and to restore damaged sections, offering a more cost effective and sustainable approach than total rail replacement. The initiatives we are developing at Sheffield are essential in providing the technical confidence required for the future of maintaining the UK rail network.”
More information, plus a new video, about the project can be found on the field test validation webpage.
