Rail

Engineering excellence driving the future of rail

  1. AFD Systems
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Rail

At AFD Systems, we bring advanced aerospace engineering precision and additive manufacturing innovation to the rail industry

At AFD Systems, we bring advanced aerospace engineering precision and additive manufacturing innovation to the rail industry, supporting organisations such as Bombardier with high-quality, reliable and cost-effective solutions that enhance performance and passenger experience.

We deliver engineering and manufacturing expertise that helps our clients design, validate and maintain safe, efficient and compliant rail systems, all built to the highest industry standards.

Supporting the rail industry

The rail sector demands safety, durability and precision, values that are at the core of everything we do at AFD Systems.

We support manufacturers and operators with turnkey engineering and production services that improve performance, streamline maintenance and reduce costs.

AFD Systems provides turnkey support through:

  • Product Engineering
  • Cabin Interior Engineering
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Innovative Tooling Solutions
  • 3D Solutions

Our services cover new design, modification, repair and reverse engineering, supported by digital CAD modelling, stress analysis and full certification documentation, delivered as stand-alone offerings or integrated turnkey packages.

Rail industry expertise you can trust

Our subject matter experts in design, structures and polymer additive manufacturing apply aerospace-level precision to the rail industry, enabling the development of lightweight, durable and ergonomic structural and interior components.

We are agile, reliable and flexible, operating with security, safety and quality at the forefront. Our projects are supported by certified processes, secure systems and security cleared professionals, ensuring full compliance and trusted delivery.

Our process and methodology

At AFD Systems, we use a digital-first, design-led methodology to develop, certify and deliver advanced rail engineering solutions.

Our process integrates:

  • Advanced 3D modelling, simulation and validation
  • Additive manufacturing for agile prototyping and production
  • Certified inspection and quality management systems
  • Close collaboration between design, analysis and manufacturing teams

This ensures every solution is functionally verified, regulatory compliant and production optimised, whether designing new rolling stock components or upgrading existing assets.

About AFD Systems

AFD Systems is a market-leading advanced engineering and manufacturing business, trusted by global aerospace and UK defence organisations.

With over 600 successfully completed engineering projects across 70 fixed-wing and rotary platforms, UAVs, drones and land systems, AFD delivers robust and technically-advanced solutions that drive the industry forward.

Headquartered in cutting-edge engineering facilities in North West England, AFD Systems is committed to engineering excellence, continuous improvement and a purpose to address complex challenges that contribute to a safer, more secure world.

Why choose AFD Systems?

AFD Systems acts as a seamless extension of client teams, combining advanced digital manufacturing technologies with deep engineering insight to accelerate project outcomes. Clients choose AFD Systems for:

  • Agile and efficient delivery
  • Reliable, trusted collaboration
  • High-quality, repeatable output
  • On-time, on-budget performance

our approach

Our approach is guided by a consistent set of values that ensures every project aligns with our clients’ mission goals:

  • CUSTOMER-CENTRIC | From beginning to end
  • INTEGRITY | In all that we do
  • INNOVATION | To remain in front
  • ONE TEAM | Making us stronger together

Standards and accreditations

AFD Systems is fully accredited and certified to deliver additive manufacturing solutions across a range of tightly controlled sectors. Our operations adhere to the following standards:

Related Case Studies

With 600+ projects across 70 platforms including fixed-wing, rotary, UAVs, drones and land systems, AFD delivers advanced solutions that drive industries forward.

It was important for Eirtech to create an optimum design team for this high-profile project and involving AFD from the out-set was a ‘no brainer’ for such a complex structural installation. They impressed from start to finish!

Keith McKercher
Director of Engineering, Eirtech Aviation Services

Additive Manufacturing
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3D Solutions
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Airframe Engineering
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Cabin Interior Engineering
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High Integrity Test Rigs
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Innovative Tooling Solutions
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Systems Integration
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Trusted by organisations across the world