STILFOLD and Alstom to investigate train building with ‘industrial origami’

Dubbed industrial origami, STILFOLD’s patented manufacturing technology uses robotic arms to fold flat sheet metal over curves to form strong and sustainable new structures, using minimal component parts. The Swedish company said its technology removes the need for cutting, welding and joining. This reduces material waste, energy consumption and production time while increasing structural strength.

STILFOLD’s daughter company STILRIDE has created a lightweight electric motorcycle made almost entirely from recycled steel. The team is also working with Polestar to build the world’s first climate-neutral car; and with Kookiejar to produce sustainable vertiports for urban drone deliveries.

Now, STILFOLD will work with Alstom to explore how its steel bending technology could improve how the structures and components in trains are produced.

In a statement, Ganesh Chandramouli, head of innovation, strategy and portfolio at Alstom Sweden, said: "STILFOLD is a very interesting and promising technology where we see many potential applications going forward. If we can find solutions that are both more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, it is natural for us to take a closer look at how we can best utilise it.”

STILFOLD and Alstom will jointly review existing manufacturing solutions at Alstom to analyse and identify areas where the greatest impact can be achieved by implementing the STILFOLD technology. STILFOLD will enable Alstom to use fewer raw materials, reduce the weight of different components and improve the strength and durability of their trains’ structures.

Jonas Nyvang, CEO and co-founder at STILFOLD, comments: "At STILFOLD, our aim is to power sustainable manufacturing practices across every industry. Mobility is a key focus for us, which is why we’re so excited to be moving into the rail sector through this collaboration with Alstom. Rail travel has always been one of the most environmentally-friendly modes of transport, but it could be made even greener by optimising train construction for sustainability.”