Grinding technology

Problems:

Corrugations are small undulations that form on the rail head and give rise to noise and rolling stock wear. The rail cross-section is also subject to undesired change following constant use. The radius can wear drastically mainly in the area of the rail edge, which results in poor ride comfort and increased rolling stock wear. Cracking can also occur on seams in the case of heavily worn rails.

Grinding machine function:

With Autech grinding machines, rails (Fig. C) and running edges (Fig. D) can be ground and reprofiled using a “multi-pass grind“. During the grinding process, the rail is ground with two to six rotating grinding wheels arranged in tandem. Depending on the depth of the imperfection, one or several grinding cycles are performed per pass. The angle difference and number of individual passes depends on the rail shape or customer requirements. For reprofiling the inside edge, the grinding angle of the machines can be reduced u to 72 °.

Application:

Autech grinding machines are designed specially for use on tramways and regional railways. The compact size and exceptionally easy handling and manoeuvrability of these self-propelled machines enable efficient working under normal service conditions at train operation intervals under 10 minutes. Maximum in/off-tracking time is 30 seconds. The machine can also be used on corrugated and Vignole rails. Crossing and switching zones as well as tight curves can also be machined. Different track gauges can be adjusted.