Ensuring safety and precision in the rail industry is a top priority. Whether it’s building trains, maintaining rail infrastructure or ensuring the accuracy of the tools that help keep people and freight moving, every bolt and fastener must be tightened to the exact levels of required torque.
One of the biggest challenges in the rail industry is the tough environment. Trains, carriages, tracks and other rail infrastructure are left exposed to the elements and must withstand constant vibration while carrying extremely heavy loads.
For engineers and technicians to keep everything moving safely and prevent breakdowns, accidents and downtime, they need the right torque measurement tools. In this article, we take a look at the five key applications that require torque in the rail industry and how torque measurement keeps the rail network running smoothly.
1. Manufacturing rail carriages and components
The assembly of trains and rail carriages is one of the most important applications that requires torque in the rail industry. They are responsible for transporting people and freight safely across the country, so every fastening must be precise and reliable.
These key components are expected to withstand years of heavy use without loosening or experiencing any issues. Some of the key rail components that require accurate torque measurement include:
- Wheel subframe units and bogies that carry the full weight of the train and are therefore under constant stress.
- Braking systems and actuators need precise torque to ensure good stopping power and to prevent uneven wear.
- Carriage frames and couplings that need strong and reliable joints to ensure passenger safety.
Modern torque tools can also aid in assembly traceability, compliance and auditing by providing data logging to digital readouts, ensuring accurate records and compliance with standards such as BS EN 15085.
2. Maintenance of rail tracks and infrastructure
Without safe, reliable tracks that are in good working order, the rail network would come to a grinding halt. This is why constant maintenance of rail tracks is essential to prevent damage from stress, excessive vibrations and exposure to extreme weather conditions.
If the bolts and fasteners are too tight or too loose, this can result in serious problems with the track, such as track movement or damage to the components. Common areas that require precise torque measurements include:
- Fishplates that join rail sections together.
- Baseplates and clips that fasten the track to railway sleepers.
- Points and crossings that must remain perfectly aligned.
- Other rail infrastructure components such as signals, signage and power supplies etc.
Track engineers rely on hydraulic or battery-powered torque tools to ensure the maintenance of rail tracks and other infrastructure. They follow strict predictive maintenance schedules to help avoid failures, derailments or downtime.
3. Servicing trains, carriages and freight units
In addition to regular and planned maintenance, trains, carriages, and freight units require servicing to ensure they remain safe, compliant and reliable. Engineers inspect each component for signs of wear and tear or damage.
Once any necessary repairs are made, the components are rebuilt to ensure the right levels of torque are used. This may include applications such as:
- Brake and suspension systems can become loose or damaged over time.
- Interior fittings, such as seats and doors to ensure they are safe and in good working order.
- Fuel tanks and battery boxes that support critical systems can lead to major issues if they fail to function properly.
Modern torque measurement tools can provide rail engineers with peace of mind, ensuring their tools and measurements are accurate and that everything is torqued to the correct specification.
4. Calibration of heavy-duty torque tools and equipment
To ensure accuracy and precision, the tools that measure and apply torque must be regularly checked and calibrated to ensure they deliver the correct force. If torque tools are out of calibration, then the fasteners they tighten will likely be wrong.
Torque calibration can take place:
- In a depot or calibration service centre.
- Out in the field, where tools require validating on-site.
- Before key projects to ensure accuracy.
We can help you provide full traceability and ensure the accuracy of your Crane torque measurement equipment with regular calibration at one of our calibration centres. Find your nearest calibration centre.
5. Overhaul and refurbishment projects
Older trains need to be refurbished or upgraded to ensure they continue to provide valuable transportation to millions of people and freight every day. This requires stripping trains, carriages and other rail infrastructure down to refurbish or replace every worn component.
Once the overhaul and refurbishment projects are complete, rail engineers and technicians must reassemble them safely and reliably so they can continue to provide high standards of service for many more years.
When it comes to overhaul and refurbishment projects, torque is often used in:
- Axle-box rebuilds to ensure bearings and seals form correctly.
- Traction motor refits to reduce vibration and excessive wear and tear.
- Frame modifications where new components are used to upgrade older units.
- Modifying passenger seats and handrails to breathe new life into older trains and meet new safety requirements.
Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) is essential in the rail industry. At Crane, our torque experts support MRO teams in the rail industry to keep rail equipment at its peak working condition and prevent costly failures, disruption to service and damage to infrastructure.
Why choose Crane for torque measurement in the rail industry?
With trains carrying millions of passengers and vast volumes of freight every day, even the smallest component failure can have a significant impact. However, with regular maintenance, servicing, overhaul, and refurbishment, along with the right torque measurement equipment, rail engineers and technicians can ensure that our rail networks operate smoothly, safely and reliably.
At Crane, we’ve been supporting engineers across various industries for over 50 years, making us a leading force in torque management.
If you have any questions about our torque measurement products or would like to know more about our calibration and MRO services, please get in touch with a friendly member of our team.