Global Fastener News

FEATURE
Rail Fastener Suppliers Eye “Softer” Fastener

2011 is shaping up to be a “strong year” for rail fastener suppliers, Progressive Railroading reports.
 

Suppliers are boosting production even while working to develop products with greater

longevity in mind.
 

“Railroads continue to want rail fastenings and related components that are rugged enough to provide a long service life even when faced with today’s challenging operating conditions,” Pandrol officials said. “In addition, they are looking for fastening systems that offer lower installation and maintenance costs.”
 

Transit agencies eager to boost ridership are seeking softer, long-lasting fasteners that can optimize noise and vibration dampening, yet retain gauge and maintain electrical isolation, L.B. Foster Co. officials stated. So, the company developed both a “substantially softer-than-traditional fastener” that remains resilient.
 

L.B. Foster is among fastener suppliers analyzing new fastener technologies with enhanced loads or longer cycles that could help extend a product’s longevity, Progressive Railroading reports.
 

Unit Rail is developing the Tie Armor, which is produced from “Macro Composite,” a proprietary material that’s very durable, abrasion resistant, non-conductive, stable in extreme temperatures and UV-resistant.
 

Lewis Bolt & Nut Co. added the option of a rectangular head for the Evergrip™ Spike to provide more socket bearing surface when the fastener is turned in or out.
 

“We also increased the tensile strength to give it more ability to withstand the shear effects that occur in track,” company officials said.
 

Vossloh Fastening Systems is showcasing the DFF Metro system, a “cost-efficient” rail fastener featuring elastically mounted base plates produced from a two-component plastic. The DFF Metro system has double gauge adjustment of plus or minus 20 millimeters using strips and bushings, and a high degree of elasticity of up to eight kilonewtons per millimeter. ©2011 GlobalFastenerNews.com