Frequently asked questions
FAQ about rail welding methods, norms, technologies, systems and machines.
How to weld a rail?
It depends on the requirement and available methods for the application...
What methods are used to weld rails ?
Five rail welding processes/methods are available on the market:
- Aluminothermic rail welding (casted rail joint),
- Electric pooled arc welding,
- Gas pressure rail welding,
- Flash butt rail welding, usually referred as electric rail welding.
- Induction rail welding, which is also an electric rail welding.
What is the advantage of electric rail welding method and why electrical rail welding is better ?
Electrical rail welding does not require filler metals, it can either be flash butt rail welding or induction rail welding.
The electrical rail welding allows a forging process therefore the rail welding joint quality is improved and the mechanical properties closer to the rail base material which benefits the weld lifetime.
What standards and norms are applicable for the validation of an electrical rail welding machine ?
The European norms EN14587-1 and EN14587-2 specify respectively the requirements for the approval of a welding process by fixed rail welding plant and by rail welding mobile plant, together with the requirements for subsequent activities.
What is the best Flash butt rail welding machine and how to make the best Electrical rail welding machine ?
It depends on your market and needs but keeping in mind that the rail flash butt welding machine is a rail electric welding process that must comply with the European norms EN14587-1 or EN14587-2, then we believe that the question should be: What is the best electric welding system for rails ?
Why VFC did not follow the companies manufacturing Flash butt rail welding machines ? and developed an Induction rail welding machine ?
VFC designs and manufactures entirely its own Induction electric rail welding machines. Instead of a Flash butt principle to heat up the rail ends, VFC machine is using an induction heating system to heat up the rail ends and forge the rail ends.
Some of the advantages of induction rail welding machine is that: no spark, no fume and reduced noise are generated during the process. Please contact us to discuss the other advantages.