Abstract

The present application relates to a process and device (38) for treating rails (20) in order to improve their durability, the process comprising adding a metal surfacing material to the rail (20) by the process of friction surfacing. Optionally the rail (20) may be heated prior to adding the surfacing material and optionally a starter plate may be used to increase the temperature of the surfacing material prior to contact with the rail (20). The device (30) comprises: an application mechanism (36), preferably pivotally mounted, adapted to rotate or oscillate a surfacing material, and capable of providing an axial force of at least lkN and a movement mechanism adapted to move the application mechanism! linearly. The device (30) weighs less than 500kg, preferably less than 250kg and so is portable and may be used on site. Preferred embodiments include a heating element adapted to heat the substrate prior to the friction surfacing. The invention provides a convenient method and device (30) for increasing the durability of rails (20), increases the safety of workers who may not need to exit a repair locomotive, and reduces track maintenance time, so the track may be put into operation more quickly.

IPC Classes  ?

• B23K 20/12 - Non-electric welding by applying impact or other pressure, with or without the application of heat, e.g. cladding or plating the heat being generated by frictionFriction welding
• B23P 6/04 - Repairing fractures or cracked metal parts or products, e.g. castings
• E01B 31/02 - Working rail or other metal track components on the spot
• E01B 31/18 - Reconditioning or repairing worn or damaged parts on the spot, e.g. applying inlays, building-up rails by weldingHeating or cooling of parts on the spot, e.g. for reducing joint gaps, for hardening rails