Underfloor wheel lathes are essential machines for the maintenance and repair of railway wheels. Reprofiling wheels without axle removal saves both time and money, as they enable on-the-vehicle adjustments to be made. Underfloor wheel lathes will have a $1.2 billion global market in 2023. From 2023 to 2028, the market will expand at a CAGR of 5%, propelled by the rising demand for dependable and secure rail transit.
The CNC underfloor wheel lathe
The CNC underfloor wheel lathe is a powerful tool that can machine the treads of railway wheels. It is a semi-closed loop control machine, which means that it can automatically turn the wheelset tread profile based on a set of pre-programmed instructions. The lathe can machine both sides of the wheelset tread simultaneously or a single side at a time. Skilled technicians and less experienced operators can operate it in either automatic or manual control modes for versatility.
Underfloor wheel Lathe: Functional Description
The CNC under-floor wheel lathe has several features that make it a valuable tool for railway maintenance. These features include:
- It is appropriate for use on a range of railway vehicles because the operating overhang is less than 300 mm.
- The lathe's versatile clamps for the replaceable spindle box enable operation on a range of different wheelsets effectively.
- A driving mode that uses friction rollers to position the wheelset smoothly and precisely.
- An automatic measuring instrument that can determine automatic tool setting and measure the axial position of the wheelset that needs to be machined.
- The lathe enables data interchange with other railroad systems through a networking feature, facilitating seamless communication among them.
The CNC under-floor wheel lathe is a valuable tool that can improve the safety and efficiency of railway operations. It can increase the lifespan of railroad wheels, boost a train's efficiency, and lessen the likelihood of an accident.
Underfloor wheel Lathe: Technical Specifications
The technical specifications of a wheelset machining lathe vary depending on the manufacturer and model. However, some of the key specifications include:
- Rated power: The lathe's rated power is its maximum allowable power consumption. It is crucial to think about while selecting a lathe because it will affect the machine's size and weight.
- Temperature control of electrical cabinet: The electrical cabinet of the lathe should be temperature controlled to prevent overheating. It is crucial in hot climates.
- The efficiency of machining: The time required to machine a wheelset is the machining efficiency. It is important to consider while choosing a lathe because it will impact the equipment's productivity.
- Equipment noise: The equipment noise is the noise level generated by the lathe. Considering it for lathes used in noise-sensitive environments is crucial to ensure a positive impact on noise levels.
- Operation interface of CNC system: The operation interface of the CNC system should be in a language that the operator is familiar with. It will make it easier to operate the lathe.
The range of wheelset machining that the lathe can accommodate is also an important specification. It includes the track gauge, wheel diameter, tread width, axle length, distance between the backs of wheel flanges, and axle load.
The driving and positioning devices of the lathe are also vital specifications. The driving mode of the main transmission should be able to provide enough power to the lathe. The spindle speed steps should be adjustable to accommodate different machining requirements. The power of the driving unit should be sufficient to meet the needs of the lathe.
The tool rest is another important specification. The range of feeds should be sufficient to accommodate different machining requirements. The moving speed of the tool rest should be fast enough to ensure efficient machining.
The measuring device is also an important specification. The system of units for the measuring system should be compatible with the units used by the operator. The measuring transducer element should be accurate and reliable.
The machining accuracy is another important specification. The maximum difference of wheel diameter of the same axle, maximum difference of wheel diameter of the same bogietion of contour, and surface roughness for contour machining are all crucial factors to consider.
The installation dimension of the lathe and its weight are also significant specifications. The lathe should be able to fit in the space available. When transporting the machine, consider the lathe's weight as a crucial factor to take into account for safe handling.
Conclusion
The CNC underfloor wheel late revolutionizes railway maintenance practices by enhancing safety, extending wheel life, optimizing vehicle performance, and mitigating risks. As the global market grows, it is a game-changer in modern rail transport.
Get the underfloor wheel lathe by visiting lontronrail.com. Get in touch by calling 0086 532 83890017 or email at sales@lontronrail.com.
