Thermite Welding
Thermite welding is the process of welding with molten metal obtained through an aluminothermic reaction. The equipment we use consists of three main elements:
- the mold, which gives the weld its shape;
- the charge that forms the filler metal and the crucible, where the aluminothermic reaction occurs, producing molten metal;
- liquid steel that melts rail ends and, after cooling, the whole forms a seamless weld.
Thermite welding has many applications that reduce the maintenance costs of rail networks. In fact, it eliminates rail joints, which create a weak area. As a result, it prevents wear on the rail ends and slice bars while greatly increasing the service life of the tracks. It is also possible to carry out welding on rails of different sizes that have a varying types of wear.
This kind of welding is generally used in high speed and heavy tonnage railway networks. However, its use is equally applicable for cranes on rails, gantry cranes and grade crossings, for all types of networks. Tracks located in grade crossings undergo significant transverse stresses that greatly contribute to accelerated track wear. By eliminating rail joints, we thus help to prevent the occurrence of such problems.
