Welding Technology
Tata Steel has a thorough understanding of all the welding techniques typically used on railways worldwide.
Tata Steel’s technologists work with customers on a wide range of projects related to flash butt (both plant-based and mobile), aluminothermic, gas pressure and repair welding. For example, they have:
- Undertaken independent approval testing of mobile flash butt welding plant
- Analysed aluminothermic weld process defects and recommended solutions
- Modelled a heating and forging mechanism to assist in the development of modified burner manifolds, ensuring tight control of weld geometry and profile (gas pressure welding)
- Analysis of repair welding processes, including restoration of embedded grooved rails
Tata Steel also advises customers on optimising the weld process to ensure adherence to national and international specifications. This could involve streamlining of the welding process itself, or the improvement of stripping and grinding procedures.
Tata Steel provides welding technology expertise to reduce weld maintenance costs and extend weld service life through the development of welding schedules, which are designed to control weld geometry, optimise weld process control and enhance process monitoring and analysis.
Tata Steel also conducts research to develop the next stage of rail welding technology, including reliable, automated techniques for surface weld repair to extend rail and switches & crossings life by replacing worn or defective parent material.
