The role of protective coatings in maintaining our railways is exactly what it says on the tin. Metal coatings in particular for railways add a protective layer to the substrate, this ensures the rail network is well maintained.
The railway industry has developed rapidly all over the world. However, the rapid development of the railway industry is making rail surface damage increasingly severe. With the increase in train speed, car loading and traffic volume, requirements for durability and reliability of railways are also increasingly stringent.
In this Alphatek blog, we explore what’s the role of protective coatings in maintaining our railways and which coating extends the lifespan the most.
Why Does A Railway Need Maintaining?
Without railway maintenance workers, obstacles and errors won’t be highlighted, the entire rail network would be at risk and delays would happen regularly. Railway maintenance helps ensure everyone travels on time and safely.
That’s from the outset. If we have a look at the railway itself. Railways need maintenance because of the variations in temperature and ground conditions which can significantly reduce the lifespan of rails.
Similarly, in the automotive and aerospace sectors, machinery and other components are subject to harsh weather and other outdoor conditions. Therefore, this can cause corrosion and rapid deterioration.
What Is Corrosion Of A Railway?
Corrosion failures of rail tracks are basically near rail gall and foot fatigue. Corrosion at rail gall and foot fatigue would lead to thinning of foot section and instability of rail, inducing a potential risk of displacement, the introduction of large stress or even rail failure
Reducing Downtime Of Railways With Protective Coatings
Thermal spray coatings are one of the most protective surface coatings for any substrate. If your company opts for a protective coating to layer its rail applications, you’ll be exposed to several benefits.
These advantages won’t be achieved through standard coatings or less competent finishings. Here are some advantages of using thermal spray coatings for the rail industry:
Protective Coatings Provide Incredible Results
Thermal spray coatings achieve excellent results against demanding high and low-temperature environments and chemicals, as well as general wear and tear. Understanding the intricacies is our job, seeing them in fruition is yours for years to come.
Through our bespoke service, we can modify our processes to meet our client’s needs. However, our goal is to always meet industry standards in performance and efficiency. In addition, while keeping all finishes visually pleasing.
Alphatek Are Safety Approved
Many common products can benefit from a railway-specific coating. For example, this includes seat frames, safety handles, interior & exterior trims, brackets and trackside enclosures. We ensure our protective coatings abide by railway standards BS 6853 and BS 476 as well as are resistant to smoke emissions and fire propagation.
More Benefits Of Protective Coatings
Using these methods and solutions will greatly increase the lifespan of your railway. Other railway benefits include:
• Reduced rail lifetime costs through reduced rail maintenance and increased rail life.
• Reduced rail replacement costs compared to epoxy paint coating systems.
• Retained S&T capabilities.
Which Protective Coating Maintain Railways?
There are five main types of thermal spraying, all of which project small molten or softened particles onto a surface to adhere and form a continuous coating. The temperature increase of the coated part is minimal, meaning heat distortion is rare – a major advantage over hot-dipped galvanising or welding.
Thermal spraying for corrosion control is usually carried out by Flame and Arc-wire – they are the least costly and quickest to implement, so are suitable for corrosion protection of larger structures. Plasma and HVOF sprays are used to apply engineering coatings and are of higher quality, density, and bond strength.
Alphatek: Thermal Coating Specialists
We, Alphatek, have a combined total of 100 years of coating expertise. We have experienced and managed a variety of railways, check out our case studies.
Over the years we have developed a close relationship with our customers. This has allowed us to develop specific products to suit certain industries and applications. We develop our coatings to deliver the best value, most effective thermal spray coatings solution, first time, every time and with a stress-free service that suits everyone.
For Metal Spraying and Thermal Spray Coating specialists, we have you covered. We hope we have answered your question “What’s The Role Of Protective Coatings In Maintaining Our Railways?” if we have’t or you would like some more information, you can call us directly on 01706 821021, or you can email us at postbox@alphatek.co.uk.
Alternatively, if you’d like to visit us we are located 20 miles north of Manchester. Just be wary of our opening times.
