Automatic Measuring for Wheelset Dimensions By Amest

In Railways , Train Wheels are very important for the safety of a train. In a train, wheelsets bear all static and dynamic loads. The wear, peeling and scraping of wheel treads can cause the change of the diameter and out-of-roundness.

The diameter of the wheel is a significant parameter that needs regular inspection. Traditional methods in many railways only use the contact points of the wheel tread to fit the rolling round. However, the wheel tread is easily influenced by peeling or scraping.

The measurement of the wheel diameter in railways can be divided into two categories:

1.  static measurement and dynamic measurement. Static measurement is usually performed during the maintenance of wheels using special mechanical callipers or automatic measurement devices.
2. In Contrast Dynamic measurement is performed when a train passes the measurement system that is mounted on the rail track.

The company Amest has developed a new solution for automatic control of wheelset dimensions by placing the radial-axial measuring units on cross-linear supports.The automatic measuring complex developed by Amest is used to make a complete check on wheels manufactured in non-stop three-shift serial production.

 

The measurement station for wheelset is placed directly behind the pressing machine, when, after wheel pressing has taken place , the wheelset is moved into basic position of the measuring station.

The station is easy to set for all types and dimensions of wheels manufactured in the client’s factory, i.e. from small tram wheels to huge locomotive wheels. To ensure reliability of optical components the entire station is situated in a lockable compartment with opaque sliding walls and an inner roller-blind to keep it sheltered and protected against light.

The output of the station – checking 60 wheels an hour, including assessment and statistical processing of the results – can match the tempo of the client’s production line by a sufficient margin.

Automatic measuring station for measuring geometric dimensions of train wheels

The KS-528 (KS-570) is an automatic measuring station for geometry control of railway wheels. The automatic measuring complex developed by Amest is used to make a complete check on wheels manufactured in non-stop three-shift serial production.

The station is easy to set for all types and dimensions of wheels manufactured in the client’s factory, including everything from small tram wheels to huge locomotive wheels. It’s able to measure all geometric parameters such as riding and disc profiles, diameters, axial lengths, run-outs, circularity, radiuses and many others. . To ensure reliability of optical components the entire station is situated in a lockable compartment with opaque sliding walls and an inner roller-blind to keep it sheltered and protected against light.

The output of the station – checking 60 wheels an hour, including assessment and statistical processing of the results – can match the tempo of the client’s production line by a sufficient margin

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Parameters of automatic complex
Wheel geometry measuring cycle	cca 30 s
Scan speed	2 faces/s
Number of faces per wheel turn	60
Parameters of wheels measured
wheel diameter	up 1400 mm
wheel rim width	up 170 mm
wheel weight	up 1100 kg

Automatic measuring station for geometry control of final railway axles

Amest’s KS-551 automatic measuring station for geometry control of railway axles offers a complete check of axle geometry parameters including diameters, axial lengths, cylindricity, circularity, axial lengths and radiuses.

This equipment is based on the principle of contact measurement, and is set up with four rests, lying next to each other on a linear guidance system. Each rest has its own longitudinal metering and an independent servodrive, which means that it can move longitudinally, and measure at a random crosscut. The outer rests secure measuring of the diameter for both the bearing and the peg. The inner rests secure measuring of the large diameter for pressing on the wheels and other optional diameters of the central part of the axle.

Each rest contains a cross non-hysteresis guide, and a linear ruler; two inductive heads opposite each other; and another servodrive, which secures the measuring head feed to the surface of the axle. Measuring the dimensions and shape deviation in both cross and longitudinal directions is secured by the contact of measuring heads. Using a crane, a worker loads the axle into loading prisms, which safely slide into the measuring position. The axle is rotated by two centring pins, one of which is powered by the servodrive .

The final cross dimension is represented by the total of linear ruler figures, and deviations of the inductive heads. Since the equipment has four rests, which simultaneously measure the basic and dependent mean values, it is possible to use the ‘floating base’ method.

Measured parameters are shown on the measuring system monitor, offering the possibility of storing, and printing of the record of measured and statistically evaluated figures.

The station’s measurement accuracy of ±0,5µm fulfils all customer requirements for high performance.

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Measuring station wheel hub diameter and disc bores

The KS-568 device successively measures hub holes in three sections, or in a selected number of sections. Measuring utilises a new principle of dynamic measuring heads (DMH) that allows the check of polar circularity in all sections, as well as the positions of centres, concave and convex profile, and the taper ratio. This measuring method ensures a complex check of the wheel before pressing the wheel set, or complex dimensional report prior to dispatch.

Automatic measurement of precision train axle ends

Amest allows measurement in an unusual range of dimensions and within a short time cycle with high accuracy. The separated construction of the loading point minimises the effect of external handling on the gauging part of the device. The control device is able to measure outer/inner diameters, outer/inner threads, concentricity, etc.

Automatic Visual, dimensional and geometric checking device of train axles

KS-539 ,  is used to carry out visual, dimensional and geometric checks on forged pieces of rail axles. The measuring principle is based on assessing the profile of the forging; this profile is acquired from laser micrometer data (diameter) and a linear ruler (linear measure) as the measuring arm passes along the forged piece. The data from the laser and linear ruler is synchronised, giving the dependence of the diameter on the longitudinal axis of the forging.

 

Scope of axle forgings measured
Diameter	120 mm up 215 mm
Lenght	2100 mm up 3000 mm
Weight	max. 1000 kg

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Non-destructive checking of railway wheels and axles

Amest is also a producer of control devices for magnetic and ultrasound control of railway wheels and axles, with 20 years experience in the railway market.

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