Tension control fasteners for car couplings

Alstom, world leading supplier of rail products, services and systems, is to use tension control fasteners, from James Walker RotaBolt, on the intermediate car couplings of its new Modular trains.

Alstom, world leading supplier of rail products, services and systems, is to use tension control fasteners, from James Walker RotaBolt, on the intermediate car couplings of its new Modular trains for the Spanish commuter rail service.

RotaBolt, global leaders in bolting technology, worked closely with Alstom in Barcelona for over a year to develop the new coupling mechanisms.

The initial order will see 40 Modular trains fitted with RotaBolt tension control, following an initial trial and monitoring period.

Each train coupling uses a total of 8 x M36 RotaBolts, with 16 or 24 RotaBolts per train according to the number of cars.

Previously Alstom had been using traditional bolts and torque tightening methods, but was drawn to RotaBolt's ability to deliver assured reliability through the use of tension control.

Much of the research and development work on the couplings centred on the surface coatings of the fasteners, ensuring that they delivered the desired corrosion resistance without compromising performance.

"Our fasteners are delivering assured reliability in some very hostile environments," commented Rod Corbett from RotaBolt, "we were able to provide the corrosion resistance needed and at the same time demonstrate that our tension control technology not only delivers reliability, it is also very cost effective in operational maintenance.

We are looking forward to developing further potential with Alstom." RotaBolt technology delivers the correct levels of design tension at installation and throughout the life of the bolted joint.

The fasteners are increasingly being used wherever there is the potential for vibration and fatigue failure in rail and track applications around the world.

In Australia, RotaBolts have been fitted to brake trip mechanisms and to trip levers on Endeavour and Explorer class diesel rail motors, as well as on the high speed XPT train.

Bombardier trains are now using RotaBolts to attach traction motors.

In Britain, RotaBolt technology has been used for over a decade on important applications on British Rail 91 class locomotives, electric and diesel multiple units and track utility trains.

Metronet have used RotaBolts on their entire fleet of trains on London Underground's Central Line and in Europe, RotaBolts have provided reliability to electronic, automatic marshalling systems and sliding safety buffers.

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