VAE South Africa

- Reduced wear

- Lower forces

- Lower accelerations

- Less maintenance

- Lower life-cycle costs

Different microstructure and hardness in the switch rail section
The switches are manufactured in accordance with the technical terms of supply of UIC and CEN, supplemented by the specific requirements of the customers and the vast experience of VAE. Tongue rails can be manufactured and delivered in lengths of 19 meters and more, with or without forging, in one piece.

For low, medium or highest loads, rails type R350 HT (S900 HSH) (Head Special Hardened) are used. These rails are manufactured according to a special heat-treatment procedure. The fine pearlitic structure is particularly suitable for rolling contact due to its high wear resistance combined with high tensile strength and elongation. 

Switch forging

At the end of the asymmetrical switch section, the required rail section is obtained by forging. The tools and equipment for this essential technology are designed and manufactured at the VAE factories in order to be able to supply top quality products and provide safe manufacturing procedures. The weld joint is in any case outside of the transition area.

Heat Treatment

The decreasing tensile strength in the heat affected zone of the forging is eliminated by a computer-controlled heat treatment process, which is carried out as a standard procedure at VAE. This patented procedure reduces the formation of soft spots on the running surface of the switch. After the forging procedure, the fishing table corresponds to the measurements of the rolled rail. The area of the head and foot is adjusted to the required measurements by machining.