VTM-performance Milling Train

The highest performance thanks to the most advanced technology on both freight and mainline passenger railway systems: Vossloh’s high performance milling is the groundbreaking solution for repairing damaged rails and significantly prolonging their service life. The VTM-performance milling train is effective at removing severe defects in the cross-sectional and longitudinal profiles of the rail head as well as deformations and damage caused by material fatigue. The rail receives an exact reprofiling and finish in only a single pass, and the innovative face-milling technology for the finishing produces neither dust nor sparks. Combined with its efficient extraction system, the technology works with practically no residue in the track.

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High performance milling technology

High performance milling uses Vossloh’s newly developed milling train VTM-performance, which is equipped with groundbreaking technology that is quicker, more precise and better for the environment than conventional milling systems. A single pass performs the following machining sequence: peripheral milling and face milling (finishing) with simultaneous verification of the rail’s machined condition.

In the VTM-performance, the 1,400 mm diameter milling wheel is more than twice the size of a standard milling wheel, which ensures less residual ripple after machining, a very high-quality surface, faster operating speeds and a higher material removal rate. All the metal removed is extracted into a bunker, and the encapsulation of the milling units ensures that nothing is left behind. The fully integrated finishing employs a new kind of face-milling technology that renders a final grind unnecessary and ensures that the procedure is free of grinding dust or sparks.

At the customer’s request, on-board measuring equipment can be integrated in advance to check the quality and safety of the reprofiled rails immediately after machining.

Efficient and precise

The VTM-performance milling train from Vossloh operates non-stop at speeds of up to 2 km/h, removing 3mm on the running surface and up to 9 mm on the running edge. A single pass rectifies even severe rail defects, and the rail is accurately reprofiled to a condition that is virtually like new. With its service life thus considerably prolonged, replacing the rail becomes unnecessary. VTM-performance’s on-board tool calibration system ensures a sustained surface quality.

Measuring equipment for eddy current testing and for checking the rail profile’s longitudinal undulation and cross-section can also be integrated into the train at the customer’s request.

Extremely clean procedure

High performance milling doesn’t use water and produces neither sparks nor dust. The metal chips removed are extracted during the milling process and deposited in chip bunkers for later disposal. These bunkers have capacities of several tons, which is sufficient for several work shifts. Not only does this render unnecessary the cleaning of tunnel walls after a milling run, for example, it also makes Vossloh’s VTM-performance the safest and most environmentally-friendly rail milling machine in the world.

Flexible

The fact that it can be both individually configured and adapted for use on all of the common international rail profiles makes the VTM-performance incredibly flexible. It can be used on any light rail, heavy haulage or high-speed line and its loading gauge has been adapted to the English W6a gauge, making the train compact enough for use on the British rail network.

A further advantage: The milling wheel is made up of individual block elements that can be replaced quickly and, if need be, separately. This makes it unnecessary to completely disassemble the wheel during the tool-changing procedure, which in turn ensures shorter immobilization times and longer operation.

Technical data

Max. material removal per pass:

• on the running surface: up to 3 mm
• on the running edge: up to 9 mm

Max. feed rate / operating speed:

• to remove 0.5 mm: 2,000 m/h
• to remove 1.0 mm: 1,200 – 1,500 m/h

• Roughness Ra: < 6µm
• Bunker capacity: 14 m3 (sufficient for up to 2 shifts)
• Fire hazard: none
• Suitable for use in tunnels (dust, sparks): yes
• Energy concept: diesel-electric
• Diameter of the main milling wheel: 1,400 mm
• Number of main milling wheels: 1
• Finishing system: face milling
• Service life of cutters: 5,000 m on average
• Change profiles during machining procedure: possible
• Tool changing: semi-automatic from inside the machine
• Preparation/removal of rail switching equipment: not required
• Optional installation of integrated measuring systems: yes
• Loading gauge: W6a (English gauge)

• VTM-performance Milling Train – Technical Datasheet PDF (2.69 MB)
• Discover easy maintenance. An innovative portfolio that sets new standards. PDF (1.90 MB)

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