Brooks Forgings supplies special components to UK rail industry 13 April 2017

Brooks Forgings Ltd was recently approached to produce special arching horns that are commonly used in overhead electrification applications for the railway industry.

A combination of sawing, machining, hot bending and welding processes was used by Brooks Forgings to produce the various components used in the overall arching horn assembly. Due to the company’s vast capabilities it was able to carry out all of these processes on-site, ensuring the swift turnaround and quality tolerances required by the customer.

All of the components were produced from fully certified 316 stainless steel material of European origin. The profiles, produced from 6mm thick plate, required the machining of special chamfered edges prior to the hot bending process that used specially designed tooling and jigs to minimise deformation and meet strict tolerances. The profiles were then fillet welded to a prefabricated clamping block that was produced firstly as a one piece, drilled with two 10.5mm holes and a large 24mm hole, and then sawn in half to create a matching pair. The complete assembly was then checked for distortion following the welding process. The components were supplied complete with A2 stainless bolts, washers and stiff nuts.

Claire Aldridge Deputy Editor t: +44 (0) 1727 743 889

Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.

Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.