The Program:
MTI, together with the University of Notre Dame, has been selected by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for the development and testing of a full-scale Low Force Friction Welding machine for continuous welded rail. The project selection is part of the FRA's CRISI Program, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements. This project aims to develop and design a new rail-welding process capable of welding full sections of 136lb rail to reduce costs for continuous welded rail and is worth upwards of £3.4 million. Read more about this transformative project here: https://railroads.dot.gov/grants-loans/consolidated-rail-infrastructure-and-safety-improvements-crisi-program
The Technology:
MTI's Low Force technology is the newest Friction Welding process in which we introduce an external energy source to raise the interface temperature of the parts being joined, thereby reducing the process forces required to make a solid-state weld. Already in active production throughout the automotive sector, Low Force now aims to provide breakthrough solutions for the rail industry. Learn more about Low Force for rail here: https://www.mtiwelding.com/blog/low-force-friction-welding-a-promising-solution-for-the-rail-industry/