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Aluminothermic welding

Rail welding

Every rail network needs welds that hold under load, whatever the climate or traffic. Pandrol's rail welding range covers aluminothermic welding consumables and processes for new welds and in-track repairs for vignole, special and grooved rail. Our knowledge is reinforced by over a century of experience, so speak to us to find the right process for your rail type.

What are Rail welding products and how do they work?

The right choice of welding process depends on your rail type, and whether you're joining new track or repairing existing damage. Our rail welding range covers new welds and in-track repairs across nearly every rail profile in service today, all built on our proven aluminothermic process.

Vignole rail covers most mainline, freight and passenger networks, while special and grooved profiles suit metro, tram and non-standard applications. For localised railhead damage, head wash repair lets you repair in place rather than replace a full section. Explore each process below to find the right fit.

Speak to our rail experts
  • Processes matched to vignole, grooved, crane and special rail, plus in-place repairs.

  • A dedicated head wash repair option for localised damage, without a full rail replacement, saving possession time.

  • A range of welding kits to fit all your configurations and different welding needs.

Product benefits

  • Longer-lasting welds

    Improved metallurgical quality maximises the life of the weld and reduces your maintenance costs.

  • Built for faster preheating

    Fully compatible with Pandrol's i+heat preheater and i+seal mould, for ergonomic gains and less time on site.

  • Stronger 3-piece mould design

    Eliminates discontinuity under the rail foot, improving the weld quality and extending its life.

Overview

Vignole rail welding covers new welds, wide-gap and head wash repairs for standard flat-bottom rail, the most common profile in use worldwide. Each aluminothermic welding mould is matched to your exact rail section, producing a weld that meets the same mechanical performance as the parent rail. It's suited to freight and passenger networks running standard gap or wide gap joints.

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Overview

Special rail welding covers profiles that fall outside standard vignole rail, including rubber-tyred rail, guide bar rail, conductor rail and rack rail. Because these profiles are used less often and vary between networks, we engineer bespoke moulds and processes for each one in collaboration with your team. This variation suits metro, tram and specialist transit systems running non-standard rail sections.

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Overview

Grooved rail welding is designed all configurations included rail embedded in the ground on metro and tram networks, where the rail shares space with pedestrians and vehicles. The narrower profile calls for a mould and process tailored to the groove, giving you a weld that holds its shape under mixed urban loading conditions.

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Overview

Crane rail welding covers the full range of crane rail sizes, from standard gantry sections to heavier, purpose-built profiles. Because crane rail has a thicker web and sits without pads or sleepers, continuously supported along its length, it calls for its own mould design and welding approach. It's suited to ports, warehouses and heavy industry sites running overhead or floor-mounted crane systems, as well as specialist applications such as stadium roof structures.

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Bergen
Featured Project
  • Urban & Transit
  • Norway

Delivering Smoother, Quieter Light Rail Through Advanced Rail Welding

Bergen Municipality / 2020

Bergen Light Rail in Norway is a 21km light rail system with 27 stations. It began operation in 2010 and carries up to 60,000 passengers each day. The system is standard gauge, with platforms built to accommodate 44-meter long trams.

Discuss your Aluminothermic welding project with our team.

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Did you know?

There are more Pandrol clips in service than there are people in Europe. Over three-times the amount to be precise. We have 3 billion clips in use and Europe has a population of around 750 million.