Rail Welding Equipment

WEL-D’STRESS® Hammer

The WEL-D’STRESS® hammer has been developed by Pandrol to improve the fatigue resistance of aluminothermic welds.

The WEL-D’STRESS® hammer introduces residual stresses of compression and prevents the appearance of fatigue stains when traffic is intense. The hammering procedure involves using the hammer for one minute from the web/head connection to the tip of the foot on either side of the collar (i.e. a minimum of four minutes for one weld).

When traffic is heavy, fractures can occur in welds in sensitive areas within six months of welding. Use of the WEL-D’STRESS® hammer completely removes this risk. Customers using the equipment since 2007 have found that the life expectancy of welds in high-traffic areas is identical to that of the rail.

WEL-D’STRESS® Hammer product overview

The WEL-D’STRESS® system introduces residual stresses of compression and prevents the appearance of fatigue stains when traffic is intense.

  • The hammering procedure involves using the hammer for one minute from the web/head connection to the tip of the foot on either side of the collar
  • When traffic is heavy, fractures can occur in welds in sensitive areas within six months of welding
  • The life expectancy of welds in high-traffic areas is identical to that of the rail.
Contact

Downloads

Product information sheet
OMM & Training

Benefits of the WEL-D’STRESS® Hammer

01

Increases track longevity

Using the WEL-D’STRESS® hammer results in a very significant increase in the length of time before an aluminothermic weld shows signs of fatigue.

02

Low maintenance

Less maintenance is needed – the life expectancy of welds in high traffic areas is identical to that of the rail.

03

Value for money

As a result, maintenance costs are reduced and the system offers optimised life cycle cost (LCC).

04

Increased availability

There is increased availability of the infrastructure.

05

Easy installation

The WEL-D’STRESS® hammer is easy to transport and use.

06

Versatile

The equipment is efficient and effective for welding on all types of rail and very high traffic networks.

Technical features

01

Pneumatic system

The WEL-D’STRESS® hammer is a pneumatic system.

02

Usable with cold and hot welding

WEL-D’STRESS® can be used with aluminothermic welds from ambient temperature up to 300°C maximum.

03

Designed for ease of use

The equipment has been designed to be extremely easy and intuitive to use.

04

Compact size

The kit is compact and easy to carry. It comes in a strong case, certified IP67.

05

Versatility

The WEL-D’STRESS® hammer can be used on all types of rail and very high traffic networks. This includes heavy haul lines and intense urban traffic networks, such as RER and Metro.

Tell us about your project

Speak to an expert

Related products

Frog Profile Grinder (05900-05950)

The Pandrol Frog/Profile Grinder delivers accurate rail and frog grinding with ergonomic roll-over control. Its lightweight frame and optional outrigger make it a flexible solution for precise weld finishing in the field.

Frog Profile Grinder (05900-05950)

View product
Diesel Powered Unit 10/5GPM (02900A)

The Pandrol Diesel Powered Unit (02900A) provides reliable hydraulic output of 5 or 10 GPM for powering rail tools. Equipped with a robust 18 hp Kubota engine, it ensures dependable performance even in tough environments.

Diesel Powered Unit 10/5GPM (02900A)

View product
Hand Pump Weld Shear (05000)

Pandrol’s Hand Pump Weld Shear is a compact, self-contained tool for quick and precise removal of excess weld metal. With integrated hydraulics and easy handling, it delivers consistent results in under a minute.

Hand Pump Weld Shear (05000)

View product
Tamper (08200)

Pandrol’s Hydraulic Tamper offers powerful, multi-purpose performance with low hand-arm vibration. Engineered for operator safety and comfort, it’s ideal for daily rail maintenance operations.

Tamper (08200)

View product
Half inch Hydraulic Drill and Impact Wrench (04500D-04525)

The Pandrol 04500D and 04525 combine drilling and fastening into compact, ergonomic hydraulic tools for rail maintenance. Their lightweight design ensures mobility, while their robust performance meets heavy-duty demands in any field environment.

Half inch Hydraulic Drill and Impact Wrench (04500D-04525)

View product
Hydraulic Manifold Circuit (03000)

The Pandrol Hydraulic Manifold Circuit (03000) enables safe, efficient use of hydraulic tools by converting flow and pressure from existing systems. Its compact and easy-to-install design makes it a practical solution for enhancing on-site tool capabilities.

Hydraulic Manifold Circuit (03000)

View product
Battery-Operated Handheld Grinder B115

This lightweight and portable grinder is specially designed for finishing grinding after rail welding on track. The integrated lithium battery provides autonomy, as no other power source is required.

Battery-Operated Handheld Grinder B115

View product
Weld Shear (05100A)

The Pandrol Weld Shear is designed to make it easier and more efficient to remove excess weld metal.

Weld Shear (05100A)

View product
i+align

The revolutionary i+align automatic aligner has been designed to transform rail welding through precise, automated rail alignment.

i+align

View product
Light-weight Two Stage Spike Puller (01100RM)

The Pandrol Lightweight Two-Stage Spike Puller (01100RM) is a portable hydraulic tool delivering 13,000 lbs of pulling force while remaining lightweight at 39 lbs. Its dual-speed system ensures smooth, controlled spike removal.

Light-weight Two Stage Spike Puller (01100RM)

View product
6 inch Cup Stone Grinder (04800-04850)

The Pandrol 6” Cup Stone Grinder is built for precision grinding on rail and frogs, combining safety, control, and ease of use. Its compact design and tool-free adjustments make it ideal for fast, efficient maintenance on site.

6 inch Cup Stone Grinder (04800-04850)

View product
Surfacing Guide Grinder (00700 / 00700C)

The Pandrol Surfacing Guide Grinder (00700 / 00700C) is a rugged yet lightweight grinding attachment designed for precise grinding of rail tops. It is especially suited for finishing field welds or rail end repairs, providing operator protection with an extended guard.

Surfacing Guide Grinder (00700 / 00700C)

View product