Stay on track with ductile.
WHY DUCTILE IRON for LOCOMOTIVE CASTINGS?
Near-net shapes
Sand casting and vertical in-mold inoculation allow Urick to achieve near-net shape for complex components — no cutting or welding necessary. That translates to faster turnaround times.
Replicability
Urick maintains lifetime patterns for our partners, meaning a part you produced through us can be replicated for both the length of your train and the length of our relationship.
Resilience
Austempering allows us to emulate the hardness of forged steel while preserving the elongation and wear resistance properties of ductile iron, all at a reasonable cost.
Safety-Critical Ductile Iron Parts for Locomotives
Urick specializes in the casting of safety-critical parts such as top caps and housings, which are essential components in the rail transport industry. These parts are extremely important, as they play a pivotal role in the overall safety and stability of trains.
Top caps and housings are used together to create sophisticated balancing mechanisms on trains. These mechanisms are crucial for maintaining the stability and alignment of railcars as they traverse vast distances and varied terrains. By ensuring that railcars remain balanced, these components help to prevent derailments such as the catastrophic East Palestine incident.
The Role of Ductile Iron in Safety-Critical Parts
Unlike traditional cast iron, ductile iron contains graphite in the form of nodules, which impart both strength and flexibility to the material. This unique combination allows ductile iron to absorb and dissipate the immense forces exerted on rail components, reducing the risk of fractures and failures.
Our commitment to producing high-quality ductile iron castings means that you can trust our parts to perform under the most demanding conditions. We work closely with our partners to ensure that every part meets the highest standards of quality and safety, every time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What kinds of locomotive parts does Urick cast for manufacturers?
Urick specializes in the casting of top caps and housings for railcar connectors but is capable of producing a variety of unique parts for manufacturers in the rail transport industry. Give us an idea of your specifications and we will work closely with you to achieve it.
What is austempering and why is it a common treatment for locomotive parts?
Does Urick offer value-added services for locomotive castings?
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