A train bogie is essentially the framework or undercarriage of a rail vehicle that carries the wheels, axles, and suspension system. It is positioned beneath the body of the train and supports its weight. The varies parts that move relative to each other require sacrificial wear parts that are wear resistance and have a low coefficient of friction.
Eliminating Lubricants – unlike bronze or other metal wear parts, often plastic wear parts, such as Sustamid, can run dry.
Dirty & dusty conditions – where traditional bearings suffer, plastics can provide maintenance free operation.
Low Friction – metal-on-metal sliding results in higher friction than plastic-on-metal, and increased wear rates, opposed to the low friction of plastics. Plastics also provide smoother sliding and operation.
Reduced wear – traditional metal liners result in higher wear of both the counterface and the liner itself and therefore reduced service life.
Dotmar has qualified engineers that can provide direct support with plastic bogie wear parts.
Material selection is a critical consideration when choosing a plastic bogie wear part, as it directly impacts the performance, durability, and maintenance requirements of these components. Here are some key material selection considerations for plastic bogie wear parts:
Load
Understanding the surface pressure from the load is critical when selecting a plastic, that is to ensure that the stress is within the long-term load capability of the material.
Wear and Abrasion
It is imperative to select a material that is both suitable for bearing wear and abrasive conditions. Sustamid is commonly used, as it possesses both qualities.
Lubrication
Consider whether the application allows for regular lubrication or requires dry-running, and if self-lubricating materials is required.
Friction
The co-efficient of friction of materials will vary depending on the conditions (load, speed, counter-face etc), and will influence the operation the system.
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