Directech QM-Systems were tasked by a UK-based multinational rail group to deliver a test system to suit several families of two existing Railway Points Systems, more commonly known as the movable sections of track that allow trains to move from one line to another. The system requirements were full mechanical and electrical testing, minimal operator intervention and compliance with machine directive and EC / CE requirements.
Through in-depth studies to ensure we met all requirements; we created a motor driven actuator based system (electric press) to perform the mechanical testing. Compared to a pneumatic/hydraulic system, this increased life expectancy, has minimal maintenance and gives increased actuation control. The electric press consists of a lead screw actuator, gearbox and servo motor, all of which was provided by Lenze and provides up to 12kn of force at a speed of 50mm/s travel.
In addition to mechanical tests, we included a Clare Elite 9024V combined module to undertake flash, continuity and bond electrical testing. With LabWindows/CVI and TestStand software both from NI (National Instruments) acting as control software. This bespoke piece of equipment is mounted on a mechanical trolley that can be freely wheeled to build stations and then latched on for testing.
