What is BS EN 16273 – forged rail transitions about?
Forging of train rail ends is vital for ensuring a smooth and safe shifting of rails in railway crossings. BS EN 16273 is a European Standard that discusses railway applications for forged rail transitions.
BS EN 16273 specifies the requirements for the approval of a process wherein a rail of one profile has part of its length forged to a different profile, together with the requirements for subsequent forging production and product acceptance.
BS EN 16273 applies to new railway rails according to EN 13674-1, and to switch and crossing rails used in conjunction with railway rails 46 kg/m and above according to EN 13674-2, to be welded or fish plated to make up switch rails or transition rails intended for use on railway infrastructures.
Who is BS EN 16273 – forged rail transitions for?
BS EN 16273 on forged rail transitions is useful for:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of track components
- Product development/innovation teams
- Quality control teams
- Contractors
- Construction / civil engineers
- Railway management/maintenance authorities
- Safety and inspection authorities
- Mechanical engineers
- Railway infrastructure authorities
- Engineers
Why should you use BS EN 16273 – forged rail transitions?
Rail ends are forged in three successive forging operations, providing them with just the right shape for problem-free assembling and functioning.
BS EN 16273 guides you with the following three aspects:
- Requirements for the forging process
- Procedure approval
- Forged rail production following approval
Production tests described in BS EN 16273 include tests on switches, geometry and dimensions, and hardness testing. BS EN 16273 specifies requirements for the forging process and also forging parameters identification.
By complying with the standardised design requirements under BS EN 16273, you can ensure the safety and reliability in the operational efficiency of the overall railway infrastructure, while improving the service life for track systems.
