The railway is one of the most important inventions of all time. Even 200 years after the development of the first locomotives, railway technology has still to reach its limits. Today, the tracks across the world carry more transport services than ever before. The demands placed on rolling stock manufacturers by rail operators and, in turn, on suppliers, are challenging. Increasingly shorter product cycles, the use of new, lighter and more environmentally-friendly materials and an ever changing division of labour, requires innovation and adaptability. Böllhoff is a leading system supplier and international service provider for fastening and assembly technology; and as such is a recognised partner to rolling stock manufacturers and their suppliers. Be it screws, rivets, clinches or procurement and delivery systems for fasteners – the Böllhoff name stands for innovative and reliable solutions.
To remain competitive, rail operators have to be able to transport more and more people and goods with ever greater speed, safety, reliability and efficiency. This, in turn, drives the increase to the performance and specification of the rail vehicles and transport systems. Project-related business, with individual customers involving highly complex technology and relatively low batch sizes, reflect the particular challenges of the railway and transportation industry. At the same time, global competition brings immense pressure on costs and innovation. Therefore, technological potential and innovative ability ultimately determine the success of rolling stock manufacturers and their suppliers
As a provider of complete solutions and systems, Böllhoff offers products and services for all areas of the railway value-added chain. Customer orientation begins with research and development. With its procurement and delivery systems, Böllhoff delivers products and fasteners to the heart of the production process. There, customised equipment and machines from the Böllhoff portfolio ensure high efficiency. Optimised processes avoid downstream costs. Böllhoff’s partnerships are based on an uncompromisingly high quality standard and a corporate culture imbued with the spirit of a family business.
The railway industry may not always be perceived as “innovative”. But this industry can claim a high degree of technical competence in finding solutions. Faced with lengthy development stages, large-volume investment projects, with considerable public and political influence, rail operators always expect safe, functioning systems from day-one. More than ever before, research and development forms the cornerstone for major market success at low cost. In particular, this requires a high degree of flexibility and extensive know-how from suppliers.
Awareness of future trends are coupled with Innovation management thanks to in-house research and development partnerships with companies and research institutes. Individual application-based advice comes with in-house prototype construction and testing in an in-house test laboratory accredited to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025.
A few recent case studies highlight the close working relationship that Böllhoff share with customers.
Neue Bahntechnik Paderborn
The RailCab combines the conventional track system with the modern traction system using frictionless linear motor technology and could thus revolutionise rail transport. Through the ECOTECH service, Böllhoff supports this highly innovative research project by offering application-based advice for 1:1 realisation.
Siemens Transportation Systems
There is a strong demand for advice on alternative products with Cr(VI)-free surfaces. Siemens Transportation Systems therefore relies on Böllhoff‘s experience and competence. Böllhoff is helping its partner switch to Cr(VI)-free alternatives by providing individual application based advice and corrosion tests in its accredited in-house laboratory.
Alstom LHB
Together with engineers from the railcar manufacturer Alstom LHB, Böllhoff has successfully optimised a component in the underfloor of the new urban train series. One of the production stages has been eliminated and the assembly time has been reduced which has led to lower production costs and increased process reliability.
Below are some of the products that are pushing rail technology forward.
Self-piercing riveting instead of spot welding?
RIVSET® gives high strength, reliable fastening of steels, aluminium and plastics. It is particularly suitable for hybrid joining. RIVSET® gives high dynamic strength and is form- and force-closed
Fastening without a fastener?
RIVCLINCH® form- and force-closed joining of metal sheets and profiles by cold forming. The system needs no additional fastener. There is no surface damage to coated workpieces.
Repetitive Thread strength?
HELICOIL® thread inserts for thread reinforcement in lightweight materials. They offer high-strength wear-free threads. They are corrosion and temperature resistant and have a high dynamic load capacity.
Thin-walled components?
RIVKLE® solution for fastening a load-bearing nut or bolt thread to a thin-walled workpiece. There is load-bearing thread “Blind” assembly with excellent tightness due to a seal below the head.
Thread in plastics?
AMTEC® metallic inserts are for thread reinforcement for plastic components. They afford shorter injection cycles and low-stress tight-fit. There is no relaxation in the fastening.
Easy adjustment of tolerances?
FLEXITOL® systems provide automatic compensation of differing production tolerances with easy integration into customer components. Assembly is from one side only.
Vibrations and noise?
SNAPLOC® and RIVKLE® elastic fasteners and fixing systems are for absorbing vibration and noise transfer. They provide fast and easy assembly with reduction of parts. Adjustable parameters make them very flexible.
