Recent improvements in wrought railroad wheel production at Standard Steel

Abstract

This paper describes recent manufacturing modernization efforts and technical progress at the production facility of a major North American wrought railroad wheel manufacturer. Improvements to forging and rolling processes are discussed, with special emphasis on the new computer-controlled, vertical wheel rolling mill. Also described are upgrades to forging and dishing presses, the rotary heating furnace, automated wheel stamping equipment and a hot in-process laser inspection system. Finally, the installation of a new phased array ultrasonic inspection system for wheels is reviewed. Quality and productivity benefits of the new equipment are discussed throughout the paper.