Reports on developments among railway fastening system suppliers who are working with customers to provide track components with consistent performance, extended service life and reduced maintenance. J Lanfranco has been manufacturing all-metal locknuts for safety critical bolted joints for more than 40 years. L B Foster claims to meet specific customer needs by introducing tailored product solutions. Lewis Bolt & Nut Company introduced the new Quick-Set Hook Bolt System in 2015 to prevent both vertical and horizontal deck movement. Pandrol reduces the lead time between concept and actual product with the help of an enhanced 3D printer and a small production line dedicated to R&D products. Progress Rail has broadened its advanced fastening solutions to deliver offerings such as GageLok screw spikes for fastening rail and plates to timber ties, ballast mats and under tie pads, embedded block systems and Loadmaster direct fixation fasteners. Finally, Vossloh Fastening Systems offers the W system series, which was designed for all types of rail traffic including heavy haul, high speed, transit and conventional rail.
Railway Track & Structures, July 2017, pp.18-20,22.