The Benefits of Aluminum For Railroad Parts
In the rail industry, lower mass results in greater load capacity and reduced fuel consumption. This lower mass and the corrosion-resistant characteristics of aluminum have brought aluminum castings to the forefront of locomotive applications. LeClaire Manufacturing’s ability to make pressure-tight, highly cored, and porosity-free aluminum castings have positioned us as a key supplier to the rail industry.
Additional benefits of lower mass, and of aluminum construction in general, include:
- Easier handling in freight applications, such as enabling a single person to manipulate parts made from aluminum
- Very high corrosion resistance thanks to the natural oxidation process present in aluminum
- More sustainable production with easy recycling of excess aluminum
How Aluminum Alloys Are Used
Aluminum alloys are used by the railroad industry in several ways, across a number of applications.
In passenger trains, rail manufacturing companies typically make use of aluminum in:
- Train body construction
- Load-bearing structural apparatuses
- Pneumatic components
- And more
The high strength of aluminum means that it can also be used in heavy-duty freight train applications. Railway parts manufacturers now incorporate aluminum construction into:
- Hollow-wall construction for movable freight train doors and walls
- Body construction
- Welding material
- And more
Contact Us Today For A Quote
From design to mold production to final delivery, LeClaire Manufacturing is ready to work for you. Our proven experience in the field of aluminum provides us with extensive expertise in alloy selection, industry-specific considerations, efficiency in production, and final delivery of your product. Request a Quote, so we can discuss your quality options.