today 133
today 133
The 27th International Exhibition for Track Technology – iaf – the world’s largest international trade fair in the field of track technology, was held in Münster (Germany) in late May/ early June 2017. All leading enterprises involved in research, development, manufacture or supply in this sector participated either as exhibitor or visitors. Plasser & Theurer was there too.
Plasser & Theurer shapes the technological progress in track technology. This made the company stand out at iaf 2017.
On about 1,000 m² of indoor exhibition grounds, the focus was placed on a series of digital solutions. On the outdoor exhibition grounds, Plasser & Theurer’s technological lead was impressively put on show: 17 machines, coming straight from the factory, were shown here. In addition to classic machines such as the 09-3X Tamping Express or the sound-insulated 09-2X/SH track tamping machine for Japan, two machines with the revolutionary E³ hybrid drive were particularly impressive: the Unimat 09-4x4/4S E³ and the HTW 100 E³. Moreover, the new cabin design was met with great interest. The compact tamping machines on show, such as the Junior 08-16/4, stood out due to their complete design.
In his welcome speech, Thomas Mainka, President of the Association of German Railway Engineers (VDEI) and host, explained that the situation of railway system is unique in history. “The number of people using the railway has never before been so high. Investments in the railway have never before been so high, in Germany. Today, the railway is safer and more environmentally friendly than ever before.” According to Mr Mainka, however, this was not the time to sit back and take things easy.
Every machine handover is a new highlight in the partnership between Plasser & Theurer and our customers. A handover at the world’s largest trade fair for track technology is particularly special. At iaf 2017, ten customers from all over the world enjoyed this privilege.
“The Unimat Combi 08-275 for RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana) has been the 16,000th machine to be delivered since Plasser & Theurer was established in 1953.” In his speech, Johannes Max-Theurer stressed that this machine stands for the outstanding performance of the manufacturer Plasser & Theurer. Thirteen machines will be delivered to RFI. The Unimat shows, yet again, that we are able to adjust machines to our customers’ requirements.
The feedback from the visitors has shown that Plasser & Theurer has been seen as a technological trendsetter at iaf 2017.
Johann Dumser
Responsible for the company’s presentation in Münster
It has been a particular challenge to ensure 250 kWh on the new HTW 100 E³ by Plasser & Theurer, while using little space only. To make this possible, we built one of the lightest batteries with an increased energy density.
Markus Kreisel
Kreisel Electric
In addition to the machine presentations and the information stands, there was a wide range of seminars to interest the trade visitors. Introduced in 2013, “iaf-Salon” has become an ideal and well-attended platform for the exchange of know-how.
The seminars offered by VDEI-Akademie für Bahnsysteme covered all fields crucial to track maintenance.
The presentation focused on latest developments in track maintenance, supporting the railways in sustainable track management.
In his presentation, Florian Auer showed how Plasser & Theurer takes advantage of the opportunities created by digitisation, focussing on the products and product families created.
“We do not want to change well-proven, top technologies, but make them even better using the opportunities created by digitalisation. Quality pays off – the premium product ballasted track is a cost-efficient solution. Advancing digitisation creates opportunities that result in a win-win situation.”
Florian Auer
Plasser & Theurer
New technologies and machines can best show their potential during live demonstration. Many customers and experts from all over the world have taken the opportunity to see machines in live operation at the trade fair.
Presented in live operation, the Unimat 09-475/4S N-Dynamic showed three innovations at a time: the automatic set-up for the start of work, the electric drive of the tamping units and the new assistance system.
