today 140
today 140
Pooling digitalisation expertise, counteracting the shortage of skilled workers, and finding answers to the challenges of railway construction in the face of climate change. “Track to the Future” was the motto of the three-day 28th International Exhibition for Track Technology (iaf) in Münster: on a global level, the railway will lead us into the future. It comes as no surprise that major topics such as environmental and climate protection, decarbonisation and sustainability, digitalisation and automation were the key issues at iaf.
Five years had passed since the last iaf, which is one year more than usual, due to the pandemic. Therefore, it was no surprise that many highlights were presented to the world for the first time. And there was a great deal of anticipation surrounding iaf 2022. Among the more than 12,000 trade fair visitors from 72 countries and the 140 plus exhibiting companies, a certain phrase quickly made the rounds: “Great to see you again!” Due to travel restrictions in some countries, there were fewer visitors compared to 2017. However, this year’s trade fair was still just as big of a success.
19 exhibits and new concepts
Technology leader Plasser & Theurer was the largest iaf exhibitor once again. With its 19 machines on the tracks directly on the exhibition grounds and another one being demonstrated live nearby, its presence was unrivalled. Each machine was a highlight, and there were also other components, collaborations, and concepts to experience. In line with “future track technology - NOW”, the company’s trade fair appearance offered new solutions with concrete answers to current market needs. Today for tomorrow.
ModularCustomizing
It is not necessary for every machine to be a one-off down to the last detail. “ModularCustomizing” shortens delivery times and reduces life cycle costs. Thanks to standardised interfaces, upgrades at a later date are easier. Plasser & Theurer revisits the design of its tamping machines and combines the components into modular assemblies. A Duomatic 08-32 C from the Plasser CompactTamper group featuring this modular design heralded this approach at iaf, where it was handed over to the customer.
Once again, iaf has shown how important our industry is for the railway system. I am all the happier that our innovations provide the right answers to the challenges that lie in the track maintenance of today and tomorrow.
Johannes Max-Theurer
CEO, Plasser & Theurer
The new Unimat 09-8x4/4S BR Dynamic E³ was another example. The longest universal tamping machine at the entire fair demonstrates what is possible with modularity, full electrification, and only five operators: integrated ballast management and ballast distribution, an integrated dynamic track stabiliser, and only one tamping cab with a new approach to the operating concept as well as ergonomically designed equipment and furnishings. Eight essential innovations are built into this machine. From surveying to post-measuring, it finishes the track in no time. Now in real-life use, it is proving to be ideal for short sections of track under repair with tight track possessions.
Other highlights on the track
The ATMO, prototype of a rail grinding machine for urban networks, celebrated its public début at iaf. The UST 79 S, a road-rail machine, and the Plasser FlashWelder, a rail welding machine with improved dimensions and ease of use, were its next-door neighbours at the exhibition site. Two newly designed machines were also among the highlights: the Plasser BallastMaster, a successor to the SSP, and the DGS NG, a fully enclosed track stabiliser. The digital measuring vehicle equipped by Plasser Italiana, the EM120VT, is already the second of its kind. And if a machine is getting on in years, extended retrofit and eco-fit programmes await it. Conversion to electric tamping units is possible, as are many other technical updates that extend the service life of machines.
Each day, select international experts presented up to seven 30-minute keynote speeches. They offered an in-depth look at current developments and challenges in track maintenance as well as cutting-edge machine technology.
On 31 May, the programme focused on “Rail Treatment” and “Digitalisation”. On the following day, the focus was on "Customer Services” and “Going Green”, while on 2 June the iaf Salon explored various research topics linked to the "Future of Track Maintenance".
The next iaf is in 2025
Every day of the trade fair, many visitors flocked to the presentations highlighting company collaborations and the iaf Salon, which detailed the background of new developments. The next iaf will take place in three years’ time from 20 to 22 May 2025.
