iaf 2025: a first-hand account of the future of railways
So that was it, the 29th International Exhibition of Track Technology (iaf) in Münster, Germany – more than 15,000 visitors from 88 countries attended the three-day trade fair with about 200 exhibitors, numerous vehicles on display, and specialist presentations.
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Once again, experts from the track maintenance sector gathered at the long-standing venue for the world's leading industry meeting. It was also delightful to see how popular Plasser & Theurer's stand was during these three days
The theme of Plasser & Theurer's trade fair appearance was "We believe in railways". This motto is about looking to the future and aligns with the iaf trade fair motto "Track to the future" – because without efficient railway systems, future-proof mobility is inconceivable. Reliable, high-performance technologies for infrastructure construction and maintenance are in demand. This is also increasingly the case with digital solutions, intelligent evaluation logics, and electronic and virtual applications. Together with their partner companies, Plasser & Theurer presented a wide range of innovations from the "Machine – Fleet – Infrastructure" product portfolio. In the outdoor area, 13 machines for a wide range of applications were on display – modern, practical, and future-orientated. A direct first-hand demonstration of technology for the railway of the future.
E³ highlight: a large machine for Norway
Since Plasser & Theurer first presented the E³ concept in 2015, its machine portfolio has grown considerably. At this point in time, the Unimat 09-2X 4x4/4S E³ for the Norwegian company Baneservice is noteworthy, and not only striking because of its dimensions. This machine combines high-performance plain-line track tamping with high flexibility in turnouts as well as integrated track stabilization. At the same time, it uses all the economic, ecological, and ergonomic advantages of an electric drive system. During the machine handover, Daniel Hatcher, Division Director for Machines at Baneservice, expressed his delight about Plasser & Theurer bringing more and more "green machines" to the market.
Full power range even on a narrow track gauge
Machines for use in Japan are somewhat different from those operated in European markets. They are equipped for increased noise protection, and they look slightly different. This is also true of the 09-16/CST Dynamic that was on display, with its lighting being arranged higher and its self-contained design. The two-part continuous-action tamping machine with integrated dynamic track stabilization features a ballast sweeping unit and post-measuring system. It works on a 1,067-millimetre narrow track gauge and with a maximum wheelset load of just 13 tonnes. Thanks to the ObstacleController, a system for automatically detecting obstacles, the machine can be operated by only one person.
With just one person on the metro line
The new Plasser CompactFlex 2x4 of the Busan Metro in South Korea now has a preliminary set-up for single-person operation Equipped with rotary night-vision cameras and additional controls in the tamping cab, it fulfils the highest standards of efficiency and safety. The CompactFlex series presented in 2024 – an intelligent all-rounder with a wide range of equipment options – was developed further in line with the customer’s requirements. Despite the tropical roof and battery-powered air conditioning unit, the machine is flatter in design so that it can be loaded onto a lorry for road transport.
Four machines for a long-standing company
The first of four Unimat 08-4x4/4S universal tamping machines ordered by the British company Balfour Beatty was handed over at iaf. They mark the beginning of the company's switch to all-electric tamping technology, although it is not an E³ machine. The electric tamping units make it possible to integrate the latest version of Plasser TampingControl for simplified operation and quick assessment of the tamping result in terms of filling and compacting quality. During the handover, Shaun Mycock, Delivery Director of Balfour Beatty, emphasized the excellent collaboration with Plasser & Theurer. The innovation achieved is the result of a strong project partnership, says Mycock.
Retrofitting: a new life for a machine
One of the machines on display dates back to 1985, meaning it has already been in use for forty years. The Unimat 08-275 underwent a major refurbishment in Linz. Thanks to the retrofit, the Estonian company GoTrack was the recipient of a universal tamping machine with the latest technical equipment that was as good as new all round.
The multitalented MultiCrafter
In recent years, a new series of multifunctional work vehicles for ÖBB was presented each year; the MultiCrafter 15.4 E³ exhibited in Münster was another model from this series. Unlike the CatenaryCrafter 15.4 E³, which is specifically designed for the construction and maintenance of overhead contact line systems, the MultiCrafter has two powered bogies. Among other things, they allow the universal maintenance vehicle to perform demanding snow removal in winter with a plough, sweeper brush, or snow blower.
Additional exhibits showcase international collaboration
The RM 80-750 ballast cleaning machine with new excavating chain technology, manufactured in Austria, is being used in South Korea. The MFS 120 SR material conveyor and hopper unit illustrated the advantages of the retracting transfer conveyor as well as the production quality at Plasser India in line with European standards. The Plasser InfraSpector Truck, a road-rail mobile measuring laboratory, is an example of the expertise gathered at Plasser Italiana. In addition, the StabilizingTrailer for optimizing the track position after tamping work was on display.
Up close at the live demonstration
In addition to the demonstration of battery-powered flash-butt welding with the FlashTruck, and the Unimat simulators based on different machine types and their controls, housed in mobile containers, another trade fair highlight was the live demonstration of autonomous tamping: a Unimat 09-4x4/4S E³, equipped accordingly, was operated by just one person.
• 14 international certificates/qualifications (such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 37001:2016, ISO 37301:2021, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 50001:2018)
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