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Reconditioning Procedure Overview
Springs, Rubber, and Elastomeric Component Gauging - Each spring removed from a gear is gauged and inspected for visual defects such as cracking or chipping. Should the spring pass the inspection test, it is grouped with like springs and prepared to be moved to the rebuilding area. Rubber and Elastomeric components are gauged and inspected in a similar manner and are also grouped with like components to be used in the rebuilding process. Parts not passing the gauging and inspection process are considered scrap material and handled according to the process for scrap materials described in the IDG Quality Assurance Manual. Gear Reassembly Reconditioned cases are moved down the line where they are met with the appropriate parts from the blasting and gauging area as well as with newly manufactured parts. The gear is then reassembled under one of three 150-ton presses and is then moved further down the assembly line to be tested. Draft Gear Test Procedure - Every IDG reconditioned draft gear is fully tested under the 27,000 lb. IDG drop hammer per the Association of American Railroads’ Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices Specification M-901B. The draft gear automatically enters the drop hammer area and is indexed below the drop hammers 27,000 lb. tup. Once all safety conditions are met, the fully computerized drop hammer is programmed with the gears identity. The computer, which is programmed to test up to 19 different draft gears, runs the capacity test on the draft gear. The computer records the results of the capacity test and automatically directs the gear down the line. If the gear passes the capacity test, it is given a final inspection in which it is examined for case cracks or bulges and mechanically sound friction components. The draft gear is then shortened and pinned and moves through a height gauge. The gear passes through the height gauge to ensure height criteria is not exceeded; gear is then identified with the inspector’s number, IDG initials, and date stamped. Should a gear not pass the capacity test or final inspection, the gear is removed from the line before the shortening and pinning area and is either re-tested or disassembled and reconditioned. Finished Goods - Draft gears, once shortened and pinned, are palletized 12 to a pallet and are either moved to the shipping area for immediate shipment or moved to the inside warehousing area as finished goods inventory. « Previous |
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Equipment Reconditioning Procedure Overview Sales & Core Purchase Program Draft Gear Classification Guidelines AAR Interchange Rule 21 |
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