METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CUTTING HUB BORES IN RAILROAD WHEELS

摘要

A method and system for cutting hub bores in metal railroad wheels is disclosed. The system includes a lead and second torch for cutting the hub bores. In the method , the lead torch is moved to an initial position above the wheel. The lead torch is energized and moved to cut through a part of the wheel. The second torch is moved to an initial position ab ove the wheel. The second torch is then energized and moved to cut through a part of the wheel. The entire hub bore is cut in the wheel. Additional torches may also be provided. A gantry syst em for supporting the lead and second torches is disclosed. The gantry system includes lead and second linear movement means arranged parallel to each other and a third linear movemen t means perpendicular to the lead and second linear movement means. The gantry system al so includes a lead torch carriage means for supporting the lead torch and a second torch carri age means for supporting the second torch. The lead torch carriage means is connected to be mo vable by the lead linear movement means and the second torch carriage means is connected to b e movable by the second third linear movement means. The lead and second linear movement mean s are supported by the third linear movement means and connected for independent movem ent along the third linear movement means. The hub-cutting system may include a position s ensing means, a temperature sensing means, and a control means that allows the movement and sp eed of the lead torch and second torch to be adjusted based upon the sensed position and tempera ture of the wheel.