How the Hansen All-Rubber Railroad Tie is Made
The material used to manufacture the rubber railroad tie is recycled crumb rubber (RCR) made by shredding end-of-life used tires. The tire shredding process also separates the steel, fiber and rubber components of the tires. The fiber and steel is sold to recyclers. The final shredded RCR product can pass through a 20 mesh screen.
The RCR is mixed with binders and bonders that will ensure the best possible homogenous outcome once placed in the heating process. Simply placing RCR in a mold and heating it will not produce the product necessary to pass the standards set forth by the rail industry. The Hansen All-Rubber Railroad tie is the same size and weight as an oak hard wood rail tie and has passed all lab tests required by the rail industry. Refer to Technical Specs for test results.
The mixture is placed into a heated mold that is inserted into a hydraulic press and compressed, held in place, cooled and removed from the mold awaiting the indentation process.
The indentations into the ties are important in many installations to help prevent slippage in the rock bed thus allowing for faster freight times for new rail systems. Each rail line customer has their own methods of bundling and indentation requirements. When a tie order is received, the ties will be selected, indented and bundled accordingly, then shipped.
Why Choose the Hansen All-Rubber Railroad Tie?
- Lower unit cost than any other alternative to wood tie (concrete, plastic, steel)
- Lower anticipated annual cost of ownership than any other tie (including wood)
- No new or additional equipment, training or technology required for installation
- Longer life expectancy (60+ years) based on AREMA estimates
- Better spike retention and hold in rock ballast; meaning safer transport
- Increased weight capacities and freight speeds (meets class 1 standards)
- Excellent noise reduction and damping characteristics
- Resistant to mildew, fungus, insects and extreme weather conditions
- Superior electric current insulation without pads and inserts
- “Green” alternative to wood, concrete or steel railroad ties
- 100% recyclable
Last but not least — Save Energy!
⇒ Fully functional when installed, avoiding a slow-train break-in period
⇒ No need for reduced speeds in urban zones due to track noise
⇒ Less slide slippage in corners/bends because of railbed grip properties (friction against gravel)
⇒ Less energy consumed in the inspect, repair and replacement operations by railroads due to longer useful life