Together with their customers, RACO has developed several electric actuator types for use in track-based vehicles used for local transport.

Some of the requirements for electric actuators used with track-based vehicles today meet the following:

• IP rating and measures to protect against mechanical damage & excess voltage.
• Function during local fast (up to 3K/s) and intense (up to 40K) changes in air temperature with exceedance of the dewpoint of humid air and corresponding condensation (“tunnel effect”). 
• Resistance to sinus-wave oscillation in accordance with EN 60721-3-7 Class 7M2.
• Low-maintenance version and high availability.

As far as operating conditions are concerned, special attention is paid to the aspects of ambient temperature, component IP rating and vibration or impact resistance ratings, all of which are defined in rail specifications and standards. RACO uses independent testing agencies to certify their products to these standards. In one application, RACO electric cylinders are used to lock the vehicle carriage in place at the stops. These position the carriage exactly at the stop, thus preventing any rocking motion and allowing passengers to enter and exit the carriages safely.

RACO electric cylinders used to aid in the servicing of working equipment

There are also needs for electric actuators to be used to efficiently service and care of the track based transport system vehicles while in local depot service centers. RACO electric cylinders are used as drawer drives on working platforms at rooftop height for safe work elevations on the roof-mounted equipment of the cars/trams. The moving part of the working platform is moved towards the vehicle carriage by means of remotely controlled electric cylinders. RACO electric cylinders are also used in underfloor lifting equipment which can be retracted to below floor level and variably positioned according to different vehicle lengths.

Extremely compact precision 

The RACO-COMPACT is the electric cylinder version that combines extremely small dimensions with high actuating forces. As with the electric cylinders of the “heavy duty” type, the cylinders have a purely electro-mechanical working principle. Design details such as integrated torsion protection for the thrust tube and option for adaptation of the RACO path sensors are standard features.

The RACO-COMPACT stands out as a versatile actuator for thrust-pull movements thanks to:

• High performance.
• Sturdy, industrial-standard design and execution.
• Suitable for applications with high switching frequencies.
• Brilliantly straightforward compact design.
• Maintenance-free over a long service life.
• High reliability even under extreme operating conditions.
  

RACO means safety

RACO has been a partner to vehicle manufacturers for more than 35 years and has been one of the key players in the development of electro-magnetic brakes for numerous track-based  transport systems. RACO spring-operated brakes of the type GBM make jerk-free and safe braking possible with a short reaction time less than 500 ms. This action increases passenger ride comfort. RACO GMBs ideally fulfill other functions such as: holding, parking, rapid emergency, forced, hazard and exception brake. They can also be used as a service brake in combination with electronic control/regulation. The braking force can optionally be reduced or increased in discreet stages by means of a sensor integrated into the force flow, thus minimizing braking pad wear (antiblocking system). In the event of a power failure, the emergency braking of the vehicle is guaranteed by the spring-operated brake. Additionally, there is no danger of the system freezing since no auxiliary fluids are required.

RACO offers its tram-operating customers a repair service and/or the complete overhaul of the GBM including the following services:

• Check and functional test of all components on delivery
• Repair and replacement of defective components. 
• Optimization through alternative parts and upgrade to the current status. 
• Test certificate for the repaired GBM and warranty for the service work. 

Your benefits:

• Only components which are function-related and necessary are renewed.
• Repairs are carried out quickly by our experienced fitters. 
• Compatibility of the components is guaranteed for systems manufactured before 2000.

Our know how is your customer benefit 

Our products for track-based transport systems help you to meet the challenges of a constantly changing demand for faster mobility. RACO electric actuators provide more efficiency through greater effectiveness, convenient operation and high reliability.

Customer-related solutions are the focus of RACO cooperative product development and are tailormade exactly to requirements. Adaptation to the installation space available and weight reduction coupled with observance of all safety-related aspects as well as component testing are core competencies at RACO. We guarantee maximum tool lives, longer service intervals and minimum maintenance requirements to reduce the “life cycle” costs. As a manufacturer, we offer you after-sales service performed by trained specialists and thus accompany the products throughout their service life