EST Eisenbahn-Systemtechnik GmbH

EST Eisenbahn-Systemtechnik GmbH
- Selected current references


The EST Crash Buffer

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June 2004: SIEMENS Dispolok Eurosprinter 127 001 with EST Crash Buffer.
(Photo: EST, 03.11.2004)

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Deformed EST Crash Buffers after a vehicle crash test.
(Photo: EST, 21.03.2007)


Features and working principle:

The EST Crash Buffer combines a standard side buffer for railway vehicles and an energy absorbing deformation element into a single component. It is its unique feature that the additional function, as a deformation element, is integrated into the casing of the side buffer, so that no additional space is required, not even after deformation has been deployed. The external dimensions and attachment flange of the EST Crash Buffer are identical with those of a standard side buffer complying with the rail industry standards UIC 526-1 (freight wagons and locomotives), or UIC 528 (passenger carriages). Therefore, the EST Crash Buffer can be mounted to all vehicles that have been designed for standard side buffers in accordance with these standards. It can be used for the protection of high capital cost modern railway vehicles, as well as a retro-fit onto existing older railway stock where enhanced protection is desired.

The crash element function of the EST Crash Buffer prevents the overloading of the vehicle, its structure and components during strong impacts and collision events. High load peaks and accelerations are avoided. In the planned deformation of the buffer casing, 10 to 20 times more energy is absorbed than in the standard spring action of conventional buffers. This corresponds to an extension of the range of sustainable maximum impact speeds for the railway vehicle to around 30 km/h when equipped with EST Crash Buffers. Under similar conditions, the sustainable maximum impact speed with traditional, conventional buffers is around 10 km/h. (The maximum sustainable impact speed depends upon various parameters, such as the mass of the vehicles involved, application of the brakes amongst others.)


The following improvements in protection and safety can be achieved:

The advantages of the EST Crash Buffer system result from the combination of regular in-service function and crash energy absorber into a single ready-to-use component:


Further information: ...www.crashpuffer.de ...www.crashbuffer.com



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