Newly rail welding measures has developed

The E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute has developed a set of measures for high-quality Rail Welding.

At present, rail welding—both in stationary and field settings—is predominantly performed using the flash butt welding method. This technique has been successfully applied to railway tracks in Ukraine and other countries for many years. An article published in the Paton Welding Journal in August 2025 examines the key challenges associated with maintaining the operability of Ukraine’s railway infrastructure during wartime.

To address pressing tasks, the E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, in collaboration with the Track Construction and Maintenance Center branch of Ukrainian Railways Public Joint-Stock Company, has developed a comprehensive set of measures. These measures are designed to ensure high-quality rail welding for the repair and construction of continuous welded Rail Tracks, both in stationary and field environments, in compliance with the requirements of current regulatory documents.

The publication presents the results of research, technological, and scientific and technical expertise work carried out to implement these measures between 2022 and 2025. Specifically, experts successfully conducted technical audits of Rail Welding Machines, optimized the flash butt welding technology and refined its operational parameters, and improved the quality control system for weld joints produced using this method.

In addition, updated versions of regulatory documents governing Flash Butt Rail Welding have been drafted. Work on upgrading the design of flash butt welding machines is also ongoing. Enterprises are further fostering cooperation with other companies to resume the production of rail welding equipment within Ukraine.