With billions of passenger kilometres and tonnes of freight reliant on rail networks, Infastech’s innovative fasteners are helping to ensure Australia’s rail infrastructure remains secure and reliable.
In 2022-2023, Australia’s heavy rail networks supported an impressive 10.5 billion passenger kilometres and transported 1.3 billion tonnes of freight.[i] This extensive usage places immense stress on rail components, exposing them to relentless vibrations and heavy loads, which highlights the critical need for specialised fastening solutions to maintain operational safety and reliability.
Matt Wood, Engineering Manager at Infastech, describes how the company’s Camrail fasteners are designed specifically to meet these demands. “They are threaded high tensile bolts with an advanced degree of torque control and load management, engineered to be tightened up to a certain point where the drive feature effectively breaks off,” Wood explains. This feature ensures that each fastener achieves the necessary pre-tension assembly, simplifying installation by eliminating the need for traditional clicker or torque wrenches. “It’s a self-contained, self-indicating system that cannot be removed without considerable effort, ensuring a secure assembly without drive access to undo it once the main portion breaks away,” he adds, emphasising Camrail fasteners’ role in securing rail components.
In addition to Camrail, Infastech offers Avdel® Avdelok Lock Bolts, or swage bolts, which provide another critical fastening solution for rail applications. Unlike threaded fasteners, which rely on torsional force, Avdelok bolts utilise a swaging technique, making them ideal for withstanding the intense vibrations typical in rail settings. “These are actuated purely in tension directly with the tool, which results in a prescribed clinching preload and a secure, uniform clamp,” Wood explains. He further details the design, saying, “This forms a two-part system, with a controlled break-off from the pin element which enhances security, mimicking a nut and bolt but through axial swaging.”
The swage bolts are particularly effective in ensuring stability under dynamic loads. “Their primary advantage in rail applications is the reliability of the clamp, which doesn’t loosen under vibration—a common issue with other fasteners,” says Wood. This makes them indispensable in an environment where secure fastening is non-negotiable.
John Belayiannis, Sales and Marketing Director at IEF Infastech, underscores the enduring heritage of the Avdel brand within the company’s offerings. “The product line we develop under the Avdel® Avdelok name have been central to our offerings for many decades,” he says, noting that Infastech serves as the Avdel distributor for Australia and New Zealand. As both a manufacturer and distributor, Infastech leverages its global network of factories to ensure a steady and reliable supply of products. “Being manufacturers allows us to streamline processes and ensure robust supply chain management, which is crucial for avoiding disruptions and maintaining continuous supply to our customers,” Belayiannis explains.
Through its innovative fastening technologies and comprehensive supply chain management, Infastech is helping to set new safety and reliability standards across Australia’s rail industry.
