Control Links and Control Arms for Railway Vehicle Application – Sujan Industries

Control arms or Control links are critical safety components of a vehicle suspension system, primarily manufactured for the rail vehicles to support axle location and to resist braking & traction forces. It can also be used in other industries vehicle suspension systems like Automotive, Off-highway etc.

What are Control Links and Control Arms?

Control links or Control arms link the vehicle chassis & suspension hub that carry the wheel. These are the important component of a vehicle suspension system that allows wheels to move in line with the vehicle body. In the rail industry, it helps the bogie to safely negotiate the curved track. Generally, they are made up of three major components.

Components of Control links:

The primary parts of the control links are:

1. Bushing
2. Ball joint
3. Link

The bushings are usually rubber or rubber to metal bonded bushings and they help to connect the body of the control links to the frame of the vehicle. It also helps to reduce the noise. However, the ball joint helps to connect the body to the wheel side of the suspension of the vehicle. So when the parts are combined and work together, they ensure a smooth and controlled movement of the vehicle, especially when turning, pivoting, and driving on the road. They allow the wheels to move up and down while ensuring stability by keeping contact with the ground. When steering, the control arms also minimize vibration and friction.

Control Links are usually made of steel, aluminum, or cast iron depending upon the application and customer requirements.

Also Read: How do control arms & rubber bushing aid the railway application?

Control links or Control Arms at Sujan Industries

At Sujan Industries, we manufacture various types of rubber moulded, rubber to metal bonded components, and anti-vibration mounts as per customer requirements for a wide variety of applications in Railway, Automotive, Defense, Aerospace, Off-highway industries, etc.

We manufacture various bespoke designs of control links or control arms as per application requirements to ensure durability and longer service life.

Key Features of the Control Links or Control Arms by Sujan Industries

• CAE Design Analysis
• Static & Durability testing and validation to exceed minimum requirements
• Bond test validation
• Corrosion Protection on Steel components
• Precision tolerances for easy installation & alignment

Our contribution to Railroad Industry

Due to the rapid advancements in railway technology, railway transport is becoming more reliable public transport all over the world. And Sujan Industries is one of the leading contributors to this fast-growing technology supplying various components to the Indian & overseas Railroad industry to fulfill customer requirements. We manufacture & supply a wide range of speciality engineering rubber products, rubber to metal bonded items, polyurethane products, and Casting Components for passenger coaches, freight wagons, locomotives and tracks. Some of them are listed below:

Casting Components:

Highly equipped in-house manufacturing and testing facilities are our key to producing & delivering premium quality durable products to our customers. To know more about Sujan Industries Control links, Control Arms or any other relevant product for your industry, get in touch with us.

What are control links?

Control links refer to mechanical suspension elements that provide linkage between the chassis and the wheel or bogie assembly. It maintains the consistent orientation of railway cars and also their controlled movement. Sujan Industries is a renowned name in providing quality control links for different industries.

What does a control arm link do?

A control arm link is used to maintain wheel geometry by directing the vertical and lateral movement. It enables control links to stabilise the car when it is moving as well as changing track. Therefore, the quality control arm link is crucial for ensuring a smooth driving experience. Sujan Industries can provide quality arm links for different vehicles.

What are the two types of control arms?

The control links include the upper control arm and lower control arm, which control particular direction forces in the suspension system. Both are important for quality equipment, and only a reliable manufacturer like Sujan Industries can help with quality control arms.

How often should stabiliser links be replaced?

The replacement of stabiliser or control links usually occurs after every 50,00070,000 km, depending on the load condition, track quality, and the wear symptom. Sujan Industries offers genuine quality control or stabiliser links for hassle-free placements.

What happens if a control arm breaks?

When a control arm fails, the wheel becomes unstable and no longer in proper alignment, making it unsafe to handle even if the control links are not broken. Sujan Industries offers control breaks made with high-quality materials.

Why does LHB replace ICF?

ICF coaches are substituted by LHB since LHB designs are faster, safer, crashworthy, and low in maintenance. It has a better suspension system with sophisticated control links. If you are looking for high-quality control links or LHB, visit Sujan Industries.

How long do control arms usually last?

Control arms with robust control links have a usual lifetime of 90,000100,000km in normal operating conditions. However, when you opt for a reliable manufacturer like Sujan Industries, you can get a higher lifespan.

Is it difficult to replace a control arm?

Control arm replacement is a moderately challenging task due to the need to remove bushings, ball joints, and control links, which require the right tools and mechanical ability. Therefore, it is best to contact professionals like Sujan Industries.