Light Rapid Transit Castings

Vancouver leads the world in selecting advance rapid transit technology to enhance the development of liveable communities in the region. One of the key features of the automated transit system is the unique steerable axle suspension. Major components of this suspension were manufactured by Highland Foundry Ltd.

Highland won the prime contract to provide precision machined and painted undercarriage castings. The project order was for 60 cars with each car having 2 articulated bogies. There were a total of 1,684 cast components.


The Casting Details

Material: ASTM A148 Grade WCC
Each bogey consisted of; 4 suspension arms
4 housings
4 adjustable stops
1 male coupling
1 female coupling
Casting weight per bogie: 745 pounds

Radiography to ASTM-E446
Magnetic Particle to ASTM-E703
100% dimensional inspection of casting and machined surfaces.
Primed and epoxy painted.
The acceptance criteria of the above inspections were exceptionally high.

The challenge of this project started with the immediate requirement to build 10 car sets. Fast tracking included a complete set of approvals from the builder's departments of Engineering, Material specialists and Quality Assurance. The Highland team met the challenge in a quick series of contract meetings, audits and approvals.

The "Millennium Line" is just the recent extension of Vancouver's transit system. The new cars are technologically advanced while providing the public with the benefits of increased comfort and efficiency. Highland Foundry Ltd is proud of our contribution to the success of this project.