A full-scale railway wheel test rig in a laboratory

Solutions · Testing & validation

Science is our superpower.

Every innovation starts with research, and every improvement is scientifically validated before it goes into production.

A thermostable railway wheel mounted for inspection

Why we test

Validated by one of the world's most comprehensive wheel and axle test facilities.

Our belief in science led to significant investment in research from the start, and to one of the world's largest, most advanced train wheel and axle test and accreditation facilities.

By combining cutting-edge equipment with the creativity of dedicated people, we use science to enhance passenger safety, extend the life of train components and make our products and processes more sustainable.

Comprehensive validation

Five ways we put components to the test

Fatigue tests on wheels and axles

BDR2 and BDR3 rigs validate new wheels and axles to EN13260, EN13261 and EN13262, and prove new steel grades, surface treatments and designs before production.

Modal and acoustic tests

A semi-anechoic vibroacoustic laboratory measures wheel sound power and pass-by noise (ISO 3095), with modal tests to determine frequencies and damping.

Crack propagation tests

The full-scale BDA rotating bending rig tracks a small, ultrasound-detected crack under variable loads representing 1 million km of service.

Structural tests on wheels

The BSD rig applies radial and lateral loads matching our FEM design cases, with strain gauges validating stresses. It also measures resilient wheel stiffness.

Residual stress measurement

Differential quenching hardens the rolling surface and creates compressive stresses that stop surface cracks from growing. We measure rim residual stresses with strain gauges or ultrasound (EMAT).

Test equipment