Schaeffler presents technologies and services for maximum reliability, sustainability and availability in rail transportation

Reliable and robust products – as exemplified by Schaeffler’s TAROL axlebox bearings, one of Schaeffler’s main exhibits at InnoTrans 2024 – are crucial for ensuring maximum uptime and efficiency in rail transportation. Renowned for their long service life and significantly extended maintenance intervals, these exceptionally low-friction bearings are suitable for passenger trains, high-speed trains, freight and heavy goods transport, as well as locomotives, subway trains and streetcars.

Schaeffler manufactures its TAROL axlebox bearings on an application-oriented basis according to customer-specific design requirements. This includes, for example, adapting bearing dimensions and materials to the required payload and mileage. Special friction-optimized seals are available for freight transport locomotives (Class GG), while variants are also offered for heavy goods traffic (Class K), ensuring energy-efficient as well as safe operation. Schaeffler’s TAROL axlebox bearings and their components are qualified according to the AAR (Association of American Railroads) standard as well as the European EN 12080 standard, making them suitable for use in regions including the U.S., Australia, India and Southeast Asia.

Data-based condition monitoring enables predictive maintenance
Schaeffler’s Data Matrix Code (DMC) serves as the starting point for the digital supply chain of its products by identifying components with a unique laser marking. This allows for the continuous recording of product and operating data as well as maintenance information, thereby creating a digital twin for condition monitoring and predictive planning of maintenance intervals.

At the same time, the DMC serves as the digital reference for data exchange between Schaeffler, OEM suppliers and railway operators. By alternately linking databases, condition monitoring systems can be set up to access data from existing fixed systems (wayside monitoring devices). At InnoTrans 2024, Schaeffler is presenting an entry-level model based on a feasibility study conducted in Switzerland. Schaeffler will also showcase vehicle-based railway condition monitoring systems (RCMS), which further increase rail traffic safety.

Remanufacturing for more economical and sustainable rail operations
The closed-loop system is a key approach to sustainable management in rail transportation. To that end, Schaeffler has developed an extremely successful remanufacturing service for bearings that can achieve up to 95 percent resource savings, depending on the extent of reconditioning required. At the same time, Schaeffler offers the same quality and safety standards with its 100 percent return service, and the remanufactured bearings include the same warranty as new products. As a full member of the "Railsponsible" initiative, Schaeffler reaffirms its commitment to greater sustainability in the railway industry.

In another first, Schaeffler will also have its Smart Maintenance Tools (formerly known as Bega Special Tools) on display at InnoTrans. This addition completes Schaeffler's portfolio, providing a comprehensive approach that ranges from sustainable products and services to reconditioning and maintenance.

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