General - PJM EN

PJM in "Eisenbahn-Ingenieur" Magazine: The Future of Vehicle Development

In the current issue of the trade journal Eisenbahn-Ingenieur (EI), February 2026, a technical article examines the increasing complexity in the development and maintenance of rolling stock. Authors Marius Müller (Specialist in Calculation, Fatigue Strength, and Welding Technology) and Wolfgang Konrad (Head of Calculation) from PJ Messtechnik demonstrate how modern engineering firms use interdisciplinary approaches to bring vehicles to the tracks safely and efficiently for a service life of 30 years or more.

Article Highlights:

Interdisciplinary Integration: The traditional authorization process according to the fourth railway package is significantly accelerated through the close integration of railway approvals management, calculation, simulation, design, and measurement technology. PJM operates as an accredited testing laboratory according to EN ISO/IEC 17025.

Focus on Welding Technology: A key success factor is the integration of welding design as early as the conceptual phase. PJM provides welding consultancy according to EN 15085-2, approval, and engineering from a single source, which massively reduces project effort for manufacturers.

Modern Verification Methods: In addition to the classic nominal stress approach, PJM increasingly relies on the notch stress concept. This allows for better utilization of structural reserves and ensures the reliable realization of the intended 30-year service life.

Practical Example – Bogie: PJM recently proved the efficiency of this approach during the development of a bogie frame, completed in early 2025. Through the cooperation of all departments, the goals of weight reduction and full robotic weldability were achieved within an ambitious two-year timeline.

Holistic Support: PJM supports customers throughout the entire life cycle—from the initial concept and authorization to maintenance and repair.

Certified Quality: Alongside accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025 and welding certification according to EN 15085-2 for calculation and design, PJM’s membership in NAFEMS underscores the high standards for the validity and quality of its simulation processes.

The Experts' Conclusion: The tasks for engineering firms are becoming increasingly extensive. Only through motivated teams covering all areas—from simulation to final approval—can the complex requirements for modern rolling stock be met today.

General - 03/16/2026

High-profile visit to PJM: Exchange with Josef Doppelbauer

We recently had the honor of welcoming Josef Doppelbauer—one of the most influential figures in the European railway world—to our offices in Graz.

As the long-standing Executive Director of the European Railway Agency (ERA, 2015–2024), he has been instrumental in driving forward the Fourth Railway Package and the harmonization of the European rail area. The exchange was correspondingly exciting: topics ranged from innovations and safety in freight transport to the testing and approval of rail vehicles and the current situation of European rail transport.

A particular highlight was the visit to the connecting railway in Mellach, where INFRATRACK is currently implementing Austria's unique test and innovation center for railway technologies on a former industrial track.

Photo 01 from left to right: Alexander Schimanofsky (CEO RCC), Christoph Lorenzutti (COO PJ Monitoring), Josef Doppelbauer (former Executive Director ERA) and Martin Joch (CEO PJ Messtechnik)

Photo 02 from left to right: Martin Joch (CEO PJ Messtechnik), Andreas Schaller (CEO BOOM Software), and Josef Doppelbauer (former Executive Director ERA)

General - 03/03/2026

PJ Messtechnik strengthens engineering expertise through NAFEMS Membership and new welding certification

The Engineering division of PJ Messtechnik is setting new standards: With the successful completion of the EN 15085-2 certification and admission into the international association NAFEMS, the company reinforces its competence in the design and calculation of railway vehicle components.

As an accredited testing center to ISO/IEC 17025, PJ Messtechnik GmbH performs worldwide tests for the rail vehicle authorization in the areas of fatigue strength, vehicle dynamics, brake tests, acoustics, aerodynamics, and pantographs. Furthermore, the company is a specialist in railway engineering and was the first to apply topology optimization – originally a space technology – to freight wagons. The most recent achievements – joining NAFEMS and obtaining the EN 15085-2 certification – underscore this deep-seated expertise.

NAFEMS and welding certification highlight high quality standards

Structural calculation is a core pillar of PJ Messtechnik’s engineering services. Through its NAFEMS membership, the company's expertise in technical analysis and simulation is now visible on an international scale. NAFEMS connects over 1,500 organizations worldwide dedicated to excellence in simulation and innovative analysis technologies. The membership badge signals that PJM pursues the highest quality standards.

PJ Messtechnik also demonstrates its strength in structural manufacturing. The certification in Activity Level D (Design, Calculation, Documentation) and Classification Level CL 1 (highest safety level) according to EN 15085-2 – the standard for welding railway vehicles and components – documents the company's outstanding competence in welding technology. Given the stringent safety requirements and the public importance of railway vehicles, this proof is indispensable for manufacturers and suppliers. The audit and certification were conducted by the Styrian company SteelCERT.

High competence in simulation, design, and manufacturing

“With our engineering team, we are setting benchmarks,” says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik GmbH, with pride. “The recently achieved EN 15085-2 certification is a visible signal that we meet the highest requirements in welding technology. Together with the NAFEMS membership, we demonstrate our quality in simulation, design, and manufacturing at an internationally recognized level. This is how we create maximum safety, cost-effectiveness, and innovative power for our customers.”

The combination of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and welding technology allows PJM to take a holistic approach to projects. This results in component solutions that excel in quality and can be implemented economically. With this integrated approach, which closely interlocks theory and practice – design and manufacturing – PJM ensures the high quality and future viability of its products in the rail sector while simultaneously proving its competence as an accredited testing laboratory and engineering partner.

Photo from left to right:
Martin Joch (CEO, PJM), Clemens Holler (Lead Auditor, SteelCERT), Wolfgang Konrad (Head of Calculation, PJM), Marius Müller (Project Management, PJM), Gerald Pudgar (Quality Management, PJM)

NAFEMS-Mitgliedschaft-PJ-Messtechnik-Schweisszertifizierung

General - 01/14/2026

Looking back and moving forward: Together into a great 2026

An eventful 2025 has come to a close – our highlight video takes you on a journey through the most significant milestones and achievements of the past 12 months.

Now it's time to look forward: We are entering the new year with full energy and fresh ideas. We look forward to realizing new visions together with you, strengthening future-oriented collaborations, and continuing our shared success story!

General - 01/07/2026

The new Koralm Tunnel is here! PJM was already in action for test and measurement runs.

December 12 is a big day: the Koralm Tunnel is officially open, bringing Graz and Klagenfurt much closer together! We congratulate everyone involved on this milestone, which will strengthen Austria's position in international freight and passenger transport in the long term.

We have also already been in action in the tunnel: our team carried out important test and measurement runs in advance to collect essential data for technical conformity and approval. The video provides a brief insight into this.

We are delighted to have been part of the success story of this high-performance corridor and look forward to our future assignments on this extraordinary route!

General / News - 12/12/2025

Double future momentum: PJM sets the tone at important industry meetings

The PJM team was represented at two major rail transport events in Aachen and Vienna, hence making a contribution to the most important future topics in the industry: digitalization, efficiency, and coping with rising demand.

IRSA Aachen: Focus on infrastructure and digitalization

The 5th International Railway Symposium Aachen (IRSA) took place from November 19 to 20. The renowned forum, which brought together around 250 international experts, focused on the effects of climate change and the mobility transition on the rail system.

Matthias Zelinka (PJ Messtechnik) enriched the discussion with an exciting presentation on a simulation model for the interaction between pantographs and overhead lines.

VPI Vienna: Freight transport of the future

At the same time, an information event organized by VPI Austria (an Association of Private Freight Wagon Interested Parties) in Vienna also addressed the challenges in rail transport and logistics.

For almost 100 participants from Austria and abroad, there were numerous presentations, one of which was given by Günter Petschnig (CEO PJ Monitoring). He showed how digital train functions enhance rail freight’s safety and cost-effictiveness, attractiveness and sustainability.

General / News - 11/28/2025

INFRATRACK – a new company in the PJM Group

PJM und Boom Software utilising the connecting railway of a decommissioned coal-fired power station as a test site for innovations in the rail industry. This purpose has led to the foundation of the joint venture INFRATRACK Solutions.

The two railway specialists Boom Software AG and PJ Messtechnik GmbH have taken over the connecting railway line at the Mellach Verbund power plant site. This cooperation will allow the existing rail infrastructure of the decommissioned coal-fired power plant to be used more intensively, particularly for testing purposes.

Located in the immediate vicinity of Graz and the new Koralmbahn railway line, as well as the two Styrian companies, the site will be home to innovations and further developments in the railway sector, particularly in the fields of measurement and testing technology and software.

The optimally located and equipped connecting railway line provides an ideal environment for testing rail vehicles and components. The range of activities extends from physical asset inspections to sensor- and software-based testing.

Image:
The new company's managing directors Andreas Schaller (left) and Martin Joch (right)

Press release

General / News / Presseberichte - 11/13/2025

All about digital rail freight & with a new look - our new website is online!

The time has come: PJ Monitoring now has a new design and its own web address!

Our website has been completely redesigned – it is modern, clearly structured, and contains all the information that is important to our customers and all those who want to know more on smart freight trains.

Whether you're looking for insights into our services, current projects, or interesting facts about our work – everything is now up to date and just a few clicks away.

Take a look now: www.pjmonitoring.com

General / News / Waggon Tracker - 10/20/2025

Innofreight developed a highly innovative bogie design PJM carried out structural analysis, laboratory tests and dynamic track tests

PJ Messtechnik, an accredited test center in accordance with ISO/ IEC 17025, was commissioned by Innofreight to carry out all the necessary steps for the approval of the innovative Y25 bogie. Innofreight develops freight wagons, containers and unloading systems and operates 22,000 containers and 3,500 wagons in 20 countries. The Y25 bogie completes the extensive portfolio of the Austrian freight wagon specialist.

The specifications for the new bogie were demanding: the bogie frame was to be manufactured fully automatically and designed to withstand the highly dynamic loads over 5 decades. Due to the expertise of the PJM team, the task was solvable. The structural analysis was carried out using the latest simulation and assessment methods. On the one hand, the standard loads were extended by the results of MBS simulations. On the other hand, the weld seam assessment was carried out using the effective notch stress concept to improve the prediction accuracy and thus enable lightweight construction.

PJ Messtechnik implemented the entire validation program in accordance with EN 13749 on the fully developed bogie frame:

Structural analysis
Static and fatigue laboratory tests at the Institute for Structural Durability and Railway Technology at Graz University of Technology
Track tests under extreme conditions to validate the design loads

The result:

The bogie frame is manufactured 100% by welding robots.
The weight has been reduced by 25% compared to conventional designs, while at the same time increasing durability. As a result, the load capacity can be increased by 500 kg in future, which means lower costs and greater efficiency combined with greater robustness.
Further advantages include less wear on the wheelsets and better braking performance.

Short video about the project

Press release

General / News / Presseberichte - 10/03/2025

Railway Forum 2025: Key topic of digitalization – PJM presented solutions

From September 2 to 4, 2025, the 9th Railway Forum Berlin took place at the Estrel Congress Center. With 1,700 participants on site, 1,000 virtual guests, over 180 exhibitors, and 120 speakers, the organizers described the conference as the most successful railway conference in Europe to date. The PJM Group presented ideas on digitalization and its other areas of expertise at the event.

The forum offered a varied program of keynotes, workshops, panels, a gala evening, and factory tours. The content focused on digitalization, AI applications, infrastructure monitoring, sustainability, and new technologies in railway operations.

Digital train functions for rail freight transport

Digitalization was also the key topic addressed by Günter Petschnig, Managing Director of PJ Monitoring, in a “deep dive” presentation at the event. His presentation, “Digital train functions: Greater safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in rail freight transport,” sparked a lively dialogue among the participants. It became clear that the industry is suffering from cost pressure, a shortage of skilled workers, and high maintenance costs due to unplanned repairs, among other things. PJ Monitoring has been driving digitalization and automation forward with WaggonTracker for almost two decades. The aim is to increase reliability and predictability, shorten delivery times, make train preparation more efficient, thereby achieving significant cost advantages and increasing safety.

The success of this approach is demonstrated by the intelligent freight train, which was implemented in collaboration with the Italian company Logistix in its intermodal fleet and is now successfully in operation. It features real-time analysis of brakes and kingpins, load weight monitoring, and IDDS derailment diagnosis. The WaggonTracker is compatible with screw couplings and DAC.

Support with approval and integration

PJ Motion, which has extensive expertise in authorisation and requirements management and is particularly involved in the integration of the automated brake test – a key element of the WaggonTracker – was also on site. The specialists at PJ Motion provide support for vehicle integration (including change management), operational integration (e.g., adaptation of the railway undertaking's safety management systems), and integration into the maintenance system (support for ECM 1–4 functions). PJ Motion is thus laying the foundations for the safe and smooth introduction of the new technology.

Testing expertise at the highest level

The third partner to present itself at the Railway Forum was PJ Messtechnik – an accredited testing center in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 for vehicle dynamics, fatigue strength, brakes, acoustics, aerodynamics, and pantograph (the only testing laboratory in Austria in this field). The company is also a proven specialist in engineering for rail transport. PJ Messtechnik thus rounds off the group's range of services and ensures the necessary testing reliability for new systems and vehicles.

Participation not only provided technical insights, but also direct access to decision-makers and a wide range of networking opportunities.

General / News / Waggon Tracker - 09/15/2025