approval tests

New service jet from Stadler for ÖBB: Dynamic tests and instrumented wheelsets

ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG has procured a new fleet of rescue trains with 18 new service jets from Stadler. The low-emission and multifunctional vehicles will be in operation throughout Austria, travelling at speeds of up to 160 km/h. PJM was commissioned as an accredited test center in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 for the test runs. The dynamic tests are being carried out in co-operation with the ÖBB mechanical measurement group. PJM was also responsible for the production and development of the instrumented wheelsets. The vehicle tests for the areas of running behavior, brakes, acoustics and pantographs will take place throughout Austria and are expected to be completed in autumn 2024. For unrestricted track access in Austria, the test runs were carried out in test zone 5c, for vehicle authorization for radius curves down to 100 meters. "The instrumented wheelsets were specially developed and manufactured for these specifications in very tight curves. Our wheelsets have proven themselves in the dynamic tests," says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik GmbH.

The new generation of service jets required some innovations in the test runs. "Due to the new standards, these demanding tests were carried out on the ÖBB network for the first time. The results of the test runs are extremely precise and reliable and form a solid basis for evaluating the rail vehicle," says test manager Roman Schmid, ÖBB Produktion GmbH.

Video dynamic tests

Media release

Expanding headquarters: New hall for instrumented wheelsets

The instrumented wheelset expertise is made up of several elements that PJM combines with each other. PJM perfectly matches measurement technology, experience as an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test centre, engineering expertise and 10 years of experience in the development and production of measuring wheelsets.

PJM has now also raised its infrastructure and technical equipment to a new level. The new part of the building has been equipped with a comprehensive range of equipment to ensure the highest levels of precision, stability and standard in metrological terms. In addition, the expanded infrastructure will enable even faster throughput times and project processing in future. The equipment includes, among other things

Mobile test rig for measuring wheelsets for all track gauges and calibration during test runs on site
Premises for the parallel production of 12 instrumented wheel sets
Indoor crane and two electric forklifts
ESD-protected working environment
Air-conditioned room (for consistently ideal conditions, for example when attaching strain gauges)
Dynamic test rig for end-of-line testing of instrumented wheel sets
Fine balancing in accordance with ISO13260 limits

‘The dovetailing of theory with practical testing experience is a great added value for our customers,’ says Martin Joch. He continues: ‘The instrumented wheelset infrastructure guarantees the highest measurement quality for every phase and every requirement. In combination with our specialised knowledge in engineering and our many years of experience in dynamic testing, we offer vehicle manufacturers a considerable portfolio of knowledge and services.’

This makes PJM a strong partner in the field of measuring wheelsets:

All processes and project steps relating to measuring wheelsets are handled by PJM in-house and from a single source
This also results in short throughput times
Calculation, design, production, calibration and balancing
Powerful telemetry system: Thanks to the extensive equipment, 12 measuring wheelsets can be operated simultaneously
PJM offers solutions for every application and every wheel geometry (not just standard solutions)

https://pjm.co.at/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/PI-PJM-Messradsatzhalle-5-2024-EN-Web.pdf

General / Presseberichte - 05/22/2024

1 year in 1 minute: The PJM review 2023

Our teams worked on 90 projects, we grew and fully automated a process for the first time in the history of rail transport. A short video portrait of our numerous activities this year.

General / Waggon Tracker - 12/20/2023

Video: Aerodynamic tests for new nightjet generation of ÖBB

The first journey of the new generation of ÖBB Nightjets is coming soon: from 10 December, the new Generation Viaggio Next Level night coaches will be in service in Austria and Germany. Rail passengers look forward to a wide range of comfort categories and technical innovations.

PJM was commissioned with the overall approval in cooperation with ÖBB. As an accredited test laboratory according to ISO/IEC 17025, the Austrian system specialist was in charge of the design and production of the measuring wheelsets as well as for the approval tests in the areas of running behavior, fatigue strength, acoustics and aerodynamics.

The aerodynamic vehicle tests were performed at speeds of over 200 km/h. In the course of these measurements, compliance with the permissible aerodynamic stresses was checked on the train platform, on the open track and in tunnels. The required boundary conditions in Austria can currently only be realised on the Westbahn line, which is why the test runs took place between Vienna and Linz.

Eco-friendly travelling comfort "Made in Austria"

Austria's railway expertise is reflected in the modern night trains. With the new Nightjets, ÖBB is expanding its role as market leader in the European night train business: Siemens Mobility was responsible for the development, the carriages were manufactured in Vienna and the bogies and wheelsets come from Graz. PJM carried out the approval tests and the measuring wheelsets were designed and manufactured in the headquarters of Graz.

Video of high speed test runs

PJM media release

Media release of ÖBB (in German language)

General / Presseberichte - 11/16/2023

Approval tests in Ireland for Geismar Italia S.p.A

Two types of track inspection vehicles will be in operation on the Irish rail network in the future. For the approval tests, the world-renowned manufacturer of track construction machines relied on PJM's expertise. The approval tests took place in Ireland - typical Irish weather included.

Get the full press release:

https://pjm.co.at/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/PI-PJM-Geismar-EN-07-2023.pdf

General / News - 07/06/2023

Nightjets of ÖBB: Measuring wheel sets and approval tests

In future, a total of 33 Nightjets of the new Viaggio Next Level generation from Siemens Mobility will ensure comfortable and at the same time climate-friendly travel in Central Europe. For the approval of the newly developed passenger coaches, PJM is on board as an accredited test center according to ISO/IEC 17025. The Austrian system specialist was commissioned for the overall approval in cooperation with ÖBB. The contract specifically includes the instrumented wheel sets as well as the approval tests in the areas of running behavior, fatigue strength, acoustics and aerodynamics.

6 instrumented wheel sets were developed and manufactured in Graz and then installed in the test vehicle at the ÖBB plant in Vienna. The test runs started in autumn 2021. The test train is in use throughout the entire Austrian rail network. To evaluate derailment safety, the first approval tests started in the field of running behavior, after which the bogies were upgraded for the test runs in the area fatigue strength. Finally, high-speed measurements follow for the aerodynamics area. The acoustic tests will complete the approval tests. "For an extensive project like this, it is above all our metrology expertise and experience in bringing together all specialist areas that prove their worth. Our flexibility and routine, which we have gained from our numerous international projects, are also essential. Due to the weather, there are always changes in procedures, for example during test runs in winter on the Arlberg at 1,000 m above sea level," explains Martin Joch, CEO of PJM. "A good collaboration with the project partners is also immensely important in large-scale projects. The cooperation with ÖBB's measurement group is excellent."

Get more in the media release:

https://pjm.co.at/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/10-2022-Presse-Info-Nightjets-PJM-Web2-EN.pdf

News / Presseberichte - 10/06/2022

Creating & shaping future: A video Portrait of PJM

Why is measurement technology fascinating? What sort of tests are performed for vehicles approvals? Digital rail freight - what's the meaning of the term? What's the connex of measurement technology and safety? Which exciting job profiles does measurement technology include? Get all answers on these and many more in our company's video portrait which recently was broadcasted in the Styrian news magazine by ORF. The video is part of the serial "Zukunftsmacher" (future creators). Watch it out!

Credit: With courtesy of Die Industrie / IV Steiermark / ORF Steiermark

Presseberichte / Waggon Tracker - 06/16/2021

Mobility 2030: A forecast made by the business magazine Spirit

The Styrian business magazine Spirit provides a comprehensive forecast on mobility 2030. How will Styrian companies and research institutions cope with transformation? Find the answers in the article here (in German language).

Digitaler_Schienenggueterverkehr_SBBC_PJM1

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Presseberichte - 11/19/2020

Kleine Zeitung reports on PJM and how to innovate rail freight cargo

The "Kleine Zeitung" is Austria's most popular and successful local newspaper. Read all about PJM and the WaggonTracker-system and how digitalisation and automation can get rail freight cargo fit for the future.

Online article (in German language):

https://www.kleinezeitung.at/steiermark/5885820/Mobilitaet_Wie-die-Bahn-fit-fuer-die-Zukunft-werden-soll