Today, machines built by Plasser & Theurer are powerful units in which mechanics, hydraulics and modern electronics combine to form an efficient overall system. Meanwhile, the methods used to test their quality are equally sophisticated in design.

The Plasser & Theurer testing department (test laboratory) is fully integrated into the ISO 9001 quality assurance system. It is responsible for ensuring that numerous guidelines and local regulations are observed. As a basis for this, the international standards for operators of test and calibration laboratories (European Standard EN 45001 and ENO ISO / EC 17025) have to be met. Additionally, many other guidelines from independent testing bodies, such as TÜV (German Technical Supervisory Board) or other test institutes, can be fulfilled. Numerous certification tests can already be performed in the Linz factory on test rigs developed and built by Plasser & Theurer.

To check the free moving of bogies and the turning resistance (X factor) the machine is driven with only one bogie on the locked turntable of the test rig. The turntable is unlocked and two hydraulic cylinders turn the bogie either to the left or to the right. The entire test sequence is regulated automatically by a programmable logic controller and is run with two different turning speeds (0.2 degrees and 0.6 degrees per second - controlled by distance measurement).

This turning procedure is applied to measure the turning resistance (force) on both hydraulic cylinders using load cells. The testing procedure is also evaluated automatically. A target value of 0.1 for the so-called X factor stands as a guide value. If the measured value is too high, there is danger of derailment, if it is too low, there is a danger of hunting during machine travel.

If deviations are found, the bogie is adjusted in the factory so that the turning resistance meets the standard. The test rig is calibrated regularly (annually) to compensate the intrinsic turning resistance.

Over the past years the effort and expenditure required for machine certification has risen steadily. In addition to certain tests to fulfil a number of technical standards and guidelines, many sectors relating to Plasser & Theurer machines are affected. Basically, this begins in the design stage and continues through to machine acceptance.

Due to this increased expenditure, the costs for the machine certification now make up a considerable portion of the total price of a machine. This cost factor is particularly noticeable when it concerns new machines that have to be approved for several countries.

The Plasser & Theurer Service and Training Center, which works closely with the research and testing department, is responsible for documentation, acceptance and certification of the machines.

Our members of staff in this sector have the relevant know-how. They are experienced engineers, specialists and inspectors who perform the complex calculations and tests and compile the necessary reports and documentary evidence.