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1/17/2025
Compiled by Cathy Ulrich
Computer numerical control (CNC) machining and digital data collection help Seco Machine, a subsidiary of A. Stucki Co., achieve optimal axle inspection results. Seco Machine specializes in machining for the rail industry and other markets.
Seco begins the inspection process by probing inside the CNC machine and examining the length, diameter and straightness of an axle to ensure it can be reconditioned.
“We collect data digitally using tablets and digital forms,” Mark Hiszem, engineering manager at Seco Machine, said in an email. “This eliminates paper, improves legibility and speeds up the inspection process.”
Digital snap gauges, which indicate if a part falls within accepted tolerances, are used for faster and more accurate inspection results.
Seco takes a macro approach to adhering to AAR tolerance ranges, Hiszem said.
“The objective, of course, is to hold tighter tolerances,” he said. “Shrinking tolerance ranges increases the life cycle of the axles and allows for additional reconditioning opportunities.”
Tighter control on the axle surface finish minimizes the occurrence of misfits when the wheels are eventually mounted, he added.
Since 2005, Knorr-Bremse's CubeControl (EP2002) Brake Control System has been fitted to over 30,000 railway vehicles across a wide range of applications, including monorails, metros and regional and commuter EMUs/DMUs.
Advanced failure effect management — which redistributes service brake effort in the event of electronic control failures — allows CubeControl to offer improved availability compared with conventional brake systems, company officials said. The system's status information is accessible through EP2002 Brakes Consultant and Brakes Explorer software, enabling performance and diagnostic data retrieval from a single point for all valves within the network.
Additionally, external position coding allows auto-configuration of emergency brake characteristics if a unit is replaced. Distributed brake control provides independent brake cylinder pressure control, both pneumatically and electronically, on a per-bogie basis, leading to enhanced blending performance and adhesion management, company officials said.
The CubeControl system improves train availability through increased redundancy and offers better system response because it’s installed closer to the brake cylinders. The availability of speed signals from all axles on each segment also enhances WSP performance, providing a more accurate reference speed. The system reduces the size and weight of components compared with conventional brake systems, decreasing installation overhead and the potential for design interface errors, company officials said.
New York Air Brake's CCBIIe (meaning computer-controlled brake, second generation, enhanced) offers advanced features, time-saving functions and higher reliability components, company officials said.
The CCBIIe's advanced self-test features ensure the system is performing well; if problems arise, guided diagnostics help maintainers quickly troubleshoot an issue, recommending checks within and outside the system to ensure accurate repairs. Improvements through materials engineering enhance the performance life of sealing and wear components. The system also can perform remote air brake maintenance.
CCBIIe can be provided on new applications and is easily upgradable to existing CCBII applications during overhaul or scheduled maintenance, company officials said.
Caterpillar subsidiary Progress Rail supplies reconditioned freight-car wheel sets, axles and journal bearings to customers across North America. With facilities in Alabama, California, Indiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas and Canada, the company can provide parts to customers economically and quickly, Progress Rail officials said.
Teams “work safely and efficiently” to produce high-quality products, understanding the importance of providing products “of the right size, at the right place, at the right time,” company officials said.
Cathy Ulrich is a freelance writer in Montana. Email comments or questions to prograil@tradepress.com.