Italcertifer hosts the International UIC Workgroup: B123.6 UIC Meeting October 5-6, 2023 – Florence.

Following the success of the 2022 meeting in Florence, Italcertifer once again welcomed the international delegation from UIC - Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer, specifically from the WorkGroup B126.3 focused on Brake Dynamometer Benches. This further solidifies the synergy between the two organizations.

The primary focus of this Workgroup is to define the requirements that brake dynamometer benches must meet to be UIC certified. This ensures consistent measurement quality on friction components of rolling stock brake systems. Comprising experts from around the world, representing major railway companies and brake system manufacturers, this Workgroup pools their expertise to update the standards governing the construction and certification of brake dynamometer benches according to UIC standards. Additionally, they conduct inspections required for the approval of new benches and the maintenance of existing ones.

Since 2014, Italcertifer has been an active member of the Workgroup - UIC B126.3 - Brake Dynamometer Benches. The company has consistently contributed proactively with its expertise in brake system tests for rolling stock, garnering unanimous recognition from all participants. This recognition has been translated into Chairmanship assignment of Workgroup B126.3 to the Head of the department “Tests and brake and mechanical Components” of Italcertifer Laboratories in Florence Osmannoro, starting from the upcoming July 2023. This appointment is a testament to the high level of professionalism and dedication demonstrated over the years.

Among the objectives of the Workgroup are:

• Verification of requirements according to UIC IRS 50548 for new benches and those undergoing revamping.
• Monitoring and verification on accredited UIC benches of the requirements necessary for Certification maintenance.
• Verification and assessment of new brake linings and pads that have passed bench and in-service tests, performed directly on rolling stock.

One of Italcertifer’ s strengths is the UIC certified dynamometric bench for brake tests, located at the Via Lanzi headquarters in Florence. This advanced instrumentation allows for the replication of real braking conditions on brake discs/pads or wheel/brake shoe combinations of various types of railway vehicles. It measures in real-time all the necessary parameters to evaluate the friction coefficient: speed, forces, temperatures, and braking mass.

The meeting held in Florence also provided the opportunity to visit the accredited UIC bench at the Via Lanzi headquarters and the laboratories at the Florence Osmannoro Test Center. These facilities conduct tests and measurements aimed at characterizing and certifying railway systems and components.

This collaboration continues to represent a significant step towards advancing technologies and regulations in the railway industry, promoting efficiency and safety in rail transportation globally. Italcertifer reaffirms its crucial role in railway testing and certification, making a tangible contribution to the progress of the sector.