Axis Test Laboratories provides accredited shock, vibration, and climatic testing for rail rolling stock and onboard electronics. We’re UKAS-accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and routinely deliver full compliance programmes to BS EN 61373 (mechanical shock and vibration) and BS EN 50155 (electronic equipment for rolling stock).
We support OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and design authorities across the UK and Europe, with reports accepted by Network Rail, RISQS-approved suppliers and international procurement frameworks.
EN 61373 specifies the shock and vibration requirements for equipment installed on railway vehicles. It replicates the harsh mechanical environment experienced on the track, from the low-frequency sway of a carriage body to the extreme random vibration seen on axle-mounted sensors. This standard is divided into three main categories (body-mounted, bogie-mounted, axle-mounted) with Class A and Class B severity levels, helping to ensure that equipment survives a typical service life without failure.
Testing is mandatory for most signalling, control, communications, braking, and monitoring systems in the UK and Europe. Successful EN 61373 qualification is a contractual requirement for Network Rail, RISQS approval, and many international rail tenders.
With years of rail testing experience, we understand the unique challenges of the UK rail network – from high-speed lines to freight and metro operations. Our Durham laboratory combines large electro-dynamic shakers, climatic chambers, monitoring capabilities to deliver fully integrated EN 61373 + EN 50155 programmes under one roof. This saves weeks compared to using separate facilities and gives you a single, traceable UKAS-accredited report accepted by all major rail authorities.
| Category 1 - Body mounted | ||
| Class A |
Equipment on/under car body. |
This is applied to cubicles, equipment and components mounted directly on or under the car body. |
| Class B |
Items inside body-mounted cases. |
This is applied to any item mounted inside an equipment case, which in turn is mounted directly on or under the car body |
| Category 2 - Bogie Mounted |
On bogie frame. |
Category 2 is applied to equipment,cubicles, subassemblies and components which are to be mounted on the bogie of a railway vehicle. |
| Category 3 - Axle Mounted |
Directly on wheelset. |
This test level is to be applied to equipment, assemblies subassemblies and components which are to be mounted to the wheel set of a railway vehicle |
Rail equipment must withstand sudden impacts from coupling, track joints, and emergency braking. We deliver the required half-sine and bump pulses (EN 60068-2-27 integrated into EN 61373 and EN 50155) across all three axes, with full acceleration monitoring. Payloads up to 300 kg are routine, and larger assemblies can be accommodated with custom fixtures that replicate the real mounting conditions of a standard installation.
Performed to ISO 9227, our salt mist and corrosive atmospheres testing simulates real-world conditions to help identify potential problem areas and evaluate the performance of your equipment. Our expansive chamber is able to fit large structures or multiple samples, and digital photographic records are provided to help you understand the progression of corrosion and the final results of the testing.
Performed to the requirements of BS EN 61373 and BS EN 60068, our climatic testing services provide accurate, controlled simulations of a wide range of environmental conditions. Our large chamber is capable of controlling temperatures as low as -70°C or as high as +180°C, with full temperature and humidity logging features.
Performed by an approved UKAS accredited contractor with whom we work closely to ensure the same rigorous standards are maintained at all times
All of our testing equipment is calibrated with fully traceable UKAS certificates, ensuring that our results are accurate and precise.
When you choose Axis Test Laboratories, you can trust that your products will meet the rigorous requirements of the rail industry and provide the reliability that your customers expect. We provide full UKAS reports that detail the testing performed, results, and evidence, including any functional tests performed upon request.
Don't let inadequate testing hold back your product's success. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
