What is the main purpose of EN 12080?

The main purpose of EN 12080 is to define the quality parameters, material specifications, and inspection requirements for rolling bearings used in railway axleboxes to ensure they can safely support vehicle loads.

Does EN 12080 cover the testing of the grease?

No, EN 12080 focuses strictly on the rolling bearing itself. The requirements for lubricating greases are covered in the related standard, EN 12081.

What type of NDT is required by EN 12080?

EN 12080 typically requires Ultrasonic Testing (UT) to detect internal defects in the bearing rings and Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) or Eddy Current testing to detect surface cracks.

The Foundation of Rolling Stock Safety: EN 12080 Axlebox Bearings Explained

EN 12080 sets the rigorous quality parameters for railway axlebox rolling bearings, covering steel metallurgy, manufacturing tolerances, and mandatory NDT inspections.

September 18, 2023 2:40 am

EN 12080: Railway applications — Axleboxes — Rolling bearings is the European standard that specifies the quality parameters, technical requirements, and inspection protocols for rolling bearings used in railway axleboxes. It serves as the primary manufacturing and acceptance standard, ensuring that bearings supporting the vehicle’s load meet strict metallurgical, geometric, and non-destructive testing (NDT) criteria before they are installed.

Why EN 12080 is Critical for Rail Safety

Axlebox bearings are among the most critical components in a train’s bogie. A failure here can lead to “hot box” incidents and derailments. EN 12080 mitigates this risk by imposing severe controls on the manufacturing process. It dictates that the steel used must be exceptionally clean (free from inclusions) and that the finished product must undergo 100% inspection for internal and surface defects.

Key Technical Requirements

Material Purity: Requires high-grade vacuum-degassed steel with strict limits on microscopic inclusions (sulfides, oxides) to prevent fatigue cracking.
Heat Treatment: Specifies hardness depth and surface hardness (typically Rockwell C or Brinell) to resist wear and rolling contact fatigue.
Traceability: Every bearing must be traceable back to its specific batch of steel and heat treatment cycle.
NDT Inspection: Mandates Ultrasonic Testing (UT) for internal soundness and Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) or Eddy Current for surface integrity.

The Axlebox Standards Suite: EN 12080 vs. 12081 vs. 12082

In the European railway sector, EN 12080 does not work in isolation. It is part of a “trilogy” of standards that ensure the complete axlebox system functions correctly. The table below clarifies the distinct role of each standard:

Standard	Focus Component	Primary Function / Scope
EN 12080	Rolling Bearings	Defines manufacturing quality (metallurgy, dimensions, NDT) of the bearing itself.
EN 12081	Lubricating Greases	Specifies the chemical and physical properties of the grease to ensure long-term lubrication.
EN 12082	Complete Assembly	Validates the system performance (Housing + Bearing + Grease + Seal) via rigorous test rig simulations.

Evolution of the Standard

The standard is regularly updated to reflect advances in bearing technology. While EN 12080:2017+A1:2022 has been the widely used version, a new revision (EN 12080:2025) was approved in late 2025. These updates typically tighten inspection criteria and align with new TSI (Technical Specifications for Interoperability) requirements, ensuring interoperability across European networks.

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