PJ Messtechnik & Innofreight: Y25 Bogie Approval Across 20+ Countries

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Introduction

In October 2025, PJ Messtechnik, an accredited test center, was commissioned by Innofreight to secure the approval of the Y25 bogie. Innofreight, which operates 22,000 containers and 3,500 wagons across 20 countries, sought to expand its portfolio with this new bogie design.

Project Overview

The Y25 bogie project involved PJ Messtechnik implementing a comprehensive validation program in accordance with EN 13749. This included structural analysis, static and fatigue laboratory tests conducted at the Institute for Structural Durability and Railway Technology at Graz University of Technology, and track tests under extreme conditions.

Technical Specifications

The design specifications for the new bogie were stringent, requiring the bogie frame to be fully automatically manufactured and capable of withstanding highly dynamic loads over four decades. The structural analysis utilized advanced simulation and assessment methods. Standard loads were augmented by results from MBS simulations, and weld seam assessment was performed using the effective notch stress concept to enhance prediction accuracy.

Outcomes and Benefits

The final bogie design is manufactured entirely by welding robots. It achieves a 5% weight reduction compared to conventional designs while increasing durability. This results in the potential to increase load capacity by 400 kg, improving efficiency and robustness. The design also offers advantages such as reduced wear on wheelsets and enhanced braking performance. The new bogie frame is manufactured in series production in Trieste.

PJ Messtechnik’s Role

PJ Messtechnik, as a system specialist, provided expertise in design, calculation (FEM), simulation (MBS), measurement technology, and certification. Their capabilities include pioneering lightweight freight wagon construction through topology optimization, TSI-compliant strength analysis of welded steel and aluminum structures, and support in the standard-compliant design of welded constructions by their IWE (International Welding Engineer). Furthermore, they offer certification for strength verifications of railway wheels according to the American AAR WABL Committee, and support simulations to minimize wear on wheels and rails. PJ Messtechnik has successfully implemented projects in 30 countries across 6 continents.

Conclusion

The collaboration between PJ Messtechnik and Innofreight led to the successful development and approval of the Y25 bogie. This project highlights PJ Messtechnik’s expertise in rail vehicle testing and authorization processes, contributing to advancements in freight transport technology.

Company Summary

Innofreight: Develops and leases innovative freight wagons, containers, and discharging systems. Innofreight operates 230 block trains and unloads 2 million containers annually, providing freight wagon solutions for sectors including steel, energy, building materials, timber, agriculture, and liquids.

PJ Messtechnik: An accredited test center in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025, specializes in rail transport systems, carrying out tests worldwide for the approval of rail vehicles.

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