Since 1996, we have gained extensive experience in the development of measurement technology for the rail sector. Our solutions cover a wide range of applications, from high-speed trains to streetcars. Our products support the development phase and prototype testing as well as standard in-service measurements and track and infrastructure testing.
Harsh environmental conditions with splash water, stone chipping, heat and cold as well as electromagnetic voltages make robust and powerful measurement hardware essential. imc data acquisition systems record several thousand channels synchronously and decentrally, including specific bus systems such as the MVB bus, both on the test bench and on the test track. They are networked and have powerful software for real-time data analysis and for creating analyses and reports for the user.


































Torsional vibrations of wheelsets are a challenge in rail transportation. The torsional vibration of a wheelset - also known as rolling - reduces traction and leads to increased wear. Together with the experts from DNV-GL Maritime Advisory, imc has developed a torsional vibration limiting system (TVLS). It is characterized by its flexibility, performance and availability.

A rail vehicle wheel is exposed to various dynamic loads in real driving conditions. Determining these is a building block in the development of rail vehicles. The company Gutehoffnungshütte Radsatz GmbH (GHH-Radsatz) used a telemetry system from imc to develop models for simulating the dynamic loads on streetcar wheels.

The suspension railroad is considered the landmark of the North Rhine-Westphalian city of Wuppertal. Since 1901, residents and visitors have been floating through the Bergisch metropolis on this special mode of transport. Around 85,000 passengers use the suspension railroad on weekdays. The new "Generation 15" carriages were recently launched. For the commissioning measurements of the new suspension railroad, PROSE AG relied on the variety of measurement technology solutions from imc.

SBB is developing stationary wheel load checkpoints that automatically record the key figures of a passing train in real time. We have contributed high-precision strain gauge bridge measuring amplifiers and an industrial PC to these checkpoints according to customer specifications. The system records safety-relevant load indicators such as load displacements and axle load overruns. It also detects flat spots on the wheels.
Modern train testing requires sensors to be installed at numerous points along the entire vehicle. Distributed measurement systems capture signals directly at the source and evaluate them synchronously – delivering precise, meaningful results without complex sensor wiring.
Testing the wheelsets of rail vehicles is of crucial importance for several reasons. These tests make a significant contribution to the safety and reliability of rail transportation by identifying potential problems at an early stage and thus preventing serious accidents.
Carrying out brake tests on railroads is an essential part of safety checks and maintenance procedures. These tests ensure that the trains' braking systems function reliably and effectively under all operating conditions. The various aspects and procedures of railroad brake testing are explained in the following.
The measurement of pantographs, which are generally used on electric trains to transmit the current from overhead lines, poses several challenges. These concern both the technical aspects of the measurement and the practical and operational conditions.
Noise emissions from track-bound vehicles are an important aspect of rail traffic, affecting both the environment and the quality of life of local residents. ISO 3095 is the internationally recognized standard that regulates the measurement and evaluation of noise emissions from railroad vehicles.
ISO 3381 is an international standard that regulates the measurement and evaluation of noise inside rail vehicles and defines, among other things, the arrangement of microphones. It specifies the methods to ensure that the acoustic conditions inside the vehicles meet the comfort and safety requirements.
Subway and tram wheelsets are exposed to extreme dynamic forces in urban rail service. To design wheelsets that are durable, safe, and comfortable, engineers need real-world load data to get a precise understanding of these forces—especially for rubber-sprung wheelsets.

The maintenance and servicing of bogies with traction drive are crucial for the reliability and longevity of rail vehicles. These complex systems require specialized procedures and careful planning to ensure smooth operation and minimize downtime.
A torsion test rig is used to test the structural integrity and rigidity of vehicle components under torsional loads. These tests are crucial to ensure that the components can withstand the operational loads and provide the required stability and safety.
