MxV Rail is expanding its laboratory capabilities for rail component testing. “With a suite of new machines and test capabilities available and more laboratory test services rolling out soon, MxV Rail continues leveraging all the latest methods to provide insight into our clients’ most challenging questions and promote safety advancements in the rail industry,” the Association of American Railroad subsidiary.
MxV Rail this year launched several new capabilities, including a Bearing Rig Tester with a servo-hydraulic computer-controlled load frame and a unique water spray feature. Additionally, a custom-designed Tie Wear tester was launched, and its first commercial test was recently completed. MxV Rail designed both units. Coming soon are a Knuckle Fatigue tester, Truck Warp Stiffness Tester and Side Frame and Bolster Tester. As well, an AAR member railroad recently donated an Environmental Chamber.
“All the equipment has been selected, designed and installed in response to research needs articulated by MxV Rail’s Class I sponsors and other collaborators across the rail community,” the company noted. “Looking ahead, more tools and test capabilities will be available in 2025 at our laboratory space in Pueblo, Colo. With each addition, MxV Rail grows in its ability to perform rigorous testing and expand the industry’s R&D playbook. MxV Rail’s team is always looking to the future, and now, growing capacity in the lab and in the field will ensure the industry can move technology from concept to performance testing to implementation at a rapid pace.”
The Bearing Rig Tester offers vertical compression loads from 2 to 100 kips and lateral compression loads up to 50 kips, with the capability to spray water at three angles and locations. The Tie Wear Tester’s load frame and FlexTest 60 controller enable fatigue and wear abrasion testing with capabilities to test 50 kips vertically and 35 kips laterally.
The Truck Warp Stiffness Tester will leverage MxV Rail’s high-capacity test fixture for assessing load or displacement. It will offer 110 kips compression and a 10-inch stroke, “ideal for testing ties, track panels or trucks.” The Knuckle Fatigue Tester “will simulate real-world rail stress to ensure coupler knuckles meet AAR M-216 standards for durability, performance, and safety under heavy loads.” The side Frame and Bolster Tester will support loads up to 660 kips and test in accordance with AAR M-202, M-203, and will also offer component testing such as for rail bends or AREMA standards.
The Environmental chamber supports air brake and component testing from –85 to +185 degrees Fahrenheit “for rapid, reliable evaluation of rail equipment in extreme temperature conditions,” MxV Rail said. “This unique lab installation allows components to be tested in controlled environment conditions mimicking the deserts of Arizona and the wintery north of Canada.”
“Our mission has always been to support our rail industry partners in testing new technologies, solving complex problems and bringing solutions into service so that we advance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of rail together,” said Jason Reiling, MxV Rail Senior Assistant Vice President of Business Development. “With the new equipment in place, our incredibly talented lab teams are providing the industry with the insights and data needed to lead the industry into the future. We’re proud to bring these new capabilities to life in our modern 70,000-square-foot testing and research facility.”
