Home / Design / Schaeffler introduces GS1-standard data matrix codes and a 100% rate of return for reconditioned axlebox bearings

Schaeffler introduces GS1-standard data matrix codes and a 100% rate of return for reconditioned axlebox bearings

The serialised marking of axlebox bearings according to the GS1 standard is now becoming the standard within the sector

Safety is the highest priority when it comes to rail transport – both in operation and in maintenance.

The 100% traceability of all safety-relevant components is therefore becoming increasingly important for the rail sector, particularly in terms of the maintenance processes involved.



This requires unambiguous and globally valid component identification, which in the field of rail technology is being achieved more frequently through component marking according to the GS1 standard (the global trade item number) in combination with serialised component numbers.

These numbers are stored together with additional identifiers as a machine-readable data matrix code.
Digital bearing records mean transparency across companies

The serialised marking of axlebox bearings according to the GS1 standard via data matrix codes (DMCs) not only offers 100% traceability but also enables the exchange of data across companies and makes information available about every individual axlebox bearing and its reconditioning.

The link that can now be made between a bearing’s history and condition data and its operating data (distance covered, route profile, hot running notifications, etc) will in the future provide a significantly better understanding of the relationship between a bearing’s operating conditions and operating life.

Highly robust laser engraving

While DMCs are normally lasered into the bearing material, Schaeffler uses a type of laser engraving that goes several microns into the material, thus ensuring that the DMC remains legible at all times and can be scanned without any problems even after a long period of operation under harsh operating conditions.

100% rate of return for axlebox bearings

Operators and maintenance engineers no longer want to keep additional axlebox bearing stocks for when replacements become necessary.

From now on, Schaefflerwill be relieving them of this task and offering a 100% rate of return for reconditioned axlebox bearings. In the first step, the defective bearings will be repaired using new bearing components or replaced by new bearings.

Subject to contractual agreement with customers, this service will then be phased out in the second step in favour of a replacement programme of used and reconditioned bearings that are kept on stock. This will dramatically reduce delivery times and also help to shorten maintenance throughput times.

The DMC also plays a central role here – after all, unambiguous component identification is indispensable if seamless traceability of bearings’ history and condition across company boundaries is to be ensured.

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