Primary Suspension Function
Primary spring systems form the elastic connection between wheelset-related components and the bogie frame.
They support operational vehicle loads and accommodate defined relative movement within the primary suspension. Their rubber-metal elements help isolate vibration and reduce the transfer of dynamic forces generated during vehicle operation.
Ready-to-Install System Design
Primary spring systems can combine multiple rubber-metal components within a complete, ready-to-install assembly.
In designs incorporating an elastomer wheelset guidance bush, the suspension and guidance elements are engineered as part of one coordinated system. This allows the elastic behaviour of the individual components to be matched to the intended bogie arrangement.
Key Technical Benefits
- elastic support of operational vehicle loads;
- reduction of vibration and dynamic force transmission;
- ready-to-install system configuration;
- controlled movement within the primary suspension;
- optional integration of an elastomer wheelset guidance bush;
- coordinated design of the individual rubber-metal components;
- project-specific adaptation to the bogie architecture;
- reliable performance under repeated dynamic loading.
Applications in Railway Bogies
Primary spring systems are used in the primary suspension of railway and urban rail bogies.
They can be supplied for new rolling stock, scheduled maintenance, bogie overhaul, fleet refurbishment and vehicle modernisation projects.
Replacement systems can also be developed for established bogie designs where the original components have been discontinued or are no longer commercially available.
Project-Specific Development
Each primary spring system is developed according to the intended suspension function, bogie architecture and installation arrangement.
Project-specific systems can be manufactured according to an existing technical drawing, original assembly, physical sample or defined customer specification. Where required, individual rubber-metal components are developed and coordinated as part of the complete system.
Development and validation can include numerical simulation, strength and damage calculations, service-life assessment and product-specific dynamic testing.
German Production and Quality Control
Primary spring systems and their individual rubber-metal components are manufactured in Germany under quality management systems certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 22163.
Quality control covers dimensional conformity, system configuration and the agreed primary-suspension characteristics. For designs incorporating an elastomer wheelset-guidance bush, the relevant suspension and guidance functions are evaluated as part of the complete system.
Depending on the project, validation may include service-life assessment and single- or multi-axial dynamic testing.
The finished products are supplied with an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate.