At the 2021 Berlin Railway Conference held a few days ago, FAG bearing won the 2021 Railsponsible Supplier Award-"Climate Change and Circular Economy" award for its 100% repair service of railway axlebox bearings.

Dr. Stefan Spindler (right), CEO of Schaeffler Group Industrial Division, received the award certificate from Dr. Levin Holle, Chief Financial Officer of Deutsche Bahn AG

The 100% repair service of railway axlebox bearings provided by FAG is of great significance in terms of environmental and economic benefits. This service not only reflects FAG's mature technology in rolling bearing repair, but also combines the most advanced data exchange and digital twin technology.

——CEO of Schaeffler Group Industrial Division

Stefan Spindler

Bearing repair: reduce costs and reduce carbon emissions

The 100% repair service of axlebox bearings can not only greatly increase the attendance rate of rail vehicles, but also maximize the mileage and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. As part of this service, FAG also keeps a stock of parts for bearing repair. In this way, in addition to the cost savings brought about by bearing repair and reuse, it also saves a lot of time because of the fast delivery.

Compared with newly manufactured bearings, the use of repaired axlebox bearings consumes resources and produces much lower carbon emissions. For example, in a freight train with 80 carriages, two locomotives and 1,296 axlebox bearings, this recycling method can reduce 133 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, save 481 MWh of energy and 1,767 cubic meters of water.

Data Matrix Code: The Key to Digital State Maintenance

The key to the 100% repair service of FAG bearings is the Data Matrix Code (DMC). Each set of axlebox bearings will be engraved with a unique DMC code during the manufacturing process. The DMC code can be used to obtain data related to manufacturing, operation and maintenance of the product throughout its life cycle, thereby creating a comprehensive digital twin.