Railway Equipment

ECE provides approval and certification services for rail equipment engineering and manufacturing companies.  In support of these companies’ effort to become EN 15085 (supersedes DIN 6700); ISO 3834 (supersedes EN 729) QA System requirements for Weld Shop certified, ECE provides services in conjunction with the implementation of the required quality systems, as well as the development / testing and certification and approval of welding procedures; welders and welding operators.

Within the European market field, the EN 15085 approval is the cornerstone for the recognition and acceptance of rail equipment in Europe 's EU Member states. ECE provides professional engineers, welding and quality system experts to the market and supports our clientele through the entire certification process.  We strive to limit or eliminate our continuing involvement with your operation, helping you achieve the required certification and independency for the design, manufacture, testing, and certification of rail equipment.

ECE has built solid business relationships with accredited engineering and testing companies throughout Germany, Norway, Sweden and the USA.  These relationships enable us to streamline the entire process and eliminate unnecessary cost and time disadvantages, whenever and wherever possible.

ECE Global is recognized by the German Governmental Office for Rail Equipment Approvals (Eisenbahn Bundesamt [EBA]). With this recognition, we are able to support your approvals for welding rail equipment (trains, working equipment, and parts). Our goal is the final approval and certification of systems, staff and your facility.   Our proven strengths include:

• Experience: Bimodal Rail Systems, Rail Grinder, Locomotives, Parts and Component Manufacturers
• Internal Staff Training: ECE Staff is trained according to the codes and requirements applicable to the certification of rail equipment. Our staff actively participates in exchange meetings organized by governmental offices and accredited organizations.
• Cost: ECE renders Pre-Certification & Consulting services at lower prices than accredited organizations, supporting your effort to achieve competitive product cost.
• Flexibility: ECE’s structure and performance procedures allow a high level of flexibility in supporting your needs.
• Partnerships: ECE maintains partnerships with accredited organizations, located in Germany. Our partnerships are one key factor in reducing your certification costs.  Besides reducing travel expenses, communications with German speaking offices can be done by our bilingual staff. The elimination of miscommunications, time differences, as well as supporting your organization with the presentation of your certification and approval plans by the respective governmental office is an additional strength.
• Resource Management: ECE has structures in place allowing us to support almost all applications. Please share your unique needs with us, to find out what we can do for you!

Standards and Compliance

EN 15085 Railway applications - Welding of railway vehicles and components (supersedes DIN 6700 Part 1-6). EN 15085 is the first European Norm related to the design and fabrication and testing of rail equipment, applicable throughout Europe.

Various governing standards are:

• EN 14731 (supersedes EN 719)   Identifies the quality related responsibilities and tasks included in the coordination of welding related activities. Coverage includes definitions, technical knowledge, and tasks and responsibilities, e.g. EU Welding Engineer
• ISO 3834 (supersedes EN 729) Defines various approaches to quality requirements for welding fabrication in workshops and on sites. Contains detailed definitions and annexes.
• DIN EN 12663 Railway applications – Describes structural requirements of railway vehicles bodies
• EN 15607 (supersedes EN 288-1) Welding Procedure Qualification - Describes general rules for the specification and approval of welding for metallic materials.
• EN 287 Welder Approval  - Describes essential requirements, ranges of approval, test conditions, acceptance requirements and certification for the approval testing welder performance for the welding of steels.