GOTEBORG, Sweden, May 30, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- SKF has signed an agreement with Siemens SGP Transportation Systems for delivery of around 900 new SKF designed axlebridges, with an option for a further 1,000.
SKF was chosen to optimise the axlebridge design for Siemens COMBINO low floor tramcars, the main targets being weight reduction and further improvements in performance.
The new design consists of integrated tapered roller bearing units and a cranked axlebridge that supports the two independent wheels on both sides. The bearing unit design is optionally based on an electrically insulated INSOCOAT(TM) outer ring to avoid electric current passage, which has a negative impact on performance.
The new design was developed using computer aided design, calculation and manufacturing, as well as extensive validation testing procedures. The axlebridges are fitted with SKF wheels, brakes, couplings and earth return systems, then delivered to the customer as ready-to-mount components.
The COMBINO low floor tramcars offer easier boarding for passengers and are used by mass transit systems worldwide.
SKF has been working in close co-operation with the competence centre for bogies at Siemens SGP in Austria. As the leading system supplier to the world railway industry, providing a full assortment of bearings, SKF is a key supplier for mass transit trains in Europe as well as other types of railway vehicles.
Goteborg, May 29, 2002 Aktiebolaget SKF (publ.)
For further information, please contact:
Lars G Malmer, SKF Group Communication, tel. +46 31 337 1541, e-mail: Lars.G.Malmer@skf.com Colin Roberts, Group Technical Press, tel. +31 306 075 608, e-mail: Colin.Roberts@skf.com Aktiebolaget SKF, SE-415 50 Goteborg, Sweden, tel. +46 31 337 1000, fax +46 31 337 2832, www.skf.com
This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net
The following files are available for download:
www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/05/30/20020530BIT00270/wkr0001.doc www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/05/30/20020530BIT00270/wkr0002.pdf