Rail Component Testing Services

Ensure your rail components can endure the toughest conditions. You’ll get to market faster with confidence when you partner with Element experts. With over 75 years of railway expertise and a global network of state-of-the-art labs, Element delivers comprehensive material testing services – from fatigue testing and failure analysis to our exclusive AREMA Chapter 30 test 6 train simulator. We help you verify reliability, prevent failures and meet all regulatory requirements.

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What is Rail Component Testing at Element?

Rail component testing is a comprehensive evaluation to ensure success under real-world operational conditions. This process examines mechanical properties like hardness, tensile strength, and impact resistance, as well as microstructural analysis.

At Element, we provide comprehensive assessments using advanced techniques like spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to assess chemical composition and structural integrity. We also use non-destructive testing methods like ultrasonic testing and magnetic particle inspection to detect internal and surface flaws. By analyzing these properties alongside functional use, we help predict performance, durability, and safety while ensuring industry standards compliance.

Two Element testing experts in laboratory safety equipment ready for testing

What can Element offer you for Rail Component Testing Services?

Key Tests Offered

Element's rail component testing capabilities cover the full spectrum of evaluation needs, from basic mechanical property assessment to advanced microstructural analysis. Meet tight development schedules and regulatory deadlines by conducting multiple tests simultaneously. This capability at Element makes the process more efficient for your rail projects.

Calibration testing
Composite and plastic testing
Hardness testing
Impact testing
Longitudinal restraint testing
Repeated load testing
Structural testing
Tensile testing
Vertical load testing
Vertical restraint testing

Components And Materials We Test

We test a comprehensive range of rail components. Whatever your needs, our experts can design appropriate testing protocols to evaluate mechanical properties, structural integrity, and long-term performance under simulated real-world conditions.

Ties and sleepers
Fastening systems and clips
Seat assemblies
Steel rail components
Composite and plastic components

Methods And Solutions Offered

Element offers an industry-leading range of testing methodologies designed specifically for rail component challenges:

Advanced numerical modelling
Clean steel evaluation (impurity detection)
Erosion inspection
Finite element analysis simulation
Full spectrum chemical composition analysis
Macrostructure analysis (defect detection)
Magnetic particle inspection
Martensite evaluation (per weld)
Metallography Microstructure analysis
Particle analysis
Residual stress measurement
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Spectroscopy
Tribology and wear pattern analysis

Supporting sustainability through advanced testing

Our rail component testing services directly support your sustainability objectives by extending the lifespan of your rail infrastructure. Through detailed analysis of rail materials, we identify weaknesses and improvement areas that reduce material waste and minimize unnecessary replacements and repairs. This approach not only aligns with corporate social responsibility goals but delivers tangible cost savings by optimizing resource utilization and reducing maintenance requirements.

Cutting-Edge Equipment We Use

Our state-of-the-art laboratories feature unique frames and specialized equipment unavailable elsewhere in the industry. With our exclusive AREMA Chapter 30 test 6 train simulator, your test programs will replicate real-world operating conditions with unmatched accuracy.

Which Labs Offer This Service

Our team operates from rail, transportation and manufacturing hubs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. Find your nearest lab on our Locations Page.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

AREMA Chapter 30 standards
Global rail industry regulations and standards

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Safety and reliability

Your rail components must perform reliably under extreme operational conditions. Element's comprehensive testing approach, including our exclusive AREMA Chapter 30 test 6 train simulator, ensures your components meet real-world safety requirements, preventing costly failures and protecting your reputation.

Risk of costly failures

Our advanced testing techniques identify potential weaknesses in materials early in development or manufacturing, helping you address issues before they escalate into expensive repairs, dangerous failures, or unexpected downtime.

Regulatory complexity

Our experts navigate complex rail industry regulations for you, providing comprehensive testing that ensures your components meet or exceed all relevant global standards while maintaining system integrity.

Development efficiency

Our ability to conduct tests simultaneously and comprehensive testing services accelerate validation processes without compromising quality, helping you bring products to market faster and gain competitive advantage.

Why Choose Element

Element testing specialist standing among environmental test chambers in product testing lab

Exclusive Testing Capabilities

Access the industry’s only AREMA Chapter 30 test 6 train simulator, delivering uniquely realistic operational testing.

Global reach, local expertise

Benefit from our worldwide network of facilities while working with specialists who understand your regional requirements and challenges.

Comprehensive single-source testing

Simplify your testing process with our ability to conduct mechanical, chemical, and performance tests from one provider.

Proven industry experience

Trust in our 75+ years of railway expertise and track record of supporting major rail infrastructure projects worldwide.

But don't just take our word for it

See what others want to say about partnering with Element

Hitachi Rail Europe Fire Testing
Hitachi Rail Europe. Element provided fire testing of structural materials including coated steel, coated glass reinforced plastic, and interior upholstery and

Frequently asked questions

What is railway steel made from?

The main component of railway steel is usually carbon steel, which is an alloy of iron and carbon – combined with other elements to enhance the strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance (e.g manganese). This allows the steel to be strong enough to withstand heavy loads, deal with wear, and remain strong in a range of environmental conditions.