New solution for high-speed trains: cylindrical roller bearings for 400 km/h and more
posted on 17th Sep 2026 12:53
Schaeffler is developing a series of innovative high-performance axlebox bearings especially for use in high-speed rail. Engineers at the Motion Technology Company are looking beyond standard speeds of up to 360 km/h. The new cylindrical roller bearings feature optimized friction behavior, innovative rolling element design and, in the future, will have ceramic rolling elements. Maintenance intervals for bogies equipped with such bearings will more than double, while the total cost of ownership for railway operators will fall considerably.
Schaeffler is working in close cooperation with Siemens Mobility in the development of these high-performance axlebox bearings. The axlebox bearings were fitted on a Velaro Novo with an ICE-S high-speed test train for a trial run on the Leipzig - Erfurt line. At speeds of up to 405 km/h, the bearings demonstrated just what they are capable of.
Michael Holzapfel, Global Sector Lead Rail at Schaeffler, emphasizes: "Our goal is to produce an extremely low-friction bearing for extremely high speeds. A friction-optimized internal design helps to reduce the grease temperature and further extend the operational period. Development and deployment of ceramic rolling elements are the next logical step. With these high-performance cylindrical roller bearings, we are making a major contribution to increasing train availability and reducing life cycle costs on a long-term basis."
Economical operation throughout the entire life cycle was one of the key driving factors in Siemens Mobility's development of the Velaro Novo. The switch to inboard axlebox bearings is a major feature of the high-speed train. The bearing arrangement is essential in achieving significantly improved aerodynamics and weight reduction.
The engineers at Schaeffler and Siemens Mobility wanted to achieve longer operational periods between maintenance sessions for this bearing arrangement. With regard to roller bearings, this period is limited due to the grease operating life. Schaeffler plans to tackle this issue by using bearings with ceramic rolling elements. As a rule, the grease operating life with such hybrid bearings is over twice as long as that of comparable steel bearings. Operators benefit from fewer visits to the depot, lower maintenance costs and improved fleet availability.
Schaeffler is conducting extensive simulations, friction analyses, examinations of lubricating greases and test rig trials, while its competence center and lead plant for European axlebox bearings in Brasov/Romania is also taking on a key role in this undertaking. The company's long years of expertise with the extremely high quality requirements in the fields of aviation and the wind industry is also being channeled into production of ceramic rolling elements.
