1. Althen Sensors
  2. Measurement Systems
  3. Railway measurement systems
  4. Automated 3D wheel measurement systems
  5. 3D Wheel measurement system
  • Calibration device for profilometers

3D Wheel measurement system

Automated, contactless 3D wheel measurement system for rail vehicles. Suited for high-speed and low-speed environments. Collects accurate geometric wheel data without stopping trains.


Key features

  • Contactless 3D laser scanning for wheel geometry.
  • Dynamic measurement (in motion) at operational speeds.
  • High accuracy (≤ 0.05 mm) on wheel profile and diameter.
  • Automated data capture for flange height, flange thickness, tread wear.
  • Integrated software calculates all core parameters in seconds.
  • Compatible with rail assets including trams, metros and trains.

About the 3D Wheel measurement system

The 3D wheel measurement system is an automated, contactless solution for accurate railway wheel inspection. It is designed for continuous condition monitoring of wheels on trams, metros, trains and light rail vehicles. Using advanced laser scanning technology, the system captures a full 3D wheel profile while the vehicle is in motion. There is no physical contact with the wheel. There is no need to stop the train.

This makes the system ideal for modern railway maintenance strategies focused on safety, availability and cost control.

Contactless 3D laser measurement

The system uses high-speed laser sensors to scan each wheel as it passes the measurement point. The lasers generate a precise three-dimensional model of the wheel geometry. From this 3D model, all relevant wheel parameters are calculated automatically.
This includes wheel diameter, tread wear, flange height and flange thickness. Because the measurement is contactless, there is no mechanical wear on the system itself.
Measurement accuracy remains stable over time.

Dynamic measurement during operation

The 3D wheel measurement system works while the vehicle is moving. Measurements can be performed at operational speeds. This reduces inspection time and avoids bottlenecks in depots or workshops. Trains do not need to be taken out of service for manual checks. The result is faster inspections and higher fleet availability.

High accuracy and repeatability

The system delivers high measurement accuracy, up to 0.05 mm, depending on configuration. Each wheel is measured consistently, independent of operator influence. This repeatability makes the data suitable for long-term trend analysis.
Wear patterns can be tracked over time for predictive maintenance.

Benefits of the 3D Wheel Measurement System

  • Getting all important data with one system instead of multiple tools
  • Accurate and valuable data within seconds
  • Eliminate manual measurement errors
  • Integrated software system with all necessary calculations and parameters
  • Real time measurement of moving train or tram wheels
  • Simple train identification based on vision system
  • RFid identification of axles of the train
  • Easy installation at any rail infrastructure

Measured Parameters

  • Diameter of wheels
  • Wheel flange height
  • Wheel flange thickness
  • Wheel flange slope (QR in mm or degrees)
  • Wheel hollow wear (in combination with position)
  • Specific slopes and angles in profile
  • Gap measurement
  • Complete profile of wheel as X,Y model
  • Back-2-back distance between wheels on same axle

Options

The 3D Wheel Measurement System can be installed in 3 variants:

  • Low speed variant for maintenance locations: up to 15 km/hour.
  • Medium speed variant for normal train/metro trajectory: up to 180 km/hour.
  • High speed variant for in high speed trajectory locations: up to 350 km/hour.

Do you need this sensor for your next project?

Request a no-obligation quote or send us your contact details for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our sales engineers will then contact you within a maximum of 1 to 2 working days.

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Not exactly what you are looking for? We offer standard sensors, but can also help you with sensors adapted for you or a fully customised measurement solution. Contact us for advice or pricing.

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Technical Specifications

Specification Value
Back-to-back gauge (accuracy) ± 0.05mm
Flange angle (accuracy) ± 0.1mm
Flange height (accuracy) ± 0.1mm
Flange width (accuracy) ± 0.1mm
Rim thickness (accuracy) ± 0.1mm
Thread width (accuracy) ± 0.1mm
Wheel diameter (accuracy) ± 0.2mm
Wheel profiles (accuracy) ± 0.1mm

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