Wheelset Safety

Mechan is now the official UK supplier of CALIPRI-Wheel from NextSense - the first handheld, non-contact measuring device for railway wheelsets, brake discs, wheel clearance (back-to-back) and rail profiles.

This optoelectronic gauge records geometrical data for any complex-shaped object and can be individually tailored by Mechan to the needs of each user.

CALIPRI-Wheel was developed specifically to inspect wear on wheelsets. It provides precise measurements of all safety parameters, including flange height, thickness, slope (QR), dishing, wheel width and rim thickness (seam). The non-contact gauge is proven to be far better than conventional scanning methods, even in restricted spaces and under vehicles.

Complete measurement of each wheel takes just five seconds and requires only one operative, significantly increasing productivity. Once the entire wheel profile has been recorded, the data is evaluated and the measurement values shown on the display. If any of the specified tolerances are exceeded, this is indicated immediately.

The sensor is simply moved along the wheel by hand, so that the intelligent measurement system can record and combine the individual segments of the profile. The CALIPRI-Wheel supports the user during the measurement process by providing acoustic feedback on the correct positioning of the sensor, eliminating classic errors resulting from tilted reading, undefined measuring force or lop-sided application.

Different profile shapes can be recorded with the same gauge, making it possible to use the CALIPRI-Wheel for many other applications, such as brake disc inspection, clearance of the rail wheels and wear inspection of the rails and point switches.

All measurement data is saved in XML format so the information can be passed between different systems. Files can also be generated in CSV format to enable further processing in Microsoft Excel.

The ready-to-operate measurement system comes complete with sensor, connection cable, portable tablet PV with installed measurement software, carrying strap, self-test and calibration unit and hardtop case with foam insert for all components.