imc Test & Measurement
imc Test & Measurement manufactures innovative solutions for test and measurement in R&D, service and production. It caters to customers in automotive and mechanical engineering and in the railway, aerospace and energy industry worldwide. imc sensors, data acquisition systems and software as well as integrated solutions enable our users to validate prototypes, optimize products, monitor processes and to gain insights from measurement data in mobile or in stationary applications. In the railway industry, imc Test & Measurement supports R&D and prototype testing as well as standard in-service measurements and track and infrastructure testing and can draw on over 30 years of experience.
imc is part of Axiometrix Solutions, a leading test solutions provider of globally recognised measurement brands, including Audio Precision and GRAS Sound & Vibration.
Rail Vehicle and Infrastructure Monitoring with Real-Time Data and Efficient Test and Reliable Results
In demanding environments such as rail vehicle testing, where splash water, stone chipping, extreme temperatures, and electromagnetic interference are common, robust and high-performance measurement hardware is essential. imc data acquisition systems are engineered to meet these challenges, delivering reliable and precise results under railway-specific loads. Our systems enable direct reading of rail vehicle bus systems, including specialized protocols like the MVB bus. This means analog signals can be seamlessly combined with data from internal train units, enabling real-time monitoring of specific components during trials, commissioning runs, or routine operations. With decentralized and distributed measurement capabilities, they can be networked and synchronized for complex setups, across a rail vehicle or a rail section or on a test stand.
Thanks to real-time data analysis, users benefit from fast and reliable measurement results, significantly reducing testing time. Unlike traditional systems where analysis is performed post-test, there is for live, actionable information during testing. imc provides real-time data analysis By allowing immediate visualization, processing, and interpretation of data, this provides insights that go far beyond basic measurement results. Safety-critical parameters – such as axle overloading or cargo shifting – can be monitored directly on the track, enhancing operational safety and decision-making. All functionalities are seamlessly integrated into one powerful software platform – imc STUDIO. The system’s “live multi-monitoring” feature allows multiple PCs or monitoring stations to access and visualize data simultaneously. Users can add live annotations, including text, audio, or voice comments, ensuring fast, secure, and collaborative evaluation. With imc DAQ systems, rail testing becomes more efficient, insightful, and responsive, users receive everything from a single source, ensuring streamlined workflows and dependable performance in every test scenario.
Load Testing Streetcar Wheels: Engineering Safer, Longer-Lasting Wheelsets
Subway and tram wheelsets endure intense dynamic forces during urban rail operations. Track irregularities, switch crossings, and braking events generate loads that directly affect safety, ride comfort, and the longevity of the wheelsets. To engineer wheelsets that are robust, safe, and comfortable – especially rubber-sprung designs – precise, real-world load data is essential. To capture this data and support simulation model development, imc provides customized measurement wheels equipped with strain-gauge sensors and wireless telemetry. These systems measure forces and moments directly at the wheel. Combined with a high-performance data acquisition system for real-time recording and analysis, this solution lays a strong foundation for design validation and lifecycle optimization.
Read: Precision on Track: Wheel Force Measurement via Telemetry with Strain Gauge Sensors
Sound Emission and Noise Measurements According to ISO 3095 and ISO 3381
Noise emissions from rail vehicles are a critical factor in enhancing public acceptance of rail transport. Environmental noise impacts both ecosystems and the quality of life for nearby residents. To ensure compliance and maintain high standards of comfort and safety, acoustic testing in accordance with ISO 3095 (exterior noise) and ISO 3381 (interior noise) is essential. Exterior noise measurements help assess the environmental impact of rail vehicles, while interior noise testing ensures passenger comfort and supports regulatory compliance. imc provides a comprehensive solution for standard-compliant acoustic measurements, offering advanced data acquisition and analysis systems tailored to meet the requirements of ISO 3095 and ISO 3381.
