Railroad EN 15085

EN 15085 outlines that all manufacturers who make available welded railway products that are operated in any of the EU member states that adopted the EN 15085 standard series achieve proper approvals before doing so. Without this approval, welded products may not receive the desired acceptance for use.

The EN 15085 standard series applies to the design, manufacturing, testing, and conformity assessment of welded railroad vehicles, components, and parts. It sets requirements for the qualification and approval of welding processes, performance qualifications of the welder and welding operator, and inspection requirements, which are to be managed within the scope of the implemented quality system.

Welded products are certified per their design and fabrication requirements according to the applicable standards. The EN 15085 standard series for “Railway Applications — Welding of Railway Vehicles and Components” covers quality requirements and assessments of welding manufacturers, design requirements, production requirements, and inspection, testing, and documentation. Compliance with EN 15085 is a statement about a company’s capabilities, as well as its qualified resources.

EN 15085 is not only recognized in Europe, but as other countries also realize the positive contribution of it. For instance, EN 15085 is applied in Australia, China, India, and Japan, where EN 15085 certified companies demonstrate to existing and potential customers an organization’s dedication to quality. It also provides access to a vast market that is heavily invested in and committed to rail transportation.

We specialize in the effective understanding, implementation, and performance of the requirements related to EN 15085. We provide implementation and performance assessments, while considering already implemented quality management systems, such as ISO 9001 or AAR M-1003. Our service portfolio includes:

• Fabrication companies with design engineering
• Fabrication companies without design engineering
• Design engineering companies without fabrication
• Assembling companies without fabrication or design engineering
• Buyers and resellers of welded components

• Railroad vehicle / /Component manufacturers
• Railroad Operators
• Welding Manufacturers / OEM
• Engineering and Design Companies
• Assembly Companies
• Maintenance and Repair Companies

The EN 15085 standard series focuses on personnel and production capabilities and the availability of such to manufacture parts that meet engineering, manufacturing, quality system and compliance thresholds. Companies that have achieved certification according to EN 15085 demonstrate the requisite capabilities. Certified manufacturers meet the minimum thresholds of competence and capability, and are committed to the production of safe, operational railroad equipment.

The EN 15085 certification process involves:

• The certification of an implemented quality assurance system
• The approval of qualified personnel
• The certification and approval of welding processes and welders or welding operators
• Auditing compliance with the requirements set forth in the applicable codes and standards

Is your organization in compliance with AWS codes and specifications? You may be closer to achieving EN 15085 certification than you think! If your company complies with AWS welding requirements, then compliance with ISO and EN regulations may be achievable through consideration of your experience and current approvals.

ECE Global is equally expert in U.S. requirements as set forth in AWS D15.1 and related AWS standards, which support an effective implementation of the EN 15085 requirements. ECE Global is an expert in quality system requirements utilized in Europe and the United States, including EN 15085, ISO 3834, ISO 9001, AWS D15.1, AAR M-1003, AWS B5.17 and more. Our knowledge of both U.S. and European standards means your projects run smoothly, cost-effectively and in a timely manner.

Owner/Operators of Railroad Equipment. ECE Global works with owner/operators on performance goals, supports them with specialty applications such as supplier compliance assessments and audits, and participates in their project management tasks, including reporting on a project’s progress. We participate in all phases of the purchase, maintenance, and repair projects.

While owner/operators do not manufacture welded railroad equipment, they may prefer that their suppliers comply with the applicable standards. At times, an assessment of the applied standards against the contractual standards can help with the acceptance criteria. We  assist with many other standards that may be of interest to, particularly those in the U.S., such as AAR M-1003, AWS D1.1, D1.2, D1.3, D1.6, AWS D15.1, or EN 1090, ISO 3834.

 Manufacturers/Suppliers. ECE Global helps these companies understand EN 15085, allowing them to quote a project, and we assist them with the certification process. We offer manufacturers and suppliers support with welding approvals per the ISO/EN standards, and we help them implement EN 15085/ISO 3834 quality systems. We are also able to explain to their customers why some projects may not need to comply with EN 15085.

Typically, manufacturers/suppliers contact ECE Global when, during their review of project requirements, they realize they need help to understand their obligations and fulfill the contract requirements. We assist with quality system assessments, welding process and personnel approvals, and certification.

Engineering Companies. As engineering firms are likely managing manufacturing projects and working closely with owner/operators, we provide services similar to those we offer to manufacturers and suppliers. We help them understand EN 15085, including when compliance is necessary and when it is not. ECE Global offers support to engineers seeking certification, assistance with welding approvals and help in implementing relevant quality systems.

ECE Global is an expert in the application and implementation of EN 15085 requirements as well as U.S. requirements. During the past 20 years, we have worked with more than 100 clients in Europe, Asia, and North America, providing assistance related to EN 15085 as well as to AWS, ASME, DIN and ISO specifications for welded railroad equipment. With our broad regional and international presence, we are able to provide timely certification or consulting services wherever you are — nationally or internationally.

Our services include engineering and manufacturing operations assessments, and process and personnel qualifications and approvals, as well as inspections of welded components. ECE Global helps clients assess and implement the applicable EN 15085 requirements, and we also help companies achieve EN 15085 and ISO 3834 certification. For any particular manufacturer, our experts offer certification or consultation services, but not both.