Welding processes are considered highly specific procedures whose results cannot always be tested and verified after completion. The quality of a weld cannot be ensured by testing the finished product but rather by testing the welding process itself.
This is due to the increasing quality demands on manufacturers and maintenance companies in the field of welded parts and railway vehicles. Essentially, the requirements for welded manufacturing work are incorporated within the ISO 9001:2015 standard.
Certification studies for companies producing railway vehicles and components are conducted in accordance with EN 15085-2. This standard outlines the requirements for certification and procedures to verify the suitability of companies that manufacture welded railway vehicles and components.
The EN 15085 Certificate for the Management System of Railway Vehicles and Components demonstrates the quality of companies producing railway vehicle parts, covering certification levels from CL1 to CL4.
The EN 15085 series of standards pertains to the design, manufacture, testing, and conformity evaluation of welded railway vehicles, components, and assemblies. These standards set requirements for quality systems, welding process approvals, and specifications for welding machines and equipment.
This standard consists of five parts:
- EN 15085-1 Overview
- EN 15085-2 Quality Specification and Manufacturer Certification
- EN 15085-3 Design Characteristics
- EN 15085-4 Production Rules
- EN 15085-5 Inspection, Testing, and Documentation
What is the EN 15085 Railway Vehicles and Components Management System used for?
Companies that implement the EN 15085 railway vehicles and components management system start inspection work during the design phase. The main feature of this standard is to control all phases of production and repair, rather than only checking the completed work.
For example, when selecting materials for production during the design phase, the company ensures that these materials meet the required standards. Similarly, it emphasizes the training and certification of personnel involved in welded production work, with all such personnel required to be certified per the TS EN ISO 14731 standard.
This certification provides significant benefits. Firstly, businesses gain client trust and increase their commercial value. It proves the company’s capability in welded product manufacturing, welder qualifications, welding quality management, and production capacity.
Having an EN 15085 certification allows businesses to reach international markets and gain potential revenue, especially in EU countries. The EN 15085 standard guarantees the quality and performance of railway vehicle components and parts, meeting customer needs in a reliable, safe, and eco-friendly manner. In summary, the EN 15085 certificate gives a company an advantage over competitors.
Application Areas
The EN 15085 railway vehicle and component management system applies to railway vehicle manufacturers, railway vehicle maintenance companies, other railway sector entities, railway transport operators, vehicle assembly companies, railway engineering firms, and construction companies in the railway sector.
Today, neutral and independent certification bodies provide companies with essential analyses to meet EN 15085 requirements, preparation and implementation of necessary standards, criteria, and procedures, certification preparation, engineering and construction activities, material selection, consultancy, and support for welding qualification, determining allowable defects in welded joints, and establishing testing procedures. Additionally, they offer welding process qualification covering welding procedure specification and qualification record maintenance.
To ensure compliance with the EN 15085 standard, companies are required to perform various material tests, including visual inspec
