At InnoTrans 2026, SKF will present its new low-friction bearings that reduce energy consumption - leading to cumulative savings across a rail fleet or network. In its efforts to improve sustainability, the rail industry must keep raising energy efficiency. There are many obvious ways in which this can be done: lower carriage weight; better aerodynamics; and more efficient HVAC systems. However, there is a problem.
“Most of these big levers have already been used. So, we must now focus on smaller, less visible sources of energy loss – such as friction in axle bearings”, says Jan Babka, Global Manager for Railway Application Competence at SKF. This is a classic example of a ‘hidden’ energy loss, he says. Every wheel bearing in a train generates friction. Across a network, this adds up to significant frictional losses – and higher energy consumption. Following a recent pilot study, SKF has developed a low-friction platform for tapered bearing units and cylindrical roller units – the most common types used in wheelset bearings. Babka, as part of an expert SKF team, has spent decades reducing friction in railway wheelset bearings, to deliver advantages such as extended maintenance intervals. More recent design improvements have focused on cutting friction to deliver cumulative energy savings. Developing a solution, though, has not been straightforward. First, there is currently no standardised test to determine the friction torque of railway bearings. The behaviour of grease in bearings is also inherently unpredictable. In addition, test methods developed in other industries – such as automotive – cannot be directly applied, due to differences in bearing design and tolerance requirements.
“The answer is to combine modelling with precise testing. Modelling helps us understand where to intervene in the design – then full-scale testing verifies that the solution works under ‘real’ conditions,” says Jan Babka. At InnoTrans 2026, SKF will reveal details of its low-friction wheelset bearings. Babka and other specialists will be on hand to explain how the new product – and SKF’s expertise in friction – can help rail companies reduce power consumption. “The axle bearing is not a major energy consumer, but on a lifecycle and fleet level its impact is significant. Railway vehicle manufacturers cannot neglect axle bearing friction”, says Jan Babka, Global Manager for Railway Application Competence at SKF.
(https://www.skf.com/)
More about VAFEM:
VAFEM is devoted to providing high quality ball & roller bearings and related transmission parts for domestic and foreign customers in the Vehicle industry and Industries. Our products used in automotive and truck industry mainly include : wheel bearings, wheel bearing kits, wheel hub bearings, alternator bearings, tensioner bearings, clutch bearings, and gear box bearings etc. Our industrial bearings are mainly used in these fields such as Industrial Automation, Home Appliances, Reducers, Agricultural Machines, Precision Machine Spindles, and Transmission Systems etc. As a high-tech company specializing in bearings, we can not only provide stable and trustworthy quality products for OEM customers, but also provide non-standard bearings based on customers’ special requirements. At the same time, we can provide a series of complete product lines and have our own brand VAFEM, it stands for the abbreviation of value added for every movement, which has been recognized by more and more customers and end users.
VAFEM Hub units are designed to allow rear wheels, especially in passenger cars, to turn on an axle even under heavy loads.
Features:
magnetic, electric, and mechanic ABS
with and without ABS
flange only
Steel Material: GCr15/52100/100Cr6
Steel Type: Forged
Ball Grade: G10
Grease: Shell
2026-08-21