#Industry News
Intelligent lubrication for a quieter city
When a city becomes quieter because its rails become smarter, it’s more than technology at work. It’s precision you can hear — or better: no longer hear.
Trams are essential for modern cities, yet their operation brings challenges that affect both residents and operators. In tight curves, wheel–rail contact often produces a sharp squealing noise that disturbs nearby communities and reduces passenger comfort. At the same time, insufficient lubrication increases wear on wheels and rails, driving up maintenance costs.
SKF addresses these issues with a holistic approach that combines intelligent monitoring with precise lubrication. Systems such as Railway Analytics and the Multilog IMx‑Rail capture noise events, vibrations, and surface defects during normal operation. Digital noise maps reveal exactly where curves generate excessive noise and where lubrication is needed, while also making the effectiveness of implemented measures transparent.
Three solutions are available: The PRO System for embedded tracks offers fast response times and precise dosing, ideal for cold regions and busy urban areas. The SL System for open track sections applies extremely small lubricant quantities that are almost completely absorbed by the wheel flange, effectively reducing friction, wear, and noise. Complementing these is the onboard EasyRail Airless system, which uses electromagnetic pumps to apply lubricant directly at the wheel—without compressed air and reliable even at low temperatures.
Together, these solutions create a quieter, more durable, and more efficient tramway system. Passengers enjoy a smoother ride, residents benefit from reduced noise, and operators lower wear and maintenance costs—a clear advantage for modern cities.
