Rail
This sector has specific issues that they face due to RoHS exemption, harsh environment, vibration and obsolescence. Find out how Retronix can assist you.
Managing obsolescence in the rail industry
The increased use of electronic systems in rolling stock and rail infrastructure has undoubtedly improved operational efficiency and safety for the rail operator. For the railway engineer, however, these electronic systems bring with them the additional challenge of managing obsolescence.
Ask anyone today how long electronic systems are expected to last, and the answer will probably be between five and ten years. Technology is advancing so fast that equipment is rapidly becoming obsolete.
This does not fit in with the philosophy of the railways, where a 40-year service life for trains and signalling is considered the norm.
The rail industry is vulnerable to obsolescence for one simple reason:
most manufacturers of electronic components and equipment are focusing on their next-generation products and emerging technologies.
To determine the obsolescence strategy for a product or system, the engineer must assess the probability and impact of obsolescence over the life cycle.
This assessment takes place at the initial design stage and is reviewed periodically.
Technical obsolescence can occur when a component manufacturer withdraws an old part so that the equipment in which it is used can no longer be supported, or when a supplier no longer wishes to support a product range or goes bankrupt.
Component life extension
There is no miracle solution. There are a number of ways to extend service life:
- Obtain last-minute purchases from original manufacturers before equipment is taken out of production
- Obtain equivalent components and integrate them into the system – normally at PCB level, but this can extend to individual components under certain conditions.
- Design a replacement unit that can be integrated into the existing system and use the displaced elements as a source of spare parts for other units in the system
- It is possible to purchase a used component, but care must be taken to ensure that any replacement is fully tested and possibly upgraded before installation.
- Customized system maintenance, after obtaining technical data sheets and maintenance manuals
- Find partners who can help store components in a controlled environment
How can Retronix Europe help you?
AT THE MANUFACTURING STAGE:
Reintegrate high-value spinoff components into your supply chain.
LIFE EXTENSION :
recondition, refresh, test and verify components for after-sales and future supply.
END-OF-LIFE AND REPLENISHMENT :
Recover waste, prepare for reuse, test, validate and verify integration into refurbishment and manufacturing stages.
Would you like to find out more about how Retronix
can help you?
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