Every time a new track machine or rail-bound vehicle is constructed, it must meet the specific Clearance Profile requirements of the country in which it will operate. A clearance profile defines the allowable space a machine can occupy without interfering with surrounding infrastructure, such as tracks, tunnels, and platforms. Compliance with these profiles is critical to ensure operational safety and efficiency. Without meeting these requirements, machines cannot be commissioned.
To simplify this process, Track Machines Connected introduced the Machine Clearance Measurement System, short tmMCM. Beyond ensuring machines meet predefined clearance profiles, tmMCM also streamlines the management of machine conformity and documentation, significantly simplifying customer acceptance processes.
Why use tmMCM
Precision is key in railway construction, particularly in ensuring that machines comply with clearance profiles to avoid safety risks and inefficiencies. tmMCM addresses these challenges by offering a precise, reliable, and efficient solution for checking both static and dynamic clearance profiles. It minimizes errors, streamlines compliance checks, and provides comprehensive electronic documentation for future reference. In an industry where safety and efficiency are paramount, tmMCM bridges the gap between advanced digital technologies and practical railway needs, enabling organizations to achieve their quality assurance goals while saving time and resources.
How machine clearance checks work with tmMCM
At the core of tmMCM is the Riegl VZ600i terrestrial laser scanner, which enables high-precision, contactless data capture. The system operates in three main steps:
- Machine Capture
The machine is placed on a suitable track—free of vegetation and with ample clearance on all sides. Using multiple positions and heights, the laser scanner captures a dense 3D point cloud of the entire machine, creating an accurate digital representation. - Point Cloud Model
The captured data is processed into a unified 3D point cloud. This model enables detailed inspection, measurement, and documentation of the machine’s condition at the time of capture. The point cloud is then transformed into a track coordinate system for alignment with operational requirements. - Clearance Analysis and Reporting
The 3D model is compared against predefined static and dynamic profiles to identify clearance violations for any specific country. tmMCM automatically generates detailed reports and provides export options for further analysis through its integrated 3D viewer.
Feature of tmMCM
tmMCM excels with its comprehensive and user-friendly features:
- High-Precision 3D Capture: Creates a complete digital representation of machines, minimizing errors.
- Automated Reporting: Provides electronic proof of conformity and clearance violations, ensuring traceability.
- Dynamic Profile Analysis: Supports compliance checks for moving components, critical for modern railway operations.
- 3D Viewer Integration: Enables stakeholders to visually inspect and analyze point cloud data for informed decision-making.
- Ease of Use: Modern laser scanning advancements make tmMCM efficient and field-ready.
Transforming the construction and acceptance of new machines
tmMCM is particularly valuable during the construction and acceptance phases of new machines. By providing a detailed 3D model early in the process, it allows the identification of clearance issues before commissioning, giving ample time to resolve any potential issues before they arise. This reduces costly rework, ensures compliance with regulatory standards, and accelerates time-to-market.
Furthermore, tmMCM’s detailed documentation fosters seamless collaboration among teams, ensuring machine designs align with both customer expectations and operational requirements.The tmMCM system exemplifies our commitment to advancing digitalization in railway track maintenance fleets. By combining precision, automation, and user-centric features, tmMCM ensures compliance with clearance profiles while enhancing efficiency and safety across a machine’s lifecycle. Whether for routine checks during refits or the acceptance of new machines, tmMCM provides unmatched value to the railway industry.
Join Webinar: Machine clearance checks made easy
To learn more about how tmc’s solution makes Machine Clearance Checks easy register for our upcoming webinar on 25 June 09:30 CEST/UTC+2, hosted by our Chief Revenue Officer Benjamin Stuntner. Join our 20-minute live session to see how tmMCM works, discover its advantages over conventional machine profile checks, and explore real report examples — followed by a 10-minute Q&A with our in-house expert. This webinar is dedicated to all rail-bound vehicle manufacturers and owners, as well as certification bodies worldwide. Registration is open as of today.