As the rail sector continues accelerating towards digitalisation, decarbonisation and longer-life assets, SKF’s presence at AusRAIL PLUS 2025 made clear that the company is positioning itself as a dedicated partner in that transition.
Months of preparation went into the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre showcase, and the results – strong customer engagement, new connections and high-value conversations – reinforced the importance of being physically present in a tightening supplier landscape.
“Being there was significant because of the interaction that we gained from it,” explained Gavin Acker, Segment Business Manager – Marine / Rail at SKF Australia. “The interest that our presence generated from it was tremendous.”
A major focal point of the SKF stand was a 3D-printed bogie model first displayed internationally at InnoTrans. Designed to highlight every point of SKF interaction on a modern bogie, it also served as a novel conversation starter.
“It was quite attention-grabbing,” Ackler said. “It led to a lot of further questions – quite a lot focused around connected technology. I found that many weren’t aware that we’re so active in that space.”
Showcasing IMx-Rail and hybrid bearing technology
The star attraction at the SKF stand was the IMx-Rail online condition monitoring platform – SKF’s multi-channel, GPS-enabled system designed for bogies, car bodies and infrastructure. Its ability to simultaneously monitor vibration, temperature, speed and track-related events resonated strongly with operators and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Lokesh Jain, Global Railway Business Development Manager for Asia Pacific and the Middle East at SKF said the event provided an opportunity to connect with many OEMs and operators.
“They were very interested to hear what IMx-Rail can bring to their operations,” he said. “For several visitors, it was also a discovery point – they were surprised to learn that we are already monitoring their solutions in other countries.”
Mal Exton, OEM and Rail Manager at SKF Australia, highlighted the dual-value proposition offered by IMx-Rail: “It assists with both below-rail as well as asset monitoring,” he said. “It allows operators to identify, for example, a potential issue on the track that is contributing to an issue through their bearing arrangements.”
The ability for one system to “marry the challenges from the infrastructure side to the rolling stock side,” as Lokesh put it, proved a compelling differentiator.
SKF’s range of hybrid ceramic bearings also drew strong attention, continuing the momentum of SKF’s recent work in Australia. Exton described the hybrid range as an essential enabler for reliability and sustainability, contributing to decarbonisation by extending maintenance intervals and reducing waste.
Acker said interest in remanufacturing was another emerging trend – driven both by sustainability and efficiency gains.
“A lot of organisations are now seeking that path,” he said. “It has the potential to offer extended run times and maintenance intervals. Plus, you’re reducing your waste at the end of the day by reusing rather than throwing out certain components.”
Key SKF solutions on display
IMx-Rail – SKF Multilog Online System
- Real-time vibration, temperature, speed, pressure and noise monitoring
- GPS-enabled localisation for track-related event detection
- Supports both rolling stock and infrastructure assessments
- Integrated cloud connectivity for remote diagnostics
SKF Hybrid Bearings
- Silicon nitride rolling elements for improved durability
- Three times longer L10 life than standard steel bearings (trial forecast)
- Superior electrical insulation to prevent current-related damage
- Potential for significant maintenance-interval extensions
Global expertise meets local opportunity
One recurring insight from AusRAIL was how often Australian operators were unaware of the scale of SKF’s involvement with their parent organisations offshore.
“That learning was pretty critical, especially from some of our major OEM partners,” said Exton. “That’s a mindset we’ll be taking into our local meetings going forward – promoting the depth and value of our global experience.”
Lokesh agreed, adding: “This event helped us to connect the different global references we have to the local customers in Australia – and that has been opening up further opportunities for us.”
Exton pointed to an invitation to ABB’s Maryborough facility opening – secured through AusRAIL discussions – as a great example of what can emerge from face-to-face events.
“When you’ve got that invested industry audience right there in one place, we want to make sure we’re doing everything to harness that,” he said. “It really does pay off.”
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