Cartwright achieves EN12642XL standard using dynamic load option
Apr 18, 2012
Trailer and body manufacturer Cartwright has achieved another first in the UK with its certification of the EN12642XL European Standard, using the dynamic load option.
The South Manchester based company, currently celebrating its 60th year in manufacturing, passed the test and the VCA was the certifying body which is responsible for issuing type approvals on behalf of the department of transport.
The trailer under test was the Cartwright Fleet specification Clearspan curtainside with no roof supports. This trailer now carries this certification as standard for both the front and rear bulkheads.
Cartwright is the only trailer manufacturer in the UK which has successfully passed the test dynamically with full VCA approval. To conduct the test, Cartwright had to manufacture a trailer stabiliser to prevent a roll over situation. An additional challenge was to find a site in the UK that was big enough to accommodate the test.
Of the two previous successful tests, first test 'L' standard involved a trailer with roof support pillars and cargo straps. The 2nd test to XL standard had (three) roof supports.
The test load involved in the suite of tests was set at 29,000 kilos. This is important because the EN standard takes a point of the test load (a given proportion of the body structure).
Front Bulkhead Test
The F/B/H was subjected to an imposed load of 0.8g via deceleration of the vehicle for three consecutive runs.
Following inspection of this test there were no permanent deformations or tears in the F/B/H and its interface with the chassis.
Side Wall Test
The curtains are subjected to a J turn and an imposed load of 0.5g this is achieved by a transverse acceleration for three consecutive runs for each side then inspected for any permanent deformation rips / tears or failure of components of the side walls.
Side Wall Test part 2
The side walls or curtains are subjected to a lane change manoeuvre and an imposed load of 0.5g on each side by a transverse acceleration speed on completion of this manoeuvre a full emergency stop is performed.
Following inspection of this test there were no permanent deformation rips / tears or failure of components.
Rear Bulk Head Test
The R/B/H is subjected to an imposed load of 0.5g from the maximum reversing speed the road going tractor unit can achieve via deceleration this is repeated for three consecutive runs following inspection there were no permanent deformations or tears in the R/B/H and its interface with the chassis.
Steven Cartwright, Director of Cartwright commented: "To be the first UK company to pass this rigorous test with the VCA is a major achievement for all the team at Cartwright and speaks volumes about the company's commitment to quality. At Cartwright we constantly strive for excellence in every area of our operation with quality at the very top of our agenda. It is also pleasing that as we celebrate 60th year of manufacturing we are once again at the forefront of the industry in terms of quality."
