This European Standard specifies the characteristics of axles for use on European networks. It defines characteristics of forged or rolled solid and hollow axles, made from vacuum-degassed steel grade EA1N 1) that is the most commonly used grade on European networks. For hollow axles, this standard applies only to those that are manufactured by machining of a hole in a forged or rolled solid axle In addition, the particular characteristics for axles in grade EA1T 1) and EA4T 1) are given in Annex A. Two categories of axle are defined, category 1 and category 2. Generally, category 1 is chosen when the operational speed is higher than 200 km/h. This standard is applicable to axles that are designed in accordance with the requirements of EN 13103 and EN 13104. NOTE Different values for some characteristics may be agreed if a particular process of fabrication (e. g. cold rolling, shot peening) has an influence on them. 1) N for a normalized metallurgical condition T for a quenched and tempered metallurgical condition