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The True Difference Between EN 1337 and CE Marking for Elastomeric Bearings

Compliance with European standards is an essential requirement for any manufacturer of civil infrastructure components. In this conversation with David, we clarify one of the topics that raises the most questions among technicians and clients: the interrelationship between the EN 1337-3 standard, laboratory testing, and obtaining the CE mark for elastomeric bearings.

Definition of the raw material: The EN 1337-3 standard

To begin the discussion, the requirements of the regulations regarding the base materials used to manufacture rubber and steel bearings are addressed.

— Regarding any of these projects, what are the differences between the standards being met—EN 1337 and CE marking—or how do they work?

— Well, regarding standards, the primary requirement is compliance with the EN 1337 standard. Why? Because it defines a set of characteristics that the raw materials used to manufacture the bearings must meet. Specifically, EN 1337-3 dictates the use of steel and rubber with certain specified properties—materials that are already in use.

So, simply by using the materials involved—rubber and natural rubber—you have already defined the EN 1337 standard.

The practical test: What does CE marking really add?

This section of the interview details the direct relationship between theoretical regulatory compliance and physical accreditation through technical testing.

— What does tagging add?

— Well, in addition to meeting those requirements, you conduct tests to certify compliance. So, by certifying that the materials meet the technical specifications indicated by the CE marking, you obtain the mark itself.

However, there is no difference in terms of materials between a bearing that complies with the standard and one that bears the marking. There are simply tests confirming that it does indeed comply with EN 1337, and that is what enables the bearing to carry the CE marking.

Aclaración de conceptos y laboratorios de ensayo

The speaker summarizes what David has presented to confirm the distinction between raw materials and samples, leading into an explanation of how Cacesa manages quality testing at its facilities.

— If I’ve understood correctly, the materials themselves fall under the EN 1337 standard, and to obtain the CE mark—which stands for European Economic Community—you have to conduct tests to prove that everything works as intended.

— The tests you described are carried out by you at the very factory you have for that purpose. While you sometimes send them to an external laboratory if requested, you do have your own lab to apply the required markings to the parts that meet the standards.

— The marking requirement obliges you to undergo an annual external audit by the certifying company, which verifies that you have the necessary records, have conducted the required tests, and so on.

The accreditation process step by step

As David explained during the conversation, obtaining the CE marking for elastomeric bearings requires a methodology in which quality is not taken for granted but is continuously demonstrated.

1. Material selection according to EN 1337-3

The starting point is to use steels and rubber formulations that comply with the specification tables of the European standard. Without the appropriate raw materials, it is not possible to move towards certification.

2. Tests in in-house or external laboratories

To obtain the CE mark for elastomeric bearings, manufactured units must undergo mechanical testing. Cacesa has itsown laboratory to validate the units’ compression and shear parameters, while retaining the flexibility to use accredited external laboratories when project specifications require it.

3. External audit and annual traceability

CE marking is not merely a static label, but a dynamic system. An external certification body conductsperiodic annual auditsof the factory to review:

• The raw materials logbook.

• Test reports from laboratory testing

• The proper functioning of the factory production control (FPC) plan.

This continuous guarantee is what enables Cacesa to offer a fully certified, highly reliable product for bridges, viaducts, and metro systems anywhere in the world.