China Maglev Industry Adds Two New National Standards

Following the release in September 2025—in Weifang—of the Chinese maglev industry’s first foundational general national standard, *Maglev Propulsion Technology: Terminology* (GB/T 46078-2025), two additional national standards were released in the same location on March 13, 2026: *Evaluation of Stability for Active Magnetic Bearings* (GB/T 47113-2026) and *Test Methods for Active Magnetic Bearing Stators* (GB/T 47117-2026).

What industrial signals are conveyed by this progression—from the initial foundational general standard to the current release of standards for active magnetic bearing stability evaluation and stator testing? Guo Dalei, Chairman of the National Working Group on Standardization for the Fundamentals and Applications of Maglev Propulsion Technology (hereinafter referred to as the "Working Group"), believes this signifies that China's maglev industry has entered a new phase of standardized and large-scale development.

"The terminology standard serves to 'unify technical language,' thereby resolving technical communication issues. The current standards regarding stability evaluation and stator testing serve to 'unify weights and measures,' thereby resolving product quality control issues," Guo stated. He noted that this demonstrates China is no longer content with merely achieving technical breakthroughs in laboratories or showcasing single prototypes; rather, the nation is committed to truly propelling this technology toward large-scale industrial production, establishing a complete industrial ecosystem, and driving the equipment manufacturing sector toward high-end, intelligent, and green development.

"Essentially, 'new quality productive forces' represent an advanced form of productivity—driven primarily by innovation—that transcends traditional growth models and aligns with the requirements of high-quality development," Guo explained. He pointed out that maglev technology itself is characterized by non-contact operation, oil-free performance, low noise levels, and high energy efficiency, making it a prime exemplar of "green productivity." The release of these two standards effectively promotes the unification of technical specifications within the industry, enhances the quality of maglev bearing products, and drives the development and advancement of related industrial chains.

Hu Yefa, the lead drafter of the standards and a professor at the Wuhan University of Technology, stated in an interview with reporters that active magnetic bearings constitute the core component of maglev propulsion technology; their performance directly determines the reliability and safety of the entire equipment system. The two national standards released on this occasion serve a dual purpose: on one hand, they standardize testing methods and performance metrics; on the other, they foster the unification and mutual recognition of testing technologies. "This represents a concrete manifestation of establishing 'Chinese rules' for core components in magnetic levitation systems."

As a major breakthrough and revolutionary technology for energy conservation and emission reduction in turbomachinery, magnetic levitation power technology boasts a wide range of application scenarios. As the entity hosting the working group's secretariat, Shandong Tianrui Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. has successfully developed a suite of magnetic levitation power equipment, including magnetic levitation blowers, vacuum pumps, and chiller/heat pump units. This series of equipment offers significant advantages—such as the absence of mechanical contact friction, low noise levels, and low energy consumption—and is widely utilized across industries including cement, papermaking, wastewater treatment, thermal power, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and aerospace.

It is reported that since its inception in 2022, the working group has submitted applications for 13 national standards across six batches; currently, 11 of these projects have been officially approved for development, three of which have already been formally published. While continuing to formulate standards in accordance with the established framework system, the working group is also committed to driving the advancement of this series of standards toward recognition as international standards under ISO/IEC, thereby enhancing China's global influence and competitiveness in this field.