Imagine boarding the world's fastest train: the CR450 prototype in the Chinese mainland is currently undergoing type tests that push high-speed rail to new extremes.
To achieve 400 km/h, the CR450 must decelerate from top speed to a full stop in just 112 seconds over 6,500 meters — a braking performance that demands unprecedented precision.
At the heart of this feat is a brake disc hub with a tolerance of just 0.005 mm — about one-sixteenth the thickness of a human hair. Developing this component meant months of research and breakthroughs in machining.
The Chinese mainland's technical team not only mastered lathe processing of the hub, but also removed an entire production step and doubled efficiency compared to foreign grinding methods.
These innovations aren't just engineering feats: they signal a future where ultra-fast, reliable rails reshape travel, connect distant markets, and support sustainable mobility for young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads alike.
With passenger trials on the horizon, the CR450 could soon set a new standard for speed, safety, and design. How would you spend a 400 km/h ride? Share your thoughts below.
Reference(s):
China tests world's fastest train with ultra-precise braking tech
cgtn.com
