The UK railway system is the oldest in the world. The first locomotive-hauled public railway opened almost 200 years ago, in 1825. The UK has the 17th largest railway system in the world, and also the fifth busiest with a ridership in 2015/16 of 1.718 billion passengers. Such heavy usage puts the network under pressure and means that, in order to withstand the demand being placed upon them, the materials used on the trains need to be of the absolute highest quality.
Why Silicone Is Ideal for Rail Applications
- Extreme Temperature Resistance: Performs reliably from –60°C to +230°C without losing flexibility or integrity.
- Weather and UV Resistance: Withstands rain, hail, ozone, and prolonged sun exposure.
- Fire Safety: Flame-retardant grades comply with EN 45545-2, NFPA 130, and UL 94 V-0, offering low smoke and low toxicity in the event of fire.
- Durability & Low Compression Set: Maintains shape and sealing performance under long-term stress.
- Noise and Vibration Control: Sponge and foam silicones reduce noise and absorb vibration, improving passenger comfort.
Common Uses Inside Trains
- Wall and Ceiling Insulation: Closed-cell sponge for moisture and sound reduction.
- HVAC Gaskets and Seals: Flexible, high-temperature materials for air systems.
- Lighting and Display Seals: Protects LED units from dust and moisture.
- Interior Door Seals: Maintains airtight seals in moving parts.
- Seating Components: Lightweight, resilient cushioning.
- Electrical Enclosures: Protects communication, control units, and CCTV from environmental damage.
Common Uses on the Exterior of Trains
- Door and Window Seals: Prevents water and dust ingress while withstanding constant wea
ther exposure. - Lighting Unit Gaskets: Maintains protection for exterior lights.
- Equipment Enclosures: Guards external electronics against UV and environmental wear.
Additional Industry Applications
- Electrical Insulation: Protects critical control systems from temperature and moisture.
Safety compliant
On our trains, the need for ensuring passenger safety has never been more important which is why our materials meet the most stringent safety standards demanded by the rail industry. kSilV-0 has low smoke and low toxicity properties meaning it is compliant with European Fire Standard EN45545-2. Furthermore, it is flame resistant to UL94-V0.
Multi-purpose use
The beauty of silicone as a material for the rail industry is the diversity of use. Our unique formulations make it suitable for use either inside or outside of a rail carriage. In door seals, it’s ideal because of its low compression set and dimensional stability. In HVAC seals and gaskets it’s great to use as it can withstand heat fluctuations, and in LED lighting gaskets to protect them from water, dust and moisture while withstanding high temperatures often experienced with LED lighting. The closed-cell structure also makes it the ideal material to use for thermal insulation, vibration and shock dampening, improving passenger experience.
Silicone in Trains Summary
Silicone’s resilience, safety compliance, and versatility make it an indispensable material in the rail industry. From interior comfort and safety to exterior protection and performance, it ensures reliable operation in challenging conditions while meeting strict regulatory standards.
In our catalogue, you’ll find a variety of silicone formulations ideal for use in the rail industry. Our newest and most versatile solution yet is kSilV-0, a lightweight, closed cell silicone sponge. This has been specifically designed for use in rail interior applications due to its flame-resistant properties. Meeting all the required rail safety standards such as EN45545-2, it’s been specially formulated for use in the interior of a train carriage in door seals, electronic enclosures and LED gaskets – among other applications.
It’s available in a wide range of thicknesses, from 2mm to 45mm, and in a variety of densities, from 150kg/m3 to 600kg/m3. kSilv-0 can be supplied in sheets, rolls and in a variety of extrusions from tubes to cords. Also available is a kSilV-0 solid silicone grade when additional strength is required, most commonly used where abrasion is a factor.
Contact us today
Silicone Engineering has been leading the way in silicone innovation since 1959. We work to the highest standards ensuring you are supplied with a product which is fabricated to your exacting standards, is contaminant free, highly stable and meticulously precise.
Our highly skilled workforce is ready to help you today, so contact us to find out more about the silicone solutions we can provide for the rail and mass transit industry.