Technical challenges in the sector
It is used in various sectors due to its exceptional technical properties.
Regulatory fire safety
All materials used on board railway vehicles must comply with the EN 45545-2 standard, which governs fire behavior, smoke emission, and gas toxicity. Silicone is one of the few elastomers capable of achieving HL2 and HL3 levels—the most stringent requirements—making it a benchmark material for both interior and exterior rolling stock applications.
Resistance to thermal cycling and extreme weather conditions
Rolling stock is exposed to significant temperature fluctuations depending on the operating region: sub-zero temperatures in winter, hot spots near engines or brakes, and constant condensation and humidity. Sealing gaskets and profiles must maintain their mechanical properties across this entire range without hardening, deforming, or losing their sealing function between maintenance cycles.
Service life and maintenance intervals
Rail operators aim to maximize the intervals between maintenance interventions for sealing and protection components. A seal failure on a door, window, or cable pass-through leads to vehicle downtime and high repair costs. The durability of silicone against aging, UV rays, and ozone is a tangible argument for extending preventive maintenance cycles.
Compliance with manufacturer and subcontractor specifications
Rail industry clients—rolling stock manufacturers and subsystem integrators—impose precise specifications for the materials used, including normative references, batch certification, and traceability. A silicone parts supplier must be able to meet these documentation requirements and participate in a formalized supplier qualification process.
Advantages of silicone
It is used in various sectors due to its exceptional technical properties.
Practical applications
Wagon door and window seals
Sealing profiles for roofs and floors
Cable pass-through and bulkhead seals
Protective bellows for couplings and gangways
Engine hood and maintenance hatch seals
Damping and vibration isolation parts
EN 45545-2
ISO 9001
UL 94
Our expertise at the service of your project
From the study phase, our teams can support you in order to find the solution perfectly adapted to your needs/sector of activity. We then define the best manufacturing process.
FAQ
We answer your most frequently asked questions
01Are your silicones EN 45545-2 compliant?
Yes. Our formulations are tested according to EN 45545-2, with certification available at HL2 and HL3 levels depending on the application. Certificates of conformity are issued per production batch and specify the level achieved as well as the test conditions.
02Can you provide UL 94 V-0 certified parts?
Some of our silicone formulations are rated UL 94 V-0. Availability depends on the part geometry and the tested thickness, as the UL 94 classification is linked to a reference thickness. We can specify eligible formulations and the validity conditions of the classification upon review of your specifications.
03What are the lead times for a first order requiring tooling?
For a part requiring the creation of tooling, the lead time is generally 4 to 6 weeks between drawing approval and delivery of the first parts. This period includes mold design and manufacturing, trial runs, and dimensional checks prior to shipment.
We share a culture of innovation and excellence
A major player in the transformation of silicones and other elastomers for many years, our team works every day to offer you a quality service.
A multisectoral solution
Our expertise in silicone allows us to support customers in various sectors: both in the medical sector and in an industrial environment.
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