Silicones: working collaboratively with railway manufacturers
Our silicone gels, foams, adhesives and thermally conductive products provide answers to challenges in railway rolling stock, from initial assembly through to maintenance, repair and overhaul.
At Elkem, we have worked closely with the railway industry since the 1980s, when we were involved in the design, development and manufacturing of a new generation of high-speed TGV trains in France, as well as the overhaul of existing rolling stock to meet new requirements and specifications.
Since then, we have continued to offer a wide range of products and services for railway equipment manufacturers. Our relationship with the railway industry continues today, with a wide-ranging product offering both upstream (on assembly lines) and downstream (in maintenance, repair and overhaul).
Elkem's products for the railway sector
With our longstanding relationship and intimate knowledge of the needs of railway manufacturers, we have constantly developed innovative products to meet the needs of train manufacturers and operators.
- ESA grade (RTV-2) gels, adhesives and thermally conductive products for potting and encapsulation to protect electronic components in junction boxes, power electronics, IGBTs, sensors, CPUs, PCBs, and more. These product lines provide stable temperature control and thermal resistance for engines, batteries and electronic control units.
- CAF (RTV-1) self-adhesion products to bond metals, ceramics, glass and plastics that resist harsh environmental, thermal and chemical conditions with outstanding adhesion and mechanical performance features.
- RT foam-grade products, used on railroad engine gaskets as sealants, fire retardants and for thermal and noise insulation, as well as on electrical equipment enclosures as dust-free insulants and fire retardants. RT foams provide the performance benefits of standard silicones, but are lighter and more flexible for critical fire resistance applications.
- New product developments in cushioning and seating foams that are less dense, more malleable and safer than polyurethane, and have better fire-retardant properties, with less smoke and non-toxic emissions.
Why choose Elkem as your partner for silicone-based solutions for railway manufacturing?
To begin with, Elkem Silicone expert teams serving transportation industries – railways, as well as automotive and aeronautics – for over 50 years. This experience in constant innovation and improvement is being leveraged more than ever. For example, Elkem is working today upstream to research, develop and design the trains of the future that will be faster, better, safer, more comfortable, cost-efficient and environmentally friendlier.
Second, Elkem is present at the assembly stage to streamline manufacturing processes and follows through to the maintenance, repair and overhaul of existing rolling stock to increase the life cycle of trains.
Third, Elkem has developed a culture in line with the demanding requirements of railway manufacturing supply chain systems.
This includes risk management based on double-sourcing plans, so customers always receive the products they need on time. Other services also include regulatory support, assistance to roll out productivity programs, training for teams and collaborative work on new developments. Their ultimate goal: to provide the entire railway industry with the best tailor-made products and services to sustain their efforts to satisfy their customers and end users.Related markets
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