At CB Frost, we stock, supply and convert a wide range of high-performance materials to meet the stringent requirements of the modern Railway industry. The materials used in the construction of rail carriages play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, efficiency and longevity of the vehicles and carriages. As technical advancements continue to shape the rail industry, understanding the essential qualities that rail materials must possess has become increasingly important.

Having established long-lasting partnerships with Rogers Corporation, a global leader in engineered materials, and Armacell, specialists in producing high-performance insulation materials and technical equipment for the rail industry, we work with the highest quality of special rail materials available.

With our extensive knowledge of specialist materials, rail industry requirements, and converting materials into a wide range of products for sealing, insulation and vibration isolation, CB Frost is here to provide expert advice on material selection and important considerations to make for each rail application.

Rail Products, Materials and Applications

At CB Frost, we supply a wide range of products for rail applications, including:

• Die cut gaskets and washers
• Tape/strip for sealing applications
• Fabrications
• Rubber mouldings
• Sponge and rubber extrusions
• Seat pads
• Machined plastics

All products are manufactured in house from our wide range of EN45545-2 (European Fire Safety Standard) compliant materials, including:

• • Bisco® HT200 sound block silicone – Acoustic barriers
  • Bisco® HT800 medium silicone foam – Door seals, gap fillers, HVAC seals, LCD display and lighting gaskets, vibration isolation
  • Bisco® BF1000 soft silicone foam – Gap fillers, HVAC seals, LCD display and lighting gaskets, smoke seals
  • Bisco® BF2000 ultra soft silicone foam – Door seals, gap fillers, HVAC seals, LCD display and lighting gaskets, smoke seals,
  • CBF Sil-V0 silicone sponge – Door seals, gap fillers, HVAC seals, LCD display and lighting gaskets, smoke seals,
  • MF1 (55) seating foam – Seat cushioning
  • MF775 (FR8775) silicone rubber – HVAC seals, LCD display and lighting gaskets, rail partitioning
  • LSLT EPDM rubber – Door seals, LCD display gaskets, rail partitioning
  • LSLT neoprene sponge – Gap fillers, LCD display gaskets
  • Rail SD and SDC Insulation foam – HVAC seals 
  • Sustamid (plastic) – Cable Clamps

Our range of high-performance materials for use in the rail industry are selected to provide:

1. Durability and Longevity – Materials must withstand harsh operating conditions, including temperature fluctuations, moisture, and mechanical wear, ensuring long-term performance without frequent replacements.
2. Fire Resistance – Compliance with stringent fire safety standards such as EN45545-2 and BS6853 is crucial to protect passengers and equipment in case of fire. Fire safe materials are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through rail vehicles and do not produce toxic fumes when exposed to fire. Our high-performance materials are compliant to EN45545-2, BS6853 Cat 1A and UL94 approved to V-0 and HF-1.
3. Thermal Insulation – Effective thermal insulation helps maintain temperatures within rail vehicles, not only for the comfort of passengers, but to help enhance energy efficiency for HVAC systems. 
4. Noise Reduction – As trains travel along rail tracks at high speeds, they can generate high levels of sound, so it’s important that rail materials for sound insulation applications should possess excellent sound absorption properties to minimise noise levels and enhance passenger comfort.
5. Vibration Damping – Effective vibration damping reduces wear and tear on vehicle components and improves ride comfort for passengers.
6. Elasticity and Flexibility – Materials need to be elastic and flexible to provide effective cushioning and adapt to various shapes and movements without losing their sealing capabilities.
7. Environmental Resistance – Materials must be able to resist environmental factors such as UV, Ozone and various weather conditions to maintain their integrity over time.

These qualities ensure that materials used in rail vehicles provide reliable and effective performance for sealing, cushioning, noise reduction, and vibration isolation, enhancing safety, comfort, and efficiency.

Selecting High-Performance Materials

Choosing rail materials with the right qualities is essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of rail systems. Materials that offer durability, longevity, fire resistance, thermal insulation, and effective noise and vibration damping are critical to maintaining the integrity of rail infrastructure and enhancing passenger comfort. 

Selecting the appropriate materials can significantly reduce maintenance costs, minimise downtime related to maintenance and repairs, and comply with stringent safety regulations. As specialists in supplying and converting high-performance materials for a wide range of essential rail applications, we are here to ensure that you get tailored solutions that meet the specific demands of your rail projects.

To discuss your rail industry project needs, contact us today.