In the rail industry, MF775 silicone rubber isn’t just a material, it’s a critical safety component.

The modern rail infrastructure demands materials that are not only durable and high-performing but, most importantly, fire-safe. In the event of a fire, materials used in rail vehicles must limit the spread of flames, smoke, and toxic fumes to ensure passenger safety. Since 2016, it has been mandatory for all materials and components in railway vehicles to meet EN45545-2, the European standard for fire safety in the rail industry. 

MF775 is a high-performance, solid silicone rubber specifically engineered to meet these stringent fire safety standards, making it an important material in a wide range of critical rail applications. Its unique properties allow it to contribute to safety, reliability, and longevity in rail vehicles.

Key Applications of MF775 in the Rail Industry

MF775 silicone rubber is a versatile material used in various parts of a train’s interior and exterior, providing both safety and performance benefits.

Door and Window Seals

Door seals are crucial for preventing drafts, water ingress, and noise. In a fire, they are also a vital barrier to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. MF775 is an ideal material for door and window seals and gaskets due to its excellent long-term durability and resistance to weathering and UV light. It maintains its sealing properties over a wide temperature range (-55ºC to +200°C) and, most importantly, complies with the strict fire safety regulations for interior rail components.

HVAC Seals

HVAC systems in trains rely on effective seals to ensure efficient temperature control and air quality. MF775 silicone rubber is used for seals and gaskets within these systems, preventing the leakage of conditioned air while withstanding constant temperature fluctuations and vibration. Its flame-retardant properties are critical in an area with complex electrical and mechanical components.

LCD Display Gaskets

Modern trains are equipped with numerous LCD displays for passenger information. These displays require gaskets to protect sensitive electronics from moisture and dust. MF775 is the perfect choice for these gaskets because of its excellent electrical insulation properties and its ability to maintain a reliable seal. Its fire-safe nature is a key consideration for electronics located in passenger areas.

Light Enclosure Gaskets

Interior and exterior lighting on trains must be sealed against the elements to ensure longevity and functionality. MF775 is used to create gaskets for light enclosures, providing a durable barrier against moisture, dirt, and dust. The material’s resistance to UV radiation prevents degradation from sunlight, ensuring the seals remain effective as long as the train is in action.

Partitioning

In some railcar designs, MF775 is used as a gasket or sealing strip in interior partitions. This helps to reduce noise transmission between compartments and provides a fire-resistant barrier. The ability of the material to be supplied in various forms, such as sheets or strips, makes it a flexible solution for complex partitioning requirements.

Essential Properties of MF775 Silicone Rubber

The widespread use of MF775 in the rail industry is a testament to its exceptional properties:

• EN45545-2 compliance: This is the most critical feature. It is a European standard that sets the fire safety requirements for materials used in rail vehicles. The material is formulated to have low flammability, produce minimal smoke, and emit low levels of toxic gases in a fire, which are all essential for passenger safety in a confined space. MF775 is also approved to fire safety standards BS6853 Cat 1A and UL94 V-0 / HF-1.
• High temperature resistance: MF775 operates reliably across a broad temperature range, from -55°C to +200°C, making it suitable for both internal HVAC systems and components exposed to external temperature extremes.
• Excellent environmental resistance: Like other high-quality silicones, MF775 is highly resistant to UV light, ozone, and general weathering, ensuring its physical properties don’t degrade over time due to environmental exposure.
• Durability and longevity: The material has a high compression set resistance, meaning it maintains its shape and sealing force even after long periods of compression, guaranteeing a long-lasting and reliable seal.

MF775 is a crucial component in the design and manufacture of modern rail vehicles. Its unique blend of fire safety compliance, environmental resistance, and durability makes it an ideal choice for a variety of critical applications, from door seals to HVAC systems. By choosing MF775, manufacturers not only enhance the performance and longevity of their trains but, most importantly, significantly contribute to the safety and well-being of passengers.

Buy MF775 Sheets

You can buy MF775 silicone rubber sheets directly from our online shop, with a width of 600m and a choice of thicknesses between 1mm and 6mm, and in 1 or 2m lengths, plain or adhesive backed.

At CB Frost & Co, we also have the manufacturing capabilities to produce bespoke gaskets, strips and washers, as well as custom extruded, moulded and fabricated silicone rubber products. Discuss your needs with our experienced sales team.