Rail
Rubber Components for Rail Applications
Harltex manufactures bespoke rubber components for rail applications across the UK and Europe, including extrusions, mouldings, bonded assemblies, seals and hose solutions. With more than 40 years of manufacturing experience, in-house capabilities support development, short production runs and ongoing programme requirements for rolling stock and rail infrastructure.
EN 45545 Rubber Material Development
Where required, Harltex can support the development and manufacture of rubber components using elastomer compounds formulated to meet specified EN 45545 requirements.
Depending on the application, compounds can be developed around specified EN 45545 hazard-level requirements alongside mechanical and environmental performance requirements.
• Mechanical strength
• Compression set performance
• Environmental resistance
• Long-term durability
In-house manufacturing supports controlled production, repeatability and traceability throughout the manufacturing process.
Bespoke Rubber Mouldings
Extra Long Branched Hose (NBR)
Rubber to Metal Expansion Joint
Harltex-Rubber-Expansion-Joint-Neoprene-78
Harltex-Rubber-Vibration Dampening & Rubber-to-Metal Bonding
Rail Manufacturing Processes
Processes include:
- Rubber extrusion
- Compression, transfer and injection moulding
- Rubber-to-metal bonding
- Joining and assembly
Rail Extrusions
For example, custom rubber extrusions and continuous sealing profiles can be manufactured for:
• Door and glazing systems
• HVAC sealing systems
• Carriage assemblies
• Infrastructure protection systems
Harltex operates hot and cold feed extrusion equipment, supporting a range of profile sizes and production requirements.
• 200mm hot feed extruders
• Cold feed extruders from 60mm up to 120mm
This capability supports both development quantities and ongoing production requirements.
Compression, transfer and injection moulding
In addition, compression, transfer and injection moulding can be used to manufacture seals, gaskets and other bespoke rubber components for rail equipment and systems.
Tooling development supports:
• Prototype validation
• Staged approvals
• Full production rollout
Rail Vibration Isolation
Similarly, rubber and rubber-to-metal bonded components can support vibration isolation across rail equipment and assemblies.
Applications can include:
- Anti-vibration mounts
- Bonded assemblies
- Load-bearing rubber components
Non-VMQ Hose Solutions for Rail Applications
Where silicone is not specified, formed hoses can be manufactured in alternative elastomers to suit the application and operating requirements.
Rail Material Expertise
Depending on the application, a range of elastomers can be considered for rail use, including:
• EPDM
• FKM
• NBR
• AEM
• Natural Rubber
Material selection is guided by:
• Operating temperature
• Chemical exposure
• Compression set requirements
• Environmental conditions
• Regulatory compliance obligations
Material selection can also take account of specified EN 45545 requirements where applicable.
Rail Manufacturing Capability
Manufacturing Experience
Manufacturing experience covers rubber components for rail, industrial and engineering applications.
Bespoke Manufacturing
Components can be manufactured to customer drawings, samples and application requirements.
In-House Manufacturing
Capabilities include rubber compounding, extrusion, moulding, joining and rubber-to-metal bonding.
Quality Management
Harltex operates an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system, supporting controlled manufacture and inspection throughout production.
Rail Applications
Rolling Stock
Rubber extrusions, mouldings and bonded components for doors, glazing systems, sealing and vibration isolation in passenger and freight rolling stock.
Rail Infrastructure
Seals, profiles and protective components for signalling systems, stations and associated rail infrastructure.
Vibration Isolation
Vibration isolation components for rolling stock, equipment and associated rail assemblies.
Structural and Environmental Sealing
Rubber seals, expansion joints and associated components for applications exposed to weather and environmental conditions.
Discuss Your Rail Component Requirements
Harltex supports customers from initial material and component discussions through development, manufacture and ongoing production.
Contact Harltex
Contact Harltex to discuss component design, materials, EN 45545 requirements, operating conditions and production quantities for rolling stock and rail infrastructure applications.
