Rubber parts and products are used in abundance in mass transit and rail vehicles. Whether the application be sealing of fluids or gases, dampening noise or vibration, or covering/protecting/enhancing vehicle infrastructure, rubber parts and products have a major role to play. In this blog we look at some of the rubber parts for mass transit and rail applications that CRG can supply.
Rubber parts for mass transit and rail applications: FST and other requirements
Rubber parts used in mass transit and rail applications must not only meet desired requirements and specifications but, due to the nature of these applications, they must also conform to regulatory requirements. In particular, this means that rubber parts and components must be made from materials that meet regulatory requirements for flame, smoke and toxicity (FST). The use of approved materials is essential for ensuring that the finished parts will not release toxic gases or smoke in the event of an accident or fire, endangering passenger safety.
Because mass transit and rail vehicles are used outdoors and exposed to the elements, rubber parts used in these vehicles must also be capable of withstanding exposure to the elements. This requires using materials which are resistant to UV light, temperature extremes, and moisture.
Finally, many vehicle applications subject rubber parts to chemical attack as well as mechanical stresses, such as friction, abrasion, and flexing. Again, parts must be fabricated from materials which have the inherent properties to resist such attacks and stresses.
CRG rubber parts for mass transit and rail applications
CRG can supply a wide variety of rubber products for mass transit applications that are produced using low-FST rubbers, as well as rubbers resistant to chemical and environmental attack as well as mechanical wear and tear. These rubbers meet published standards for low FST, including those published by ASTM, the US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and others. In addition, these compounds are proven for use in applications where exposure to aggressive chemicals, the elements, and abrasion and wear are prevalent.
Rubber products for mass transit applications that CRG can fabricate and supply from application-purposed rubbers and other specialty materials, include the following:
Gaskets, including rail tank car gaskets
Parts for damping noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)
Seals and channels, including those for windows and doors
Edge trim
Wiring slings
Bumpers
Hose and cable protectors
Miscellaneous parts, including grommets, plugs, pads, cushions, cuffs and sleeves, etc.
Parts, trim and components for vehicle interiors
CRG can supply rubber parts for mass transit and rail applications to OEM’s that build such vehicles. We also supply transit authorities and rail operators with the MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) rubber parts that are needed for fleet maintenance and upkeep. In supplying these parts, CRG draws upon its over 30-years’ experience in supplying rubber parts and components to many of the world’s leading automakers, including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and others.
CRG has the capabilities to supply precision-cut or molded rubber parts for mass transit and rail applications. Our production and supply capabilities are extensive and are carried out under our ISO 9001:2015 certification. CRG's extensive experience and capabilities ensure that all parts we supply are of the highest quality and conform fully to all customer requirements and specifications. Our experienced team can help with all aspects of the supply process, from design and prototyping, to final part manufacture and provision.
If you are sourcing rubber parts for mass transit and rail applications, CRG will be pleased to review and propose against your needs. We provide a complete portfolio of value-adding support services, including custom fabrication, JIT supply, EDI, and more.
To find out more about the rubber parts for mass transit and rail applications that CRG can supply, please contact our sales team directly at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.