Armaflex® Rail SD

Armaflex® Rail SD is a specially developed, closed-cell elastomeric foam used in rail vehicles for reliable thermal insulation, soundproofing and moisture barrier protection. The material has been specifically designed to meet the highest safety requirements whilst also enabling easy installation. It combines very low thermal conductivity, excellent vapour barrier performance and certified fire safety ratings with a highly flexible, single-sided self-adhesive finish.

The basis is a fine-cell structure that not only provides excellent insulation but also acts as an integrated vapour barrier. This prevents moisture from penetrating the insulation material or condensation from forming – a crucial advantage in vehicle engineering, where corrosion under insulation (CUI) is often a weak point. With a μ-value of ≥ 5,000, Armaflex® Rail SD meets the highest standards in this regard. The thermal conductivity is ≤ 0.04 W/mK (at 0 °C) and ensures significant energy savings throughout the entire service life of the vehicles.

Fire safety is particularly noteworthy: Armaflex® Rail SD meets the strict requirements of the European railway standard EN 45545-2. Depending on the material thickness, it achieves HL2 in R1 (from 6 mm) and even HL3 in R1 (from 3 mm) – the highest classification in this area. This means the material is approved for use in all safety-critical areas of rail vehicles, including those travelling through tunnels or subject to heightened fire safety requirements. Furthermore, in the event of a fire, the material exhibits self-extinguishing behaviour without dripping – a clear advantage for passenger safety.

For ease of installation, Armaflex® Rail SD features a single-sided self-adhesive backing. The adhesive surface is based on a high-quality acrylic system with a grid structure and is covered by a PE protective film. This makes the material easy to cut to size, position and secure firmly. This solution not only saves time during installation but also ensures a permanently reliable bond – even on tight bends, angular surfaces or in hard-to-reach areas. The rolls and sheets are easy to handle, fibre-free and dust-free, which further simplifies installation and enhances workplace safety.

Another advantage lies in hygiene safety. Armaflex® Rail SD is low-emission, contains no fibres, produces no dust and is equipped with Microban® antimicrobial protection. This minimises the risk of mould and bacterial growth on the surface – an important aspect for passenger comfort and long-term material durability in rail vehicles.

The range of applications is wide: Armaflex® Rail SD is used in air conditioning ducts, pipework, ventilation systems, wall and ceiling cladding, and in technical cavities of carriages and locomotives. This material demonstrates its advantages wherever temperature differences occur and fire protection is required. In addition to thermal insulation, it also contributes to acoustic improvement by dampening structure-borne and airborne noise – a factor that should not be underestimated in modern passenger environments.