Trelleborg’s industrial anti-vibration solutions operation has secured a significant order to supply rail suspension solutions for the highly-anticipated Crossrail project in the UK and its new fleet of trains. The company was contracted by global rail manufacturer, Bombardier Transportation, because of its excellent track record of providing high performance suspension solutions and its patented DragonCoat fire retardant protective coating.
Trelleborg will provide a complete suite of primary and secondary suspension solutions for Bombardier’s new advanced fleet of Class 345 trains. Designed with an emphasis on energy efficiency, the trains will operate on the new high frequency, high capacity Crossrail line across London. The suspension components including Primary Conical Springs and Air Spring systems will be specified with Trelleborg’s fire retardant protective coating, DragonCoat. The special coating reduces the flammability of the products and delays smoke, toxic emissions and the onset of flames.
Naveen Chandra, Global Lead Buyer for Bombardier Transportation, says: “When selecting our supply partners we expect superior product performance and compliance, as well as expertise and financial security of the business. Since the recent introduction of fire safety standard EN 45545, rubber-based products specified for use on new trains have come under heavy scrutiny. With passenger safety of paramount importance to us, we have taken careful consideration to find products that lower fire concerns, and Trelleborg has one of the possible solutions.”
Trelleborg’s DragonCoat flexible coating reduces the risk of passenger exposure to fire by increasing evacuation time by up to three minutes, providing optimum fire safety assurance.
Rod Holroyd, Rail Global Market Manager for Trelleborg’s industrial anti-vibration solutions operation, says: “Correct rail suspension specification is important for many reasons; it has to perform perfectly for passenger comfort and safety, over a long time and ensure compliance throughout. We have worked closely with Bombardier for many years and are thrilled that we could meet their project needs, once again.”
Trelleborg’s unique Metalastik type Air Spring systems combine large horizontal displacements and low frequency ride characteristics for all conditions. The Metacone Spring is a compact suspension unit. The rubber is loaded in combined shear and compression and offers optimum load deflection properties. These solutions deliver long service life, reduced maintenance, increased passenger comfort and reliability.
Once complete, the Transport for London-run Crossrail route will serve 40 stations from Reading and Heathrow Airport in the west, to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. Crossrail’s first services through central London are expected to commence in late 2018 and when fully operational in 2019, it will increase the capacity of central London’s rail-based transport by 10%.
