Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (EPP), Germany, recently introduced a range of high performance plastics materials for the railway industry. Due to enhanced properties such as optimized gliding (self-lubrication), light weight, and impact strength, the materials not only can be used to improve rolling stock, but also in infrastructure applications such as rail tracks. The company also introduced Nylatron 66 SA FR—a newly developed flame retardant PA66, which meets the requirements of EN 45545-2 and UL94 V0, but does not contain hazardous materials. Its flame retardant properties fulfill the requirements of electrical applications in rail and for general functional components weighing less than 2000 grams.
The material provides all the advantages of a PA66 vs. standard nylon, making it possible to extrude even large diameter shapes of flame retardant nylon. Materials are available in rods and plates, all colored black. The range of materials encompasses UHMW polyethylene, nylon, and ultra-high performance polymers such as PEEK and PEI that resist operating temperatures above 180°C. All have been tested according to the EN 45545-2 railway standard.
Image caption – Secondary air suspension system protector for the railway industry made of Nylatron RIM 3000.
