New, lightweight floating floors in rail cars for increased comfort

Buers (AT). With the Sylomer® Aluminium vibration damper, the two leading material specialists, Getzner Werkstoffe and Sapa, are launching an especially lightweight vibration protection solution for rail carriage floors. The innovative product improves comfort in passenger trains and extends the service life of the train's interior.

The new Sylomer® Aluminium vibration damper is specially designed for the bearing of carriage floors in trains. “The aluminium-based floating floors for rolling stock allow rail vehicle manufacturers to make weight savings whilst increasing comfort for passengers. The noise level in the passenger compartment is also reduced, which passengers really appreciate,” outlines Thomas Gamsjäger, Product Manager at Getzner, highlighting the advantages of the innovation. Both development partners, Getzner and Sapa, are market leaders in their respective fields – Getzner in vibration isolation and protection, and Sapa in aluminium profiles. The new product combines their material expertise. “Both materials, our polyurethane Sylomer® and aluminium, have high load capacities and when combined, they provide efficient decoupling of vibrations,” explains Thomas Gamsjäger.

Uncomplicated installation reduces assembly costs
The floating floors for rolling stock can be tailored to the needs of the customer, depending on the type of train. The vibration dampers are particularly innovative, in more ways than one – as they can simply be affixed with screws, installation times and costs are reduced. In addition, the elastic Sylomer® inserts help to offset tolerances during installation. “All objects and components that are connected to the floor, such as the train interior or machines, are exposed to fewer vibrations, which has a positive effect on their service life,” concludes Thomas Gamsjäger. The vibration dampers are available both in standard sizes and as tailor-made solutions, and they conform to all major fire prevention and crash safety regulations. The Sylomer® Aluminium vibration dampers can be used not only in rail vehicles, but also in ships or mechanical engineering applications.