Silicone in Transportation Technology

Our Expertise – High-Quality Silicone Products for Transportation Technology

Modern transportation technology faces unprecedented challenges. Climate change, urbanization, and the need for sustainable mobility are driving the development of innovative transport solutions. At the same time, demands for safety, efficiency, and environmental compatibility of all modes of transport are continuously increasing. In this dynamic environment, silicone has established itself as an indispensable material, impressing with its exceptional properties and offering reliable solutions for the most complex challenges in transportation technology.

The requirements for sealing materials in the transport sector are constantly growing. Silicone is the suitable material for fulfilling important fire protection standards and beyond. Seals used in rail, road, air, and maritime transport must meet the highest demands regarding fire behavior, weather resistance, and mechanical resilience. Lindemann Silikon GmbH & Co. KG has established itself as a competent partner for the entire transportation technology sector and has been developing specialized silicone solutions for the diverse requirements of this safety-critical industry for years.

Key Application Areas of Silicone in Transportation Technology

Rail Transport: Safety on Rails

Rail transport places particularly high demands on fire protection and safety. Our silicone hoses have been specially developed for use in rail vehicles and comply with all relevant fire protection standards. They are used in air conditioning systems, compressed air systems, and other critical applications.

One requirement is the self-extinguishing property of the elastomer. In terms of this property, silicone is significantly superior to other elastomers such as rubber or EPDM. Silicone has very good resilience and does not lose its properties even under adverse circumstances. Unlike other elastomers, silicone withstands much higher temperature ranges and impresses with better fire behavior.

Modern high-speed trains, subways, and trams benefit from the reliability and durability of our silicone solutions. Door seals, window seals, and air conditioning components ensure comfort and safety for millions of passengers daily.

Road Transport: Mobility for All

Road transport encompasses a variety of vehicles with diverse requirements. Our silicone molded parts offer optimal solutions for buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles. They ensure reliable sealing under extreme weather conditions and intensive use.

Electric buses and hybrid vehicles place new demands on sealing materials. Silicone components in battery systems, cooling circuits, and high-voltage systems ensure safe operation even at high electrical voltages and temperatures.

Traffic control systems, traffic lights, and other infrastructure components use silicone solutions for weather protection and long-term reliability. Their UV resistance and temperature stability make them the ideal choice for outdoor applications.

Air Transport: Highest Demands in the Air

Aviation places the highest demands on all materials used. Our silicone fabric hoses enable safe use in aircraft, where extreme temperature fluctuations, pressure differences, and vibrations occur.

Cabin seals, air conditioning systems, and hydraulic components benefit from the exceptional performance of silicone. The materials must not only function technically perfectly but also meet the strictest safety and certification requirements.

Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles use silicone components for sensor seals, camera housings, and other critical applications. Miniaturization requires precise manufacturing with the highest reliability.

Maritime Transport: Durability at Sea

The maritime environment places extreme demands on all materials. Saltwater, UV radiation, and mechanical stresses require exceptionally durable solutions. Our silicone profiles offer reliable sealing for ship windows, hatches, and other maritime applications.

Offshore wind turbines, drilling platforms, and other marine technology use silicone solutions for critical sealing applications. Resistance to saltwater and extreme weather conditions ensures years of reliable, maintenance-free operation.

Product Portfolio for Transportation Technology

Fire Protection Silicone Hoses

Our fire-compliant silicone hoses are manufactured to the highest safety standards and meet all relevant transport norms. They are used in air conditioning systems, compressed air systems, and hydraulic applications. Various fire protection classes allow for optimal adaptation to specific safety requirements.

Special formulations for different modes of transport ensure optimal performance while meeting all safety regulations. Self-extinguishing properties and low smoke gas development make them a safe choice for passenger transport.

Transportation Technology Molded Parts

Complex transport applications often require customized solutions with precise geometries. Our state-of-the-art injection molding process enables the production of precise silicone molded parts with fire-compliant properties. These are used as seals, dampers, and insulation components.

Each molded part is developed according to individual transport requirements and can be realized with various fire protection classes and mechanical properties. The precision of our manufacturing processes ensures optimal fit and function.

Inflatable Transportation Seals

For transport applications with variable requirements, our inflatable silicone seals offer innovative solutions. These intelligent systems enable, for example, variable sealing of vehicle doors or adaptable insulation in air conditioning systems.

Their precise controllability makes them the ideal choice for modern transport systems. They can be activated or deactivated depending on the operating state and offer optimal adaptation to different driving conditions.

Typical Applications in Transportation Practice

Rail Vehicles: Comfort and Safety

Modern rail vehicles are complex technical systems with the highest demands on safety and comfort. Silicone door seals ensure reliable sealing even at high speeds and pressure differences. Their self-extinguishing properties meet the strictest fire protection standards.

Window seals must withstand extreme loads – from temperature fluctuations to vibrations and pressure waves when trains meet. Silicone solutions ensure long-term tightness and comfort for passengers.

Air conditioning systems in trains use silicone components for air duct seals, condensate drains, and other critical applications. Fire protection compliance ensures safe operation even in emergency situations.

Commercial Vehicles: Reliability in Use

Buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles are exposed to extreme loads daily. Door seals must withstand thousands of opening cycles, while window seals must withstand weather influences and mechanical stresses.

Electric buses place new demands on sealing materials. Battery cooling systems, high-voltage insulation, and charging systems use silicone components for safe and efficient operation. The electrical insulation capability of silicone makes it the ideal choice for these applications.

Aircraft: Perfection in the Air

Aircraft operate under the most extreme conditions – from temperatures far below freezing at high altitudes to intense solar radiation on the ground. Silicone cabin seals ensure pressure tightness and comfort for passengers and crew.

Engine components, hydraulic systems, and avionics use specialized silicone solutions for critical sealing applications. Each component must meet the strictest aviation standards and function reliably for years.

Ships and Marine Technology: Durability under Extreme Conditions

Maritime applications require materials that withstand saltwater, UV radiation, and mechanical stresses for years. Ship windows, hatches, and doors use silicone profiles for reliable sealing even in heavy seas.

Offshore installations such as wind turbines and drilling platforms benefit from the exceptional weather resistance of our silicone solutions. They enable low-maintenance operation even in inaccessible marine areas.

Fire Protection and Safety Standards

Rail Transport Fire Protection Standards

Our company possesses silicone compounds that meet the requirements of the railway industry regarding self-extinguishing and low-smoke properties. Important standards are met, such as fire protection in rail vehicles NF F 16-101 (according to French building material regulations), Firetest to Railway Components BS 6853, preventive fire protection in rail vehicles DIN 5510, and fire protection in rail vehicles DIN EN 45545-2.

Aviation Certifications

The aviation industry places the highest demands on material certifications. Our silicone products comply with relevant aviation standards and enable safe use in civil and military aircraft.

Maritime Classifications

Shipping and offshore applications require special certifications for use in maritime environments. Our silicone solutions meet the requirements of the relevant classification societies.

Innovation and Future Technologies

Electromobility: Silicone for the Transport Transition

The electrification of transport brings new requirements for sealing and insulation materials. Battery systems, charging technology, and high-voltage components use silicone solutions for safe and efficient operation. The electrical insulation capability and temperature resistance make silicone the ideal choice for these future technologies.

Autonomous Vehicles: Sensors and Control

Self-driving vehicles are equipped with a variety of sensors that enable precise environmental perception. Silicone components protect these sensitive systems from weather influences and ensure reliable function throughout the entire vehicle lifespan.

Sustainability: Responsibility for the Environment

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in transportation technology. Silicone contributes to sustainable transport systems through its exceptional durability. The long service life of our products reduces maintenance, material consumption, and downtime throughout the entire vehicle lifespan.

Quality and Certification

International Transportation Standards

All our transportation technology products comply with the relevant international standards for transport safety. Regular tests and certifications ensure that our silicone solutions meet the highest safety and quality requirements.

Continuous Quality Control

Our comprehensive quality management system ensures consistently high product quality. From raw material selection to final inspection, all processes are subject to strict controls. Modern testing procedures enable the precise characterization of all safety-relevant properties.

The Silicone Advantage

• Excellent fire behavior with self-extinguishing properties
• Very good low smoke gas development for personal safety
• High temperature resistance from -60°C to +230°C
• Fulfillment of all important transport and fire protection standards
• UV and weather resistance for outdoor applications
• Electrical insulation capability for electric vehicles
• Chemical resistance to fuels and operating fluids
• Vibration and fatigue resistance
• Long-term stability and low maintenance
• Flexibility for complex vehicle geometries

Important Standards

• NF F 16-101 – Fire protection in rail vehicles (France)
• BS 6853 – Firetest to Railway Components (Great Britain)
• DIN 5510 – Preventive fire protection in rail vehicles
• DIN EN 45545-2 – Fire protection in rail vehicles
• FAR 25.853 – Fire protection in aviation
• ASTM E162 – Surface flammability
• IMO FTPC – International Maritime Organization
• ECE R118 – Fire behavior of materials in buses

Typical Applications

• Door seals for trains, buses, and ships
• Window seals for all modes of transport
• Air conditioning components and air duct seals
• Hydraulic hoses and compressed air systems
• Battery cooling systems for electric vehicles
• Sensor seals for autonomous vehicles
• Cabin seals in aircraft
• Maritime hatch and window seals
• Vibration dampers and insulation components
• High-voltage insulation for electromobility

Contact Us Now

Are you interested in our transportation technology silicone products or do you have a special request for your transport application? Our experienced team will be happy to assist you and develop the optimal silicone solution for your specific transportation technology requirements.

Use our contact form or call us directly. We look forward to supporting you in the development of safe and efficient transport systems and demonstrating the advantages of our high-quality transportation technology silicone products. Together, we will shape the future of mobility.