Rail
The rail industry is governed by strict safety and performance criteria, meaning materials must meet strict fire, smoke, and toxicity standards, while keeping long-term reliability under non-stop use. Silflex silicone hoses are designed specifically to withstand the mechanical, thermal, and environmental challenges presented by rail systems - whether in passenger transport, freight applications, or supporting infrastructure.
From HVAC and cooling systems to pneumatic and auxiliary circuits, Silflex silicone hoses promise a reliable performance across long service times, operating in a range of temperatures, weather conditions, and mechanical environments. Using fire-retardant silicone materials ensures compliance with key rail safety standards, making Silflex a trusted option for rolling stock OEMs and maintenance service providers.
Robust engineering in rail applications
Because rail environments expose hoses to constant vibration, temperature variation, dust, humidity, and mechanical load, silicone hoses must maintain flexibility and integrity. In these conditions, ensuring dependable operation throughout the life of the train is what sets Silflex silicone hoses apart.
Silflex’s fire-retardant silicone compounds are tested to BS 6853 (Category II) and other key rail safety standards. Full hose assemblies can be engineered to meet rail-industry requirements where system-level compliance is required.
Why choose Silflex for rail applications?
- Fire-retardant silicone materials meeting EN 45545-2:2020 and is classified as follows R22 & R23 – HL1, HL2 & HL3 and other major rail standards.
- Robust construction capable of handling continuous vibration and mechanical load.
- High-temperature stability ideal for HVAC, cooling, and engine-related systems.
- Corrosion-free materials designed for long service life in varied climates.
- Custom-engineered shapes and assemblies for complex routing in confined rolling-stock interiors.
- Reliable in all climates including heat, cold, moisture, and variable conditions.
Typical applications
- HVAC and air-distribution systems
- Cooling circuits for onboard electronics or engines
- Turbocharger and induction hoses (for diesel rolling stock)
- Auxiliary onboard system connections
- Braking and pneumatic lines (where silicone is appropriate)
Optional Specialist Liners
- Fire-retardant silicone tailored to rail safety specifications
- FKM/Viton Profuel Liner
Provides enhanced chemical resistance, ideal for exposure to aggressive solvents, oils, fuels, or specialist industrial chemicals. - Fluorosilicone (FVMQ)
Provides resistance to oils and diesel fuels plus some other specialist chemicals.
When your application demands a unique solution, our engineers work with you from concept to manufacture to create fully custom silicone hose designs. Multi-branch assemblies, complex geometries, specialist linings, and tailored fittings — all delivered rapidly with complete in-house control.
Durable, heat-resistant, and engineered for long-term reliability, our coolant hoses are trusted across commercial vehicles, agriculture, rail, defence, and more. Designed to withstand extreme thermal cycles and vibration while maintaining consistent performance.
Robust, heat-resistant hoses engineered for turbocharger and charge air cooler systems. Built to handle extreme temperatures, pressure pulsation, and demanding duty cycles without degradation.
Specialist hoses designed to withstand aggressive fuels, oils, hydraulic fluids, and harsh operating conditions. Manufactured using reinforced materials and tailored internal linings for safe, reliable fluid transfer.
Future-ready silicone solutions for hydrogen, EV, and advanced battery cooling systems. Designed for thermal stability, chemical resistance, and emerging technology requirements — supporting next-generation mobility.
Certified to meet stringent flame-retardant standards, our fire-safe silicone hoses protect critical systems in rail, defence, construction machinery, and high-risk environments. Engineered for performance when safety matters most.
High-performance hoses engineered for motorsport, specialist vehicles, and demanding industrial applications. Designed for high pressures, elevated temperatures, and maximum reliability under load.
High-precision extrusion manufactured in-house for consistent wall thickness, flexibility, and clean finish. Ideal for fluid transfer, insulation, and specialist industrial applications where quality and reliability are critical.
Braided, layered, or fabric-reinforced tubing with exceptional strength and stability. Ideal for high-pressure systems requiring enhanced durability without compromising flexibility.
Lightweight, compressible silicone foams and sponges designed for sealing, insulation, and vibration damping. Manufactured to exacting standards for consistent density, resilience, and long-term durability.
Silflex has the in-house capability to incorporate a range of specialist liners into our hose constructions. This transforms standard silicone products into highly engineered solutions for our customers’ more challenging environments.
Smooth-bore silicone hoses engineered for sanitary applications in food processing, pharmaceutical, medical and laboratory environments. Easy to sterilise, non-reactive, and built for contamination-free performance.