Rail & Mass Transit Solutions

Silicone Sponge Solutions for EN45545-Compliant Rail Applications

At PREMSIL, we manufacture high-performance silicone sponge rubber designed to meet the demanding fire, safety and durability requirements of the rail and mass transit industry.

Our materials and components are engineered to support compliance with EN45545 R22/23, while delivering reliable long term sealing performance across a wide range of applications.

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EN45545-2 (R22 / R23 to HL2)

Low smoke & toxicity

-50°C to +200°C

In-house extrusion & conversion

RG250 – Rail Grade Silicone Sponge

RG250 is our dedicated rail grade silicone sponge, developed for applications requiring a balance of fire performance, durability, and sealing efficiency.

  • EN45545-2 compliant (R22 / R23 to HL2)
  • Low smoke and low toxicity
  • Closed cell structure for excellent sealing
  • Temperature range from -50°C to +200°C
  • Excellent resistance to UV, ozone and weathering

RG250 is suitable for both interior and exterior sealing applications across rail vehicles.

Technical Data Value Test
Appearance Black/Grey
Density 250 kg/m³ (±60) ASTM D 1056
Compression force deflection @ 25% strain 45 kPa ASTM D 1056
Compression force deflection @ 40% strain 100 kPa BS EN ISO 3386 Pt. 1, 2
Compression Set @ 100°C, 22 hrs <5% ASTM D 1056
Water Absorption <5% ASTM D 1056
LOI 31.5% ISO 4589-2
Smoke Toxicity (CITNLP) 0.05 NF X 70-100
Smoke Density (Ds max) 89 ISO 5659-2
Temperature range -50°C min / +220°C max

Understanding EN45545 & Material Selection

EN45545 defines how materials should perform in the event of fire within railway vehicles.

For sealing materials, this typically involves:

  • R22 – Interior seals and gaskets
  • R23 – Exterior seals and components

Each application is assigned a hazard level (HL1, HL2 or HL3) based on factors such as passenger exposure, location, and fire risk.

Correct material selection is about matching performance to the application, ensuring:

  • Confidence in compliance
  • Reliable in-service performance
  • Efficient and practical design
  • Cost effective material use
rail applications
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Applications in Rail Environments

Silicone sponge is widely used across rail systems where reliable environmental sealing and fire performance are required.

Typical Applications

Door Seals: 
Reliable environmental sealing with low compression force for consistent door closure performance.

Window Sealing: 
Effective sealing around window assemblies, preventing water ingress and accommodating movement and tolerances.

HVAC Systems & Air Plenums: 
Ensures effective air sealing and thermal insulation within ducting and air handling systems.

Electrical & Equipment Enclosures: 
Protects enclosures against dust, moisture and environmental ingress.

Lighting & Display Gaskets
: Delivers durable sealing for lighting housings, maintaining performance in exposed conditions.

Roof & Panel Sealing: 
Enables consistent sealing between panels and structures, accommodating surface irregularities.

Gap Filling
: Compressible material ideal for filling voids and maintaining long-term sealing in variable gaps.

Vibration Isolation: 
Provides cushioning and damping to reduce vibration transfer and protect components over time.

These applications often require low compression force sealing, rather than high-pressure sealing, making silicone sponge an ideal solution for consistent long-term performance.

What We Supply

We manufacture a range of silicone sponge products and convert into a range of finished components:

Extruded strips & profiles (custom to drawing)

Die-cut gaskets

Joined frames and O-rings

Sheet material

PSA-backed components

All products are manufactured in-house, allowing us to maintain control over quality, lead times and consistency.

Why PREMSIL

  • In-house extrusion and conversion capability
  • Flexible production and responsive lead times
  • Experience supporting industrial and transport applications
  • Collaborative approach to material and design selection

We work closely with customers to ensure the right material and geometry are selected for each application.

Download Our Rail Brochure

For more detailed information on RG250, including material data, fire performance, and application guidance:

Download Rail Brochure