Rolling stock weight reduction is a key priority if the rail industry is to meet its capacity, efficiency, sustainability, and operating cost reduction goals. In the quest for overall weight reductions, rail OEMs are exploring the use of new vehicle architectures, materials, and construction methods. Joining and bonding solutions using high performance adhesives and tapes are a significant enabler of lightweighting in the rail sector, providing safe, durable and cost-effective solutions to many challenging assembly applications. 3M has adhesive bonding technologies that can speed up assembly processes and lighten the load by reducing the number of mechanical fasteners needed in rail carriage assembly. Our technologies can also support in bonding composites which enable lighter constructions.
Advanced materials create new manufacturing challenges. They include the need to create durable connections between dissimilar materials. Thus avoiding stress peaks around fasteners and preventing water, ingress and corrosion getting into and between, components. OEMs also need construction technologies that work reliably and consistently in the production environment. Advanced adhesive bonding technologies such as 3M TM VHB TM Tapes and the Scotch-Weld TM Structural Adhesives allow manufacturers to achieve those aims. Adhesive bonding allows structural connections to be made between many different materials. This is a significant advantage in designs that include both metal and composite or polymer components. Where dissimilar metals are joined, such as aluminium body panels to a steel frame, an adhesive or taped joint provides electrical insulation, reducing the incidence of galvanic corrosion. With the correct joint
design, adhesive bonding ensures loads are carried by the entire joint, allowing the use of thinner, lighterweight materials. Bonded joints can secure and seal a structure in a single operation and they can also be designed to reduce the transmission of sound and vibration. For carriage interior components, bonding using 3M TM Scotch-Weld TM Structural Adhesives and 3M TM VHB TM Tapes gives designers the opportunity to save weight while also creating systems that are robust and easy to look after. Advances in the chemistry of adhesives mean that lightweight, low surface energy polymers such as polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) can now be bonded reliably, without the need for costly and time-consuming surface treatments. Reclosable tapes, such as 3M’s Dual Lock TM range, allow the installation of removable panels or upholstery elements with a clean aesthetic finish
To capture the full performance and weight reduction benefits available from the use of adhesive bonding, it is important that the joint design and choice of adhesive are appropriate for the applied loads, operation conditions and the characteristics of the materials involved. The strength of a joint depends on both the quality of adhesion achieved, the cohesive strength of the cured adhesive and a selection of an adhesive with an appropriate stiffness (modulus of elasticity). The joint design must also consider the most appropriate mode of failure for the joint. In safety-critical applications such as rail passenger car interiors, materials must comply with stringent fire, smoke and toxicity (FST) regulations. While these requirements were once seen as a barrier to the adoption of certain materials, 3M have made significant progress in the development of adhesives and tapes all with excellent FST performance. At 3M, we are continuing to develop a range of innovative products to streamline and ensure the quality of future rolling stock delivery. 3M’s industry leading adhesive and tape solutions for interior and exterior designs are vast, offering both bonding and fastening solutions.
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Product Expertise Source: 3M India Ltd | This Product Expertise is a part of our Magazine: Subscribe to our Magazine Today!
