Elastic foam in the transportation industry: vibration reduction and safety

Why is elastic foam essential in the transportation industry?

Elastic foam in the industry is known as a key material due to its superior mechanical properties, such as high resilience and resistance to dynamic pressures. In rail and road vehicles, vibrations caused by movement, point impacts, and thermal fluctuations can lead to material fatigue and reduced safety. Elastic foam prevents damage to the vehicle structure and increases its lifespan by absorbing these energies. Additionally, in high-traffic environments like subways, it plays an important role in reducing noise and maintaining internal temperature, which directly affects passenger satisfaction.

Anatomy of elastic foam: structure and features

Elastic foam in the transportation industry is usually made of EVA with a closed-cell structure, which provides dimensional stability, abrasion resistance, and shock absorption capability. The elastic layers of this foam are designed with variable density (from 30 to 150 kg/m³) to create a balance between softness and hardness depending on the application. If needed, laminated covers such as felt or fabric are added to increase friction and prevent slipping. The closed-cell nature of elastic foam in the transportation industry eliminates moisture penetration and makes it ideal for harsh environmental conditions such as humid rail tracks.

Selection of density and thickness of elastic foam

The selection of density and thickness of elastic foam in the transportation industry is determined based on dynamic load, vehicle speed, and type of application. For high-speed train wagons, higher density (80–120 kg/m³) and thickness of 10–30 mm are recommended to damp severe vibrations. In urban subways with frequent traffic, medium density (50–80 kg/m³) and thickness of 15–25 mm create a suitable balance between comfort and durability. This engineered selection, based on ISO standards such as ISO 3386 for compression testing, guarantees optimal performance.

Suggested materials for elastic foam

In the production of elastic foam in the transportation industry, EVA foam sheet is used as the main base, which offers high elasticity and chemical resistance. For heavier applications, combining with Compressed foam (EVA/PE blend) is recommended to improve stress distribution. Also, T foam is added for damping layers to increase vibration absorption (NVH). These closed-cell materials make elastic foam in the transportation industry a resistant option against water, UV, and chemicals.

Manufacturing process and installation method of elastic foam

At Foamiran, the production process of elastic foam in the transportation industry is carried out with a focus on precision and speed. For high volumes, Die-cut machines are used, which guarantee uniform and fast cuts. In more complex cases, cutting is applied with CNC or Waterjet so that edges are prepared without thermal distortion and with high precision, which increases compatibility with wagon structures.

In the installation stage of elastic foam in the transportation industry, various methods are employed based on environmental needs. The simplest method is using industrial adhesive backing, which enables fast installation on assembly lines. For greater durability in metal wagon structures, installation with screws and threads along with wide washers is suggested to increase resistance against vibration and impact. This flexibility makes elastic foam in the transportation industry compatible with all types of rail and road vehicles.