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Railway Design: 3M Solutions

We would like to help you to tackle some of the challenges you are experiencing in your industry. We will create with lighter, faster and more aerodynamic railway designs.

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An effective design is critical to the success of any rail project

Train travel has never been so popular. Investment in rolling stock has never been at higher levels. Today’s train designs are lighter, faster, more aerodynamic and more energy-efficient than ever before.

But with that success the challenges and pressures faced by train operators have never been greater.

  • Technical guy
    From standard build to technical breakthrough, it’s all within reach.
    • Our solutions span the entire train manufacturing process, from chassis construction and assembly, through painting and finishing to maintenance and repair.

      They include our automated grinding and polishing solutions that help improve productivity; our structural adhesives which allow significant chassis weight savings; our personal safety products that protect your people at work; whilst our range of decorative and windows films deliver an outstanding brand experience for passengers.

      Our approach with rail operators is one of partnership and we would like to work together to tackle some of your industry’s most pressing challenges and help build a competitive business that continues to succeed in the future.

      Download our full Rail Industry Solutions Brochure (PDF, 7.4MB)


Bonding & Assembly Design Solutions for the Rail Industry

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.

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.

  • The rail sector faces considerable pressure to boost reliability and operating performance, reduce costs and increase energy efficiency. Vehicle weight reduction will be a significant part of its response to those challenges.

  • Rail carriages transport masses of people quickly, safely and comfortably. 3M technologies are there—sealing the windows, attaching interior panels and carpets, helping construct next generation composites, and keeping passengers comfortable and secure while they ride to their destinations.

  • Today’s railway designs are lighter, faster, more aerodynamic and energy efficient than ever, with lighter weight materials and sleek designs. 3M technologies can help maximise manufacturing and operational efficiencies, while lowering costs and improving long-term performance.

  • This Rail/Bus Design Guide offers general considerations for applying 3M™ Dual Lock™ Reclosable Fasteners, as well as some considerations for more specific applications.


Cooler trains thanks to a new 3M coating

  • Passengers in a train in India
    A 3M product is helping to reduce the temperature in these trains by as much as 15%
    • 3M™ Scotchkote™ RG 700 Solar Heat Reflective Coating reflects heat from the sun without absorbing it, effectively reducing the temperature inside trains and other enclosed structures like buses, industrial sheds, and outdoor enclosures with electronic components. A special pigmented formulation reflects solar radiation and reduces the temperature of the metal on which it's coated. The chemistry of this durable water-based paint formulation allows for outdoor application, with an expected life of 10 years.*

      *This is the expected life based on artificial accelerated weathering results, which corresponds to 10+ years of expected life.

      Learn more about 3M Rail Solutions for cooler trains (PDF, 1.1MB)


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How can we help you? Ask us about modern rail solutions.

Contact us if you need product, technical or application advice or want to collaborate with a 3M technical specialist.

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Graphics Design Solutions for the Train of Tomorrow

Watch our videos highlighting successful graphic installations using 3M Film Solutions.

  • Watch the full interview here with Deborah Elliott, Product Partnership & Events Manager at Eurotunnel where she explains how they updated a 25 year old shuttle with 3M Envision Branded Film.

  • Watch the full interview with Tim Locke, Director of Rail at Aura Graphics. He discusses how easy it is to install 3M Films on a railcar.

  • Watch the full interview with Kevin Eley, Project Manager at Porterbrook Leasing. He shares the company's experience using 3M Film Solutions.

  • Watch the full testimonial with Swiss Tram. Learn more about their experience using 3M Envision 48.


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360° Virtual Tour for Rail Applications

Try out our Virtual Tour tool to get the ultimate brand experience with 3M Railway Solutions.

TRY OUT OUR VIRTUAL TOUR FOR YOURSELF
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Register for webinars

Click the button below to sign up for our Rail Industry Solutions webinars:

  • New industry standards and technologies
  • New design solutions for the rail industry
  • Meet the experts working in our 3M Rail Industry team
SIGN UP FOR OUR 3M RAIL INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS WEBINARS

Designing and producing trains for the future: Cost safe automation systems

3M can help you add automation to your production processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

  • 3M has been involved in the paint repair process since the first cars were invented. In today's marketplace, vehicle defects are addressed in a manual inspection process. Material removal is a pressure driven process that is all about finding the right synergy between the product and the robot. The 3M™ Robotic Paint Repair System is an end to end solution that ensures each step of the process is done correctly.

  • Robotic deburring and finishing are exciting opportunities for manufacturers to increase productivity and mitigate the challenges of a shrinking workforce. But with that excitement comes risks, challenges and unknowns. 3M is a trusted leader in robotic material removal. With decades of experience partnering with system integrators and robot manufacturers – and as a leader in abrasives for robots – we can help you navigate the automation process with confidence.


Worker wearing Personal Protective Equipment

Safety Solutions for the Construction Industry

LEARN MORE ABOUT SAFETY SOLUTIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
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We will respond to your email request in 24 - 48 business hours.

Whether you have a question about your railway design challenges, products, trials, pricing, samples, distributors, or anything else, our team is ready to answer your questions. Get in touch.

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