Always safe on the rail with igus

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Aug. 26, 2025 - PRLog -- Fire protection in railways is governed by strict international standards like NFPA 130, EN 45545, British Standard, and GOST. To reduce fire risks, train manufacturers must use certified fireproof materials.

Cologne-based igus offers a wide range of fire-resistant plastic components for rail vehicles. These materials are used in moving parts like doors, steps, and seats, and meet global fire safety regulations.

Whether it's high-speed ICE trains or local trams, safety is paramount. In emergencies—especially in tunnels—quick evacuation is critical. Fire protection standards help minimize risks and ensure passenger safety.

Fire protection standards for rail vehicles vary globally—EN 45545 in Europe, NFPA 130 in North America and parts of Asia, British regulations in the UK, and GOST in Russia. Despite differences, all aim to reduce fire risks and enhance passenger safety. Manufacturers must meet these standards from the design stage.

igus supports this with fire-safe motion plastics used in trains worldwide. These high-performance polymers offer key advantages: they're lightweight (reducing fire load), lubrication-free (cutting maintenance costs), and durable in harsh conditions.

igus components are found in doors, steps, seats, couplings, and even in track-laying and signaling systems—ensuring safety and reliability inside and outside the train.

EN 45545, the key fire protection standard in German-speaking countries, classifies rail vehicles into three hazard levels, each with specific safety requirements. igus materials meet 25 sets of criteria, addressing flame spread, ignitability, heat release, smoke, and toxic emissions—tested under ISO standards.

igus has certified a wide range of products, including energy chains, plain bearings, bearing inserts, 3D-printed parts, and chainflex cables. These components are designed for durability and safety, even in demanding environments like train doors, where cables have passed 54 million stroke tests.

Choosing fire-safe materials for rail vehicles can be complex, but EN 45545 provides a clear evaluation process. igus products meet fire protection standards for components under 400g, with some cable types usable indefinitely. Larger parts, like energy chains over 500g, undergo full testing for flammability, smoke, and toxicity. igus also offers expert guidance to help users select the right materials.

igus motion plastics are widely used across railway systems—from lead screw systems in doors to linear guides in brake levers and bearings in seat adjustments. These components are lightweight, lubrication-free, and resistant to dirt, moisture, and temperature changes, ensuring reliable, fire-safe performance both inside and outside the train.

Visit for more information: https://www.igus.sg/industry/railway-technology