Published
by Rogers Corporation
Elastomeric Material Solutions
When passengers settle into their seats for a long train journey, their comfort largely depends on the materials used in the seat cushion. An uncomfortable, saggy, or overly firm seat can lead to hours of discomfort.
But what if the seat provided the perfect balance of support and cushioning, making every mile more enjoyable?
This comfort doesn't just happen by chance—it's the result of careful material selection and engineering.
In this blog, we’ll explore the four key factors that rail car design engineers should consider when choosing seat cushions.
We’ll also explain why BISCO® MF1® silicone bun stands out as a premium solution, offering passengers superior comfort, safety, and long-term durability.
Does the Material Meet Industry Flame, Smoke, and Toxicity (FST) Standards?
Rail car seat cushions must comply with stringent flame, smoke, and toxicity (FST) standards to protect passengers in case of a fire. Materials should comply with regulations like FAR 25.853, which require minimal smoke and toxic emissions during a fire. This is essential for safe evacuation in emergency situations.
Is the Material Resistant to Vandalism or Damage?
Flame, smoke, toxicity, and other safety standards are especially important to consider in the event of seat damage or vandalism. For instance, if an object punctures the seat's textile or top layer, it could release toxic gases in a fire.
Bonus: BISCO MF1 silicone meets all flame, smoke, and toxicity requirements, even if the seat’s surface layer is damaged or vandalized, further reducing risk.
How Well Does a Material Maintain its Form Over Time?
Rail seats endure constant use, so it’s critical that the cushion material resists sagging or permanent compression. Materials must be able to withstand repeated sitting and shifting around without degrading. Compression set and stress relaxation values are key indicators of long-term performance; the lower these values, the better the material retains its shape.
Bonus: BISCO MF1 silicone offers excellent compression set resistance, ensuring seat cushions maintain their shape long-term with only 3% height loss after 500,000 cycles compared to 11% for standard polyurethane (PU).
Is the Material Both Comfortable and Ergonomic?
Passenger comfort is at the heart of rail car seat design. The seat cushion material should offer adequate support to minimize fatigue and discomfort during long journeys. Ergonomic design is also important—the material should conform to the passenger's body, distributing weight evenly to prevent pressure point pain.
Bonus: BISCO MF1 silicone is available in three grades—MF-1-35 (soft), MF-1-55 (medium), and MF-1-75 (firm)—allowing for flexibility in seat design while ensuring optimal comfort and support.
Additionally, our long-term partnership with railcar OEMs, seat manufacturers, our Preferred Converters network, and Royersford Springs, PA, U.S. (manufacturer of spring and board assemblies), helps us to stay ahead of new trends and ensure long-term comfort for passengers in railways.
Does the Material Meet Your Sustainability Goals?
Environmental impact and sustainability are increasingly important for both design engineers and passengers. Consider choosing a material with a long lifespan to minimize waste and reduce the need for frequent replacements, supporting sustainability goals.
Bonus: BISCO MF1 silicone’s durability and long service life contribute to a lower total cost of ownership (TCO). The extended lifespan means fewer refurbishments are required, helping to reduce waste and operate more sustainably. Check out this TCO calculator.
BISCO MF1 silicone has been trusted for decades in rail seat applications for its unmatched performance, safety, and durability. Here’s why it’s the top choice for rail seat cushions:
Engineers should consider four critical factors when selecting rail car seat materials: safety, long-term performance, comfort, and sustainability. BISCO MF1 silicone excels in all these areas, offering long-lasting durability, compliance with safety standards, and customizable options to fit any design. Its thin foam layers and extended 10-year warranty make it the leading choice for rail seat cushions worldwide.
Ready to enhance your rail seating solutions? Contact a Rogers Sales Engineer or explore more of the benefits BISCO MF1 has to offer.
Tags:
Rail
Published on Nov 14, 2024
