How Elastomeric Rail Seals Perform Across Extreme Temperatures

Did you know? Elastomeric rail seals are designed to perform reliably across extreme temperatures, typically from –40°C to +120°C.

This capability plays an important role in keeping rail systems functional across diverse climates and operating conditions. Trains often operate in environments with significant temperature variation. In colder regions, seals must remain flexible during freezing winters, while in warmer climates or enclosed areas, they are exposed to elevated temperatures near underfloor equipment and electrical systems. Whether running through snow-covered corridors or dense urban networks, sealing performance must remain consistent.

In these conditions, rail sealing solutions support several essential functions. They help maintain airtight door closures, protect electrical enclosures from dust and moisture, and ensure reliable operation of moving components such as bogies and suspension systems. When seals are exposed to temperatures beyond their material limits, they can harden, lose elasticity, or crack, increasing the likelihood of leaks, component damage, and unplanned maintenance.

To meet these demands, elastomeric materials such as EPDM and silicone are widely used in rail applications. EPDM rail seals can typically perform at temperatures below -40°C and tolerate heat levels up to +150°C without significant performance degradation. Silicone-based elastomers can extend this operating range further, making them suitable for high-temperature zones or prolonged outdoor exposure.

A practical example can be found in door and vestibule rail door sealing systems used in metro and high-speed trains. These seals must remain flexible during cold weather while also withstanding heat buildup during peak summer operations and frequent door cycles, helping reduce air leakage, noise intrusion, and wear over time.

Beyond day-to-day functionality, temperature resilience delivers additional benefits. It directly contributes to longer service life, reduced maintenance cycles, and improved operational availability – all critical in rail systems where downtime carries high financial and logistical costs. For operators, this translates into fewer service interruptions, lower replacement frequency, and more predictable maintenance planning.

As rail operators place greater emphasis on reliability, safety, and lifecycle cost management, material selection for components such as seals has become increasingly important. Based on our research into the rail seals market, elastomeric seals hold more than half of the market owing to their flexibility, weather resistance, and strong thermal performance.

Today, as rail networks expand into harsher climates, operate at higher speeds, and face growing pressure to minimize downtime, elastomeric rail seals remain a dependable solution for maintaining system performance and a key enabler of reliable, future-ready rail systems worldwide.