ArmaGel® Rail — Technical Overview & FAQs

What is ArmaGel® Rail?

ArmaGel® Rail is a next-generation aerogel insulation blanket specifically developed for rail vehicles and transportation systems requiring high thermal performance, reduced weight, and fire-safety compliance. Using Armacell’s advanced aerogel technology, ArmaGel® Rail delivers exceptionally low thermal conductivity in a thin, lightweight format ideal for tight spaces and weight-sensitive applications.

Whether used in flooring systems, sidewalls, HVAC ducting, or structural components, ArmaGel® Rail enhances passenger comfort, improves energy efficiency, and supports compliance with stringent railway fire standards.

Where is ArmaGel® Rail typically used?

• Rail vehicle floors, sidewalls, roofs, and bulkheads
• HVAC systems, ducts, and equipment housings
• Battery compartments and electrical enclosures
• Rolling stock refurbishment and retrofit projects
• Applications requiring thin, lightweight, fire-compliant insulation

What makes ArmaGel® Rail different from other rail insulation materials?

• Ultra-thin aerogel insulation delivering best-in-class thermal performance
• Designed to meet rail-specific fire, smoke, and toxicity (FST) standards
• Lightweight construction reduces overall vehicle mass
• Vibration-resistant and flexible for easier installation
• Excellent acoustic dampening as part of integrated systems
• Moisture-resistant to support long-term structural integrity
• Suitable for new vehicle builds and refurbishment programs

Is ArmaGel® Rail compliant with fire and transport safety standards?

Yes. ArmaGel® Rail is developed to meet major global railway fire-safety regulations, including:
• EN 45545 for fire behavior of rail materials
• Additional regional FST standards (varies by product configuration)

Its fire-compliant formulation contributes to safer, more reliable passenger environments.

Is ArmaGel® Rail safe and suitable for transportation environments?

Absolutely. ArmaGel® Rail is engineered specifically for the rail industry and is:
• low-dust and easier to handle than traditional aerogels
• lightweight to reduce strain on installers
• compatible with composites, metals, and typical rail structural materials
• designed for long-term thermal and mechanical stability

Key Mechanical & Thermal Properties

Typical performance characteristics of ArmaGel® Rail Aerogel Insulation include:
Material Type: Flexible aerogel insulation blanket engineered for rail systems
Thermal Conductivity: Extremely low, enabling thin-profile insulation designs
Density: Lightweight to reduce overall rail vehicle mass
Fire Performance: Designed to meet EN 45545 and other rail-specific standards
Temperature Range: Effective across sub-ambient to elevated operating temperatures
Hydrophobicity: Moisture-resistant to help maintain long-term performance
Thickness Options: Provided in multiple blanket thicknesses
Mechanical Performance: Flexible, vibration-resistant, and suitable for tight spaces
Acoustic Benefits: Contributes to noise reduction in integrated assemblies

How does it perform in rail and outdoor environments?

ArmaGel® Rail is designed for modern railway operating conditions, offering:
• stable thermal performance in dynamic temperature environments
• enhanced moisture resistance
• durability under vibration and mechanical stress
• long-term performance in both interior and exterior vehicle assemblies

It supports improved passenger comfort and operational efficiency over the service life of the vehicle.

Can ArmaGel® Rail be fabricated or installed easily?

Yes. ArmaGel® Rail is built for installer efficiency and can be:
• easily cut and shaped for floors, ducts, panel interiors, and curved surfaces
• installed with fewer layers due to its high thermal efficiency
• integrated into composite panels or multi-layer insulation systems
• used in both new rail construction and fleet refurbishment projects

Its thin, flexible design helps reduce installation time and improve design versatility.

What formats are available?

• Standard insulation rolls
• Multiple thickness options
• Converter-cut components
• Prefabricated rail-ready panels (via fabricators)
• OEM-specific insulation solutions

Ready to evaluate ArmaGel® Rail for your rolling stock or rail infrastructure project?
Contact our team to request samples, technical data, or engineering support for your specific application.

Not sure which ArmaGel® product fits best? Our insulation specialists can guide you through system design, fire-safety requirements, and thermal modeling for optimal performance - contact us.