Brake Systems in Trains
Brake systems play a vital role in trains, as they slow down and stop the train by applying a contact material to the rotating wheels or discs attached to the axles. The contact material used for braking is typically in the form of a pad or shoe.
Due to the high-intensity friction forces present during braking, brake systems require durable and strong bonding mechanisms.
Brake Bonding Adhesives and Lubricants for Railway
Brake Bonding Adhesives for Railway
Adhesives can be used for the bonding of brake pads and shoes within trains. Unique advantages are experienced when using adhesives, as compared to mechanical bonding mechanisms, including lightweighting, corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, and easier application. These factors also lead to improved strength, cheaper costs, increased durability and reduced frequency of maintenance.
Specifically, adhesives that can successfully be used for brake bonding in rail vehicles must provide:
- Excellent temperature resistance
- Great adhesion to friction metals
- Great adhesion to steel and aluminium
Huntsman Araldite provides two adhesives (and dip-coatings) that have effectively been used for bonding train brake shoes and pads.
Araldite 64-1 is a vinyl modified phenolic resin, designed especially for application as friction lining adhesive. It has effectively been used for brake bonding within railway applications for many years. It can be applied by roller coating or spraying.
Araldite 71 is another vinyl modified phenolic resin that can be used as an adhesive for brake shoes. It can be applied by extrusion or roller-coating.
Discover our full range of adhesives for railway applications to optimise all your train systems and processes.
Lubricants for Brakes in Railway
Lubricants also play an essential role in the proper functioning of brakes within trains.
Industrial lubricants provide:
- Corrosion protection
- Reduced friction and wear
- Temperature protection
- Weathering, water and humidity resistance
- Improved durability of train brakes
- Reduced maintenance and re-lubrication intervals
Molykote offers the following lubricants that are well-suited for the assembly and maintenance of brakes within trains:
MOLYKOTE® Longterm 2 Plus is a lubricating grease for metal/metal combinations that is ideal for the lubrication of brake unit connectors. It is particularly well-suited for slow to medium-fast movements at high loads, and applications susceptible to corrosion.
MOLYKOTE® Longterm 00 is a fluid grease ideal for the lubrication of hydraulic brake cylinders. It is commonly used in centralised lubrication systems and highly stressed metal gear drives.
MOLYKOTE® PG-54 is a silicone grease ideal for the lubrication of brake system seals. It is particularly well-suited for slow to medium-fast movements and light to medium loads. It provides excellent compatibility with most plastics and rubbers, and low-temperature performance.
MOLYKOTE® 55 O-Ring is a silicone grease ideal for the lubrication of O-rings within pneumatic braking systems. It acts as a dynamic lubricant between rubber and metal parts and provides compatibility with many plastics.
MOLYKOTE® 3400A is a lead-free anti-friction coating ideal for lubricating brake system screws. It is particularly well-suited for slow to medium-fast movements and medium to heavy loads. It provides excellent adhesion to metals and good chemical resistance.
MOLYKOTE® Power Spray is a solid lubricant spray ideal for the lubrication of hydraulic brake cylinders. It provides extreme pressure resistance, a wide service-temperature range and resistance to oxidation.
