Springs for European Crash Buffers   Industry Other Industries Material Arnitel® -   Processing Technology Extrusion Description Safety of transport by rail of chemicals and other dangerous goods is becoming more and more important. The installation of so called crash buffers give extra protection upon impact and prevent in case of accidents derailment and tilting of wagons resulting in damage of the rolling stock and possible spill of chemicals into the environment. As from January 1st 2005 crash buffers are mandatory on all new to be build (tank) wagons carrying dangerous goods as by official UIC/RID regulations. The official leaflet also requires retrofitting the existing European tank wagon fleet before 2010. The company EST in Germany has developed such a crash buffer based on Durel® springs made out of Arnitel. In normal operation of a train these crash buffers serve as standard side buffers, protecting rolling stock on impact, dampen vibrations, reduce noise and improve travel comfort of trains. Thanks to the high dampening efficiency of Arnitel, EST has been able to develop this crash buffer having exact same dimensions as a standard side buffer, making retrofitting old railcars extremely easy. EST crash buffers are the only crash buffers currently approved by German Railways. Durel® has chosen Arnitel® as the best material in class for its patented Durel springs. Durel springs are known for their durability and unbeaten highest energy absorption efficiency per system weight or volume in rolling stock buffers. The combination of the unique properties of Arnitel and the Durel spring manufacturing technology enable the creation of products outperforming traditional spring systems based on metal, rubber and/or hydraulics on durability and reliability. As a result these springs are maintenance free during the lifetime of a railcar and the best that money can buy. Properties of Arnitel contributing to this: • Arnitel®'s outstanding creep resistance and flexural fatigue resistance ensure long service life (maintenance free) and consistent performance during life time. • Arnitel®'s excellent chemical resistance against greases, oil and solvents preventing material deterioration and loss of properties under typical conditions of use. • Arnitel®'s broad operating temperature window (-60ºC to 120ºC) and relative constant stiffness vs temperature ensure consistent performance under all climate conditions.