Image of a passenger rail train moving past skyscrapers and road traffic in an urban setting

Rail Technology & Production Applications

How can 3M help you?

Keeping pace with the rapid changes in rail technology is more challenging than ever. We can help. Using 46 technology platforms with 80 years of experience our integrated team of scientists and researchers work with customers to create breakthroughs and help you stay one step ahead. Today’s railway designs are lighter, faster, more aerodynamic and more energy efficient than ever, with lighter weight materials and sleek designs. 3M technologies can help maximize manufacturing and operational efficiencies while lowering costs and improving long-term performance.

Productivity

From abrasives that cut and finish surfaces quickly, smoothly and easily to paint shop solutions that reduce material usage, clean-up and waste, 3M solutions can help to make your rail car manufacturing, maintenance and refurbishment processes faster and cleaner – and ultimately more cost-effective.

Energy Efficiency
3M lightweighting solutions include industrial tapes and adhesives that bond strong with little weight to replace heavy mechanical fasteners, while our solar window films help to reduce heat gain and energy costs.
Durability
The longer a rail car is in service the better value it provides to your balance sheet. Our products can help improve durability by preventing water intrusion, damping vibrations and more.
Passenger Experience
Our vinyl films and anti-graffiti solutions help keep trains looking smart, while our noise insulation technologies and energy-absorbing attachment solutions help make journeys quieter.
Passenger Safety

Stopping fire from spreading is crucial, particularly on a moving train. 3M has decades of experience as a trusted source for fire protection solutions. In addition to proven technologies and innovative new solutions that help keep fires in check, we offer technical expertise, installer training and ongoing customer service.

3M.com/Rail/FST – search for Flame, Smoke and Toxicity test results by product or by test standard

3M.com/firestop – learn more about 3M passive fire protection solutions for a variety of industries

Worker Safety
Our range of comfortable, carefully designed personal protective equipment (PPE) offers your workers effective protection with products they feel good about wearing.

  • 3M’s science aids in building rail cars more efficiently, more cost effectively and above all, more competitively. With innovative solutions ranging from adhesives to graphic films, 3M industrial design solutions help to meet the challenges of lightweighting, noise and vibration issues.

  • When it comes to the overhaul and maintenance of rail cars, rail operating companies face many different demands but they all share the same needs – to reduce turnaround times and refurbishment costs, while achieving exacting quality and safety standards. 3M’s unique portfolio gives you the edge providing you with a continually evolving range of innovative, world-class rail car refurbishment solutions.