BASF's Range of Engineering Plastics Certified According to European Railway Standard EN45545

Safety, fire protection, and reliability are key requirements in the railway industry, especially for electronic and electrical components. Numerous BASF engineering plastic grades comply with the European railway standard EN45545 and have received corresponding certification. This enables manufacturers to reliably meet the strict fire safety requirements in rail vehicle construction.

The EN45545 standard aims to minimize the likelihood of fire occurrence, slow down flame spread in the event of a fire, and limit the emission of smoke and toxic gases. This ensures that passengers and staff have sufficient time to evacuate the vehicle safely even in extreme situations. Depending on the area of use and the specific application, different hazard levels (HL) are defined. BASF engineering plastics have been certified for relevant application groups such as R22, R24, R25, and R34.

BASF plastic solutions are tested according to EN45545, with a focus on electrical and electronic component applications. For example, the FR30, FR40, and FR72 flame-retardant systems developed specifically for the railway industry are widely used. These flame-retardant systems are based on nitrogen/phosphorus intumescent systems and magnesium hydroxide as a halogen-free alternative. These additives, free from chlorine and bromine, also minimize the risk of secondary damage from corrosive smoke gases.

For processors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), another advantage of EN45545 certification is that it is color-independent. Once a material is certified, all color versions can be used without additional approval. The tests cover different wall thicknesses and define minimum and maximum wall thicknesses, providing greater design freedom.

Currently, a wide range of BASF's Ultramid® and Ultradur® grades are EN45545 certified. Depending on the required hazard level (HL1 to HL3), use area, and application category (R1 to R26), the following grades meet the requirements of the European railway standard:

• Ultramid® A3UG5

• Ultramid® A3U40G5

• Ultramid® A3U42G6

• Ultramid® A3U32

• Ultramid® T6340G6

• Ultramid® B3UG4

• Ultramid® B3UGM210

• Ultramid® KR4450 GY

• Ultramid® B3U50G6

• Ultramid® C3U

• Ultramid® TKR4340G6

• Ultramid® Advanced N3U41G6

• Ultramid® Advanced N4U41

• Ultramid® Advanced T2340G6

• Ultradur® B4450G5

• Ultradur® B4441G5

With this broad portfolio, BASF supports rail vehicle manufacturers and system suppliers in achieving safe, high-performance, and standard-compliant plastic solutions for demanding railway applications.