Composite flooring for German trains

Germany’s ICE fleet trains use SMT’s new lightweight infused flooring made using Alan Harper Composites’ reusable vacuum membranes to replace previously installed heavy wooden panels. The fire resistant, structural composite sandwich replacement flooring are said to bring excellent weight savings allowing new air-conditioning, seating and entertainment system additions.

SMT in Forst, Germany, is the exclusive supplier to Deutsche Bahn AG producing 25,000 m2 for the 66-train fleet comprising eight carriages each. The company gained an advantage with the system for its simplicity and closed mould characteristics ideal for worker ease and safety, according to the company’s membranes supplier.