Composite materials were first used in the railway industry back in the 1970's, when Hexcel supplied honeycomb, adhesives and fibre-reinforced plastic materials for use in train ceilings, floors and doors. These early composite components were fitted into French, Italian, British and Austrian urban trains, as well as the metro systems of London, Lille and Hong Kong.
 
In the past 30 years Hexcel has developed a wider range of composite materials, specifically to meet the requirements of the rail industry. The applications have diversified to include components as varied as structural floor panels, energy absorbers, front end cabs, composite bogies and full composite interiors

Composite Materials for the Rail Industry
Composite Material Advantages for the Rail Industry
Honeycomb Energy Absorbers