The railway sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by increasingly stringent requirements in terms of sustainability, energy efficiency and the quality of the on-board experience. In this scenario, heating systems play a strategic role, not only for passenger comfort, but also for the overall performance of trains.
Zoppas Industries has established itself globally as a benchmark partner for the leading manufacturers and suppliers in the railway sector, thanks to an advanced approach to developing technologies for rolling stock (trains, undergrounds, trams) and infrastructure applications.
The company's offering for the railway sector is distinguished by a systemic vision: the company does not limit itself to manufacturing individual components, but develops integrated electric heating assemblies to meet a wide range of requirements.
Alongside integrated systems, Zoppas Industries Heating Element Technologies (ZIHET) also develops standalone products for specific railway applications, designed to operate independently and ensure high performance in terms of heating, temperature control and ventilation management, as is the case with cabin heaters.
ZIHET technologies cover a wide spectrum of applications:
● HVAC systems and heaters for air conditioning;
● Heaters for side panels and interior surfaces;
● Radiant heating systems, including underfloor heating;
● Water circuit solutions;
● Standalone heaters for driver's cabs and auxiliary systems, also featuring independent temperature and ventilation control;
● Specific safety and operational applications, such as braking system heating.
The variety of the commercial offering enables ZIHET to collaborate directly with leading international train manufacturers, supporting them in the creation of dedicated solutions for rolling stock and infrastructure. In parallel, the company also operates within the railway supply chain, working alongside manufacturers of HVAC systems and specialised subsystems.
The positioning of Zoppas Industries within the railway industry is based on two main strategic pillars, as outlined below.
The solution that best represents the company's positioning in the sector is the floor heating platform. This is a modular platform designed to be easily integrated into the train structure, thanks to a sandwich architecture that combines insulating materials, aluminium surfaces and heating systems engineered to guarantee robustness, efficiency and safety.
The floor heating platform is characterised by:
●Low weight (under 14 kg/m²), contributing to the reduction of vehicle energy consumption;
●Reduced installation times (under 1 hour/m²), thanks to quick connections and modularity;
●Uniform heat distribution, with minimal temperature differentials;
●High reliability, with a lifespan of up to 30 years;
●Reduced or shielded electromagnetic emissions, thanks to the use of dedicated technologies.
The technology is based on the principle of radiant heating, which transfers heat via thermal radiation rather than through air movement, contributing to a more uniform temperature distribution and greater perceived comfort on board.
Alongside technologies for comfort and radiant heating, the ZIHET group also integrates dedicated expertise for on-board service environments thanks to Multi Rail, a group company specialised in developing railway galleys, bistro areas and catering systems for the railway sector.
Multi Rail designs and manufactures personalised systems tailored to the diverse layouts and operational requirements of train fleets, with a particular focus on functionality and space optimisation. The solutions include professional galleys, refrigeration systems, plumbing installations, electrical switchboards and integrated on-board food service equipment, designed and manufactured to meet the high standards required by modern rail transport.
One of the main distinguishing factors of ZIHET’s offering for railway heating systems is its strong contribution to sustainability.
Indeed, the adoption of lighter and more efficient heating elements makes it possible to:
● Reduce the overall weight of the train;
● Lower energy consumption;
● Contribute to the reduction of indirect CO₂ emissions;
Operating in the railway sector means complying with extremely rigorous standards in terms of safety, reliability and resistance. ZIHET’s commercial offering of railway heating systems complies with the main industry standards, including:
| Standard | Technical Description |
|---|---|
| EN 45545 | Fire safety requirements for materials and components |
| EN 50121 | Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for railway applications |
| EN 61373 | Rolling stock equipment – Shock and vibration tests |
| EN 50153 | Protective provisions against electrical hazards |
| EN 17460 | Quality requirements for bonding railway vehicles and components |
| EN 12663 | Structural requirements of railway vehicle bodies |
| ISO 10140 / 717 | Acoustic insulation performance assessment |
| REACH / RoHS | Environmental compliance and restriction of hazardous substances |
| IRIS (nearing completion) | International standard for quality management systems in the railway supply chain |
The certifications achieved by the company represent a key element for railway manufacturers, who can thus rely on components that are already validated for critical applications.
ZIHET operates as a direct development partner for train manufacturers, supporting customers right from the initial stages of design and industrialisation.
The co-engineering approach enables the management of customised projects for every context and requirement. In this way, it is possible to optimise integration, performance and industrialisation times, whilst simultaneously reducing management complexity for the customer. Added to this is a global industrial presence, which enables ZIHET to support major players in the railway sector with local production and an efficient supply chain.
Thanks to a comprehensive offering, a strong capacity for innovation and a consolidated positioning among major industry players, Zoppas Industries confirms its status as a strategic partner in the development of advanced railway heating technologies.