Using aluminium for the construction of trams is supported by the strength and stiffness properties of the metal and its alloys. Aluminium does not lose its flexibility; it retains its shape for a long time, unlike steel, which is subject to wear faster and can change shape under the influence of natural and physical factors. Aluminium alloys are highly resistant to corrosion, which makes it possible to almost double the service life of tram equipment (more than 30 years) and reduce repair and maintenance costs: it is not necessary to change tram body components during operation due to the increased fatigue resistance of the welds. Using aluminium reduces the weight of the tram body by 20–40% compared to traditional or high-carbon steel, which makes it possible to decrease the pressure on rails and, therefore, increase the service life of tracks.

Advanced trams applying aluminium in the design and interior are used in a number of Russian cities, including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Krasnoyarsk, Perm, Ulan-Ude, Izhevsk, Ulyanovsk, etc.

Read also: