After intense preparations, Alcan Composite Structures has become one of the first bonding experts in the mass transit market to receive the DIN 6701 certification (class A1). With this new certification Alcan Composite Structures proves its state-of-the-art, future-oriented
way of thinking, developing and working. Furthermore the company strengthens
its leadership in the railway market for structural and non-structural bonding solutions.

The bonding technology in the mass-transit market has rapidly developed in the past few years,
becoming a proven solution compared to conventional joining technology such as bolting
or welding. Advantages in the railway market are higher speed levels, less energy
consumption, more comfort, less weight and an economical production. The industry
demands for lighter railway end caps and vehicles with higher load capacities, can be
achieved with specialised bonding techniques.

Due to a decision by the German Railway Department (EBA), the DIN 6701-2 norm
became obligatory on 1 January 2010 and has to be declared on the bonding requirements to
every producer of railway products.

This requirement is based on the fact that, in addition to traditional joining technology,
bonding is becoming a standard used for security-relevant components. Therefore the
EBA decided to define DIN 6701 as guideline guaranteeing the quality of the bonding
process across the industry.

Although it is a German norm, the influence of DIN 6701 will have an international effect as
there is no similar quality standard worldwide at this point of time. It is expected that the
norm will become a global guideline.

The certification according to DIN 6701 is an excellent addition for Alcan Composite
Structures, which is already certified to ISO 1400:2004, ISO 9001:2000 and OHSAS 18002:1999
standards.