What Is an E-Type Rail Elastic Clip?
The E-type rail elastic clip is one of the common track fasteners in the railway fastening system, which is used to provide positive and durable track alignment under the harshest working conditions, thus extending the life of the railway track. Generally, the rail elastic clip is made of forged spring steel with a diameter range from 18 mm to 23 mm, and the main function of the rail clip is to fasten the railroad sleeper and the steel rail together. The clip presses the rail foot onto the base plate and holds the gauge, while its elastic structure absorbs part of the impact energy of passing trains.
Clip Models for Different Fastening Systems
E-type elastic rail clips are widely used for different applications in different types and sizes. Models such as E2007, E2055 and E2056 are applied in separate rail fastening systems, where the base plate and the rail seat are separate parts. Models such as E1809, E1817 and E1819 are applied in non-separate rail fastening systems, where the rail seat and the base are one integrated part. The selection of the clip model depends on the fastening system design, the rail section and the required clamping force.
| Model | Diameter | Material | Under Pressure | Hardness in HRC | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E1609 | 16 mm | 60Si2MnA | Min 950 kg | 44-48 | 0.43 kg per pc |
| E1809 | 20 mm | 60Si2MnA | Min 950 kg | 44-48 | 0.61 kg per pc |
| E1813 | 18 mm | 60Si2MnA | Min 950 kg | 44-48 | 0.62 kg per pc |
| E2001 | 20 mm | 60Si2MnA | Min 950 kg | 44-48 | 0.80 kg per pc |
| E2009 | 20 mm | 60Si2MnA | Min 950 kg | 44-48 | 0.80 kg per pc |
| E2039 | 20 mm | 60Si2MnA | Min 950 kg | 44-48 | 0.80 kg per pc |
| E2007 | 20 mm | 60Si2MnA | Min 950 kg | 44-48 | 0.80 kg per pc |
| E2055 | 20 mm | 60Si2MnA | Min 950 kg | 44-48 | 0.80 kg per pc |
| E2056 | 20 mm | 60Si2MnA | Min 950 kg | 44-48 | 0.80 kg per pc |
| E2063 | 20 mm | 60Si2MnA | Min 950 kg | 44-48 | 0.80 kg per pc |
Matching Clips and Shoulders to the Gauge
In a fastening system, the track gauge is set by the combination of the rail foot position, the base plate and the shoulder geometry. By selecting different inner and outer shoulder models on each rail, the fastening can achieve a range of gauge values for the same rail section. The table below shows representative gauge configurations for several rail sections and sleeper types.
| Sleeper | Rail | Inner Shoulder | Outer Shoulder | Gauge in mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PY | UIC 60 kg per metre | UIC60/00/04 | UIC60/11/13 | 1058 |
| PY | UIC 60 kg per metre | UIC60/06/09 | UIC60/06/09 | 1062 |
| PY | UIC 60 kg per metre | UIC60/06/09 | UIC60/06/09 | 1066 |
| PY | UIC 60 kg per metre | UIC60/11/13 | UIC60/00/04 | 1071 |
| PY | UIC 60 kg per metre | UIC60/11/13 | UIC60/00/04 | 1076 |
| Standard | SAR 60 kg per metre | T0 | T11 | 1058 |
| Standard | SAR 60 kg per metre | T6 | T6 | 1062 |
| Standard | SAR 60 kg per metre | T6 | T6 | 1066 |
| Standard | SAR 60 kg per metre | T11 | T0 | 1071 |
| Standard | SAR 60 kg per metre | T11 | T0 | 1076 |
| Standard | SAR 57 kg per metre | T6 | T17 | 1059 |
| Standard | SAR 57 kg per metre | T14 | T11 | 1069 |
| Standard | SAR 57 kg per metre | T17 | T6 | 1077 |
| Standard | SAR 57 kg per metre | T23 | T0 | 1087 |
| Standard | SAR 30 kg per metre | T11 | 30A | 1067 |
| Standard | SAR 30 kg per metre | T17 | 30B | 1073 |
| Standard | SAR 30 kg per metre | T17 | 30B | 1079 |
| Standard | SAR 30 kg per metre | 30C | 30C | 1089 |
Why Gauge Matching Matters
The track gauge must be held within tight tolerances because the wheel-rail interface depends on it. A gauge that is too wide increases the risk of flange climb derailment, while a gauge that is too narrow increases wheel flange wear and hunting. The E-clip fastening system supports precise gauge control because the shoulder geometry is fixed and the clip holds the rail foot firmly in its seat. When the rail section or the sleeper type changes, the shoulder combination must be recalculated so that the gauge stays within the design tolerance.
Application, Selection, Maintenance and Common Misconceptions
E-type clips are applied on mainline railways, heavy-haul corridors, metro systems, mine tracks and crane runways where durable gauge retention is required. The separate fastening configuration with E2007, E2055 or E2056 is used where the base plate can be adjusted independently, while the non-separate configuration with E1809, E1817 or E1819 is used for integrated fastening designs. The exact clip model and shoulder pair are selected according to the rail section, the sleeper type and the required gauge.
When selecting the fastening for a specific gauge, provide the rail section, the sleeper type and the target gauge value, and the shoulder and clip combination will be matched accordingly. During installation, verify the gauge after the clips are driven, and re-check it after the first weeks of traffic. During maintenance, replace worn shoulders and damaged clips so that the gauge does not drift out of tolerance, and keep the fastening set complete so that the clamping force stays uniform along the line.
A common misconception is that the clip determines the gauge. In fact the gauge is set by the combination of the rail seat, the base plate and the shoulder geometry; the clip holds the rail in place but does not define the gauge value. Another misconception is that one clip model fits every fastening system; separate and non-separate systems need different models. It is also often assumed that the gauge tolerance is the same for all speeds; high speed lines require tighter gauge tolerances than slow industrial tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main function of the E-type rail clip? It fastens the sleeper and the steel rail together and provides positive and durable track alignment.
What is the diameter range of E-type rail clips? E-type clips are generally made of forged spring steel with a diameter range of 18 to 23 mm.
Which clips are used for separate fastening systems? Models such as E2007, E2055 and E2056 are used for separate rail fastening systems.
Which clips are used for non-separate fastening systems? Models such as E1809, E1817 and E1819 are used for non-separate rail fastening systems.
How is the track gauge set in an E-clip fastening? The gauge is set by the combination of the inner and outer shoulder models on each rail and the rail foot position.
Why is gauge control important? correct gauge keeps the wheel-rail interface safe and stable, preventing derailment risk and excessive wheel and rail wear.
