A rail clip is an elastic steel device that secures the rail to sleepers or baseplates by generating sustained clamping force while allowing elastic recovery after each wheel passage. This balance of restraint and flexibility protects track components from fatigue damage. GNEE RAIL provides rail clips including SKL series, Nabla, Fast Clip, E-clips, and heavy-duty crane rail clips for DIN and QU rail installations, serving GB, UIC, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE standards.
What is the weight of an Elastic rail clip?
The weight of a standard elastic rail clip generally ranges from 0.30 kg to 0.80 kg, depending on the model, diameter (typically 14mm to 20mm), and application, with common types like E1609 weighing approximately 0.43 kg and E2009 about 0.80 kg. These specialized spring steel fasteners are used to secure rails to sleepers, providing high toe loads, fatigue resistance, and structural stability, often referred to as E-clips, rail clips, or spring clips.
Key Weight Variations of Elastic Rail Clips
- E-Type Clips (E1609, E1809, E2009): Commonly weigh between 0.43 kg and 0.80 kg.
| Model | Diameter | Material | Under Pressure | HRC | Weight |
| E1609 | Ø 16mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.43kg/pc |
| E1809 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.61kg/pc |
| E1813 | Ø 18mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.62kg/pc |
| E2001 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2009 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2039 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2007 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2055 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2056 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2063 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
- SKL-Type Clips: Often range around 0.49 kg to 0.53 kg.
| Name | SKL tension clamp |
| Material | 60Si2MnA 60Si2CrA 55Si2Mn 38Si7 |
| Hardness | 42-47HRC |
| Fatigue Life | for Dia.18 is 3 millions cycles without breaking |
| for Dia.20 is 5 millions cycles without breaking | |
| Surface | plain (oiled), Oxide black, color painting or according to customer requirement |
| Standard | DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222 |
- PR Series (PR85): Weigh approximately 0.45 kg.
- Heavy Duty/Specialty: Some clips can weigh up to 0.91 kg (e.g., MK-III).
| Model | Diameter | Weight | Material |
| Type III | Ø18 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR85 Rail Clip | Ø13 | 0.25kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR309A | Ø19 | 0.85kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR401 | Ø20 | 0.97kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR415 | Ø20 | 0.95kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR601A | Ø20 | 1.03kg/pc | 38Si7 |
| Special Rail Clip | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Russia Rail Clip | Ø18 | 0.58kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Deenik Clip | Ø25 | 0.49-0.68kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
What is the function of rail clip?
Rail clips are vital fastening components that secure steel rails to sleepers or baseplates, ensuring track stability, gauge maintenance, and safety. They prevent horizontal/vertical movement, absorb vibration, and manage thermal stresses, enhancing structural integrity. Synonyms include elastic rail clips, fasteners, tension clamps, and rail clips, commonly used in E-type, SKL, or Fast clip systems.
Key Functions of Rail Clips
- Secure Fastening: They clamp rails to sleepers, preventing movement (bending, warping) and keeping the track gauge consistent.
- Shock Absorption & Buffering: They absorb vibration and impact forces from passing trains, reducing stress on the track foundation.
- Track Stability & Safety: By maintaining alignment and resisting forces, they minimize derailment risks.
- Managing Thermal Expansion: They manage the longitudinal forces in continuous welded rails caused by temperature fluctuations.
- Reducing Maintenance: Proper installation ensures long-term integrity, which reduces the need for frequent, labor-intensive repairs.
GNEE RAIL as the largest rail clip and clamp production base in China, which has been qualified to tender medium and large scaled railway projects. In addition, GNEE RAIL is approved elastic rail clip manufacturer by China's Railway Ministry and has been ISO9001-2008 certified. Our rail clip product is ideal for rail track assembly for advantages of easy fitment while track laying; economical maintenance; long durability and lifespan; fast replacement.
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