FAQ About Rail Elastic Clip

A rail elastic clip is a spring-steel component used to secure a railway rail to a sleeper or baseplate, providing stability and absorbing vibrations. FAQs include: they are made from high-carbon spring steel, often forged, and hardened to specific levels (e.g., 40-48 HRC); they are consumable because they can lose tension over time due to vibrations; and they are installed by driving the clip so the "toe" presses the rail foot against the baseplate, while the "heel" rests on a shoulder.

What is a rail elastic clip?

A component of a railway fastening system, often made of spring steel, that holds the rail firmly in place on a sleeper or baseplate.

It uses the spring and bending properties of its material to provide a secure and flexible connection that also absorbs dynamic forces from passing trains.

How are they installed?

• The clip is driven into a lug or shoulder on the baseplate.

• The "toe" (the open end) of the clip presses down on the foot of the rail, and the "heel" of the clip rests on the shoulder or in a slot.

• Installation can be done with hand tools or specialized mechanical equipment.

What are the key specifications and properties?

• Material: High-carbon spring steel (e.g., 60Si2MnA).

• Hardness: Typically between 40 and 48 HRC, achieved through a heat-treatment process including quenching and tempering.

• Load and life: Specified toe loads vary by clip diameter (e.g., 500-700 kgf for $16$mm, 750-900 kgf for $18$mm) and they are designed for high fatigue life, often millions of cycles without failure (e.g., 5 million cycles).

What are their advantages and disadvantages?

• Advantages: Cost-effective and relatively easy to manufacture, they provide a flexible fastening that helps reduce wear, noise, and vibrations.

• Disadvantages: They are consumable and can lose tension over time due to vibration and wear. Stress concentrations can also occur in areas with bolt holes, potentially weakening the section.

Are there different types?

• Yes, common types include the "E-clip" and "Pandrol type" (also known as "Pandrol clips").

• Other systems like the SKL (Skl) rail clip also exist, with variations in design, materials, and specifications.

GNEE RAIL provides a variety of rail clip types for you to choice, such as E-type clips (E1609, E1809, E1817, E2007, E2009, E2055, etc), SKL rail clamps (SKL1, SKL3, SKL12,SKL14, SKL75, etc) , gauge lock clip, Deenik clip as well as other standard and non-standard clips. We can also produce customized by drawings or samples for customers.

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