How do rail clips perform their fastening function?
Rail clips fasten the steel rail to the sleeper by applying a continuous elastic clamping force that prevents the rail from moving vertically or horizontally. They work by bending and deforming to create a secure pressure that maintains the correct track gauge, absorbs vibration from passing trains, and allows for thermal expansion and contraction. The clips are made of durable, high-strength materials to withstand repeated stress over time.
How rail clips perform their fastening function
- Apply clamping force: The clips are designed to bend and deform when installed, creating a strong, continuous clamping force on the rail against a baseplate or directly onto the sleeper. This "toe load" is a key factor in the rigidity of the track system.
- Prevent movement: The consistent clamping pressure prevents the rail from moving up, down, or sideways, which ensures the integrity of the track and maintains the correct track gauge for safety.
- Absorb shock: The elasticity of the clips allows them to absorb some of the shock and vibration generated as trains pass, which reduces wear on the rails and supporting infrastructure.
- Accommodate thermal expansion: The clips' flexibility allows the rails to expand and contract due to temperature changes without causing excessive stress on the track.
- Ensure durability: Made from high-strength materials and properly tempered for toughness, rail clips are designed to withstand repeated stress, fatigue, and harsh environmental conditions for a long service life.
Varieties of rail clips
Rail elastic clip is used to fasten the rails to the underlying base plate together with the concrete sleeper. Usually rail clips are made of forged spring steel which is produced by hot forging process.
| Series | Type | Hardness | Material | Fatigue life | Surface | Standard |
| E rail clip | E1,E2,E3 | 44-48HRC | 60Si2MnA: C:0.56-0.64,Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.60-2.00,Cr:≤0.35, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 60Si2CrA: C:0.56-0.64,Mn:0.40-0.70, Si:1.40-1.80,Cr:0.70-1.00 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 55Si2Mn: C:0.52-0.60,Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.50-2.00,Cr:≤0.35 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 38Si7:C:0.35-0.42,Mn:0.50-0.80, Si:1.50-1.80, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 |
For Dia.18 is 3 million cycles without breaking. For Dia.20 is 5 million cycles without breaking. |
plain (oiled), Oxide black, color painting or according to customer requirement. | DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222 |
| E1609 | ||||||
| E1809 | ||||||
| E1817 | ||||||
| E2001 | ||||||
| E2006 | ||||||
| E2009 | ||||||
| E2055 | ||||||
| E2056 | ||||||
| Vossloh clip&Forged rail clip | SKL1 | 42-47HRC | ||||
| PR rail clip | PR309 | 44-48HRC | ||||
| PR401 | ||||||
| PR601 | ||||||
| PR85 | ||||||
| Customized production of rail clips are available according to your drawings or samples! | ||||||
rail fastening from GNEE RAIL
GNEE RAIL manufactures railway fasteners and standard components. As a leading railway fasteners manufacturers in China,with production license of Chinese railway Ministry, advanced technology, high precision inspection instruments and service, our products have been widely exported the USA, Germany, Spain, Japan, Australia, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, the UK, India, and South Africa etc.
We can provide products according to customers' drawings and samples.Our main products are as follows:
1. Screw spike/Coach screw/Drive screw/Sleeper Screw, Dog spike/Railroad spike/Lock spike/Cut spike,etc.
2. Rail clip/ Tension clamp/ E clip/ PR clip/SKL clip/ DE clip/ RN Clip/ Nabla clip, etc
3. Swivel Bolts/ Track Bolt/ Special bolts/ U bolts/ J bolts/ Anchor bolts/Hook bolts / Foundation bolts/ Stud bolts/ Rod bolts/ Curved bolts/ Tunnel bolts
4. Tie plate/ Base plate / Rail plate/ Rail fixing base/ Rail Pads/ Sole plate/ Sole pad
5. Fish plate / Joint bar / Rail joint/ Splice Bar
6. Track bolt/ T bolt / Rail bolt/ Clamp bolt/ Inserted bolt/ Clip bolt/ Fish bolt/ Square bolt/ Rod bolt /Rail joint bolt
7. Clamp plate/ Rail spring clamp/ Anchor plate/ Steel clip
8. Rail Shoulder/ Rail sleeper Inserts/ Rail Anchors for rail sleepers
9. Plastic dowel / Guide plate/ Nylon insert / Rail insulator
10. Rail pad (Rubber, EVA, TPU, etc.)/ Rail sole plate / Rail adjustment pad
We are trying to supply the best products at the best price! Click here to obtain the detailed product catalog of GNEE RAIL.
