A rail fish plate is a steel bar installed at rail joints to maintain structural cooperation between rail segments, reducing joint deflection and extending the service life of jointed track. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates matched to GB 8–60 kg/m, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 A55–A120, QU70–QU120, JIS rails, AS1085 rails, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE standards.
| Standard | Type | Length/Diameter | Weight /Material | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AREMA 2007 | 115RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.04Kg | 45# chemical |
| 115RE | 6 hole-36" | 25.56Kg | composition(%): | |
| 132-136RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.75Kg | C: 0.42-0.50 | |
| 132-136RE | 6 hole-36" | 26.63Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| UIC864 | UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ26 | 18.07Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-600/Φ28 | 17.47Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 | |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ25 | 18.1Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 4 hole | 14.34Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 6 hole-800 | 19.94Kg | ||
| BS 47-1 | BS75R | 4 hole | 6.56Kg | |
| BS60A | 4 hole | 5.61Kg | ||
| BS80A | 4 hole | 6.5Kg | ||
| BS90A | 685.8/Φ26 | 13.23Kg | 50# chemical | |
| BS90A | 792.9/Φ26.2 | 15.34Kg | composition(%): | |
| BS100A | 4 hole | C: 0.62-0.70 | ||
| 90/91LB | 4 hole | 18.08Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| 90/91LB | 6 hole | 19.9Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 | |
| AS | 50kg | 4 hole | 14.3Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 |
| 50kg | 6 hole | 19.5Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| S49 | 4 hole | 9.71Kg | S: ≤0.035 |
How much does a railway fish plate weight?
Railway fish plates (joint bars) typically weigh between 10 kg and 30 kg (22–66 lbs) per piece, depending on the rail size, length, and number of bolt holes. Standard, 6-hole, 36-inch, 115RE or 132-136RE, fish plates usually weigh approximately 25-27 kg (55-60 lbs) each, while 4-hole versions are generally lighter.
Key Weight Variations:
- Standard Heavy Rail (38 kg - 75 kg): Plates typically weigh 15–28 kg each, with 60 kg rails often requiring plates around 17–25 kg.
- 60 kg Rail: A 60 kg rail fish plate usually weighs between 12 kg and 15 kg.
- 52 kg Rail: A 52 kg rail fish plate typically weighs 12–15 kg, with some 4-hole variants weighing up to 16.97–17.38 kg.
- Light Rail: Fish plates for lighter rails can weigh between 8 kg and 30 kg.
- Specialized Types: A T-5916 fish plate weighs 28.85 kg, while BS80A rail fish plates can be around 17 kg for 4-hole versions.
Types of Rail Fish Plate
Rail fish plates (joint bars) are essential steel components used to connect rail ends, classified primarily by application into standard, insulated, compromise, and joggled types. Common types include 4-hole or 6-hole plates, designed for light, heavy, or crane rails, and are manufactured from high-carbon or steel, often with specialized insulation.
| Joint Type | Key Specification / Description |
| Standard Rail Joint (Fish Plate) | - Profile: Matches the rail section (e.g., UIC 60, 136RE). |
| - Length: Typically 600mm or 800mm per side. | |
| - Holes: 4 or 6 bolt holes per bar. | |
| Insulated Rail Joint (IRJ) | - Material: Steel core with composite insulating end-posts/plates, or full epoxy composite. |
| - Electrical Resistance: >10⁸ Ω. | |
| Compromise Rail Joint | - Design: Connects two different rail profiles (e.g., UIC 54 to UIC 60). |
| - Profile: Each side is machined to match its respective rail section. | |
| Joggled Rail Joint | - Feature: Has a depressed (joggled) section to allow continuous rail head surface for smoother wheel passage. |
| Bridge Rail Joint | - Design: Often reinforced (thicker web/longer length) for high-stress locations like bridge approaches. |
| Glued Insulated Joint | - Construction: Steel bars bonded to composite insulation using high-strength adhesive for improved durability. |
| Welded Rail Joint (for CWR) | - Type: Flash-butt or thermite weld. |
| - Specification: Weld must meet mechanical properties equal to or greater than the parent rail. | |
| Expansion Joint (for BRE) | - Feature: Allows controlled thermal expansion in long rails on bridges or in extreme temperature zones. |
Founded in 2008, GNEE RAIL is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of railway components, specializing in high-quality rail fish plates (joint bars/splice bars) with strong production capacity and global service capabilities.
Our rail fish plate portfolio is comprehensive and compliant with international standards including UIC, AREMA, BS, DIN, and GB, covering light rail (8kg-30kg), heavy rail (38kg-75kg), and crane rail (QU70-QU120) systems. We offer diverse types such as insulated joint bars, bulged fish plates, and compromise rail joints,with precise specifications (4-hole/6-hole, 24-inch/36-inch), ensuring excellent mechanical performance.We uphold strict quality control supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification, an in-house inspection center, and third-party audits by SGS and BV. Our one-stop service includes customization, production, packaging, and after-sales support, tailored to clients' project needs.
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