How to extend the service time of E Type Elastic Rail Clips?
Extending the service life of E-type elastic rail clips requires a systematic approach encompassing selection, installation, maintenance, and environmental adaptability.
Firstly, ensuring the selection of high-quality clips is fundamental. This involves choosing products manufactured from premium spring steel (e.g., 60Si2MnA), subjected to precise heat treatment (hardness stabilized at 44-48 HRC), and backed by compliant fatigue life test reports. The purity of the material and the uniformity of its microstructure are the intrinsic guarantees of its long-term durability.
| railway E clips Specifications | ||||
| Type | E clip (e1809, e2006,e2007,e2009,etc) | |||
| Skl clip (skl1,skl3,skl12,skl14) | ||||
| Or the type by customers' drawings | ||||
| Material | 60Si2MnA | 60Si2CrA | 55Si2Mn | 38Si7 |
| Chemical composition(%) | C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.60-2.00, Cr:≤0.35, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | 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 | C:0.52-0.60, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.50-2.00,Cr:≤0.35 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.35-0.42, Mn:0.50-0.80, Si:1.50-1.80, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 |
| Hardness | For e clip: 44-48HRCFor skl clip: 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 | |||
| Standard refers | DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222 | |||
Secondly, standardized installation and precise initial setup are crucial. Dedicated tools must be used during installation to ensure the clip is driven to its correct position, achieving the standard working gap (e.g., approximately 3/8 inch between the rear arch and the shoulder). Avoid using improper tools or excessive hammering to prevent hidden mechanical damage or compromise to the anti-rust coating. Simultaneously, ensure that related components such as shoulders, insulators, and rail pads are correctly installed and in good condition, as abnormal wear or displacement of adjacent parts can significantly increase the load and accelerate damage to the clips.
Thirdly, implementing periodic inspections and preventive maintenance is a key strategy for lifespan extension. Regularly check the clips for visible cracks, permanent deformation, or signs of severe corrosion. Use specific gauges to verify that the working gap remains within the allowable range; promptly adjust or replace any clips found to be loose or lacking sufficient pressure. Establishing a time-based or traffic-volume-based maintenance schedule for batch replacement of clips after a certain service cycle, rather than waiting for complete failure, can effectively prevent chain reactions caused by the failure of a single clip.
Finally, adopt targeted protective measures according to the operating environment. In highly corrosive environments such as humid, coastal, or industrial polluted areas, it is essential to select clips with heavy-duty surface treatments like hot-dip galvanizing or epoxy coating to fundamentally delay the onset of corrosion. Maintaining clear track drainage and regularly removing sludge and debris accumulated around the fastenings also help reduce the retention of corrosive agents.
GNEE RAIL supplies E-type elastic clips where every step, from raw material selection to final dispatch, undergoes stringent quality control. We not only provide high-performance products but also offer comprehensive technical support covering selection, installation guidance, and maintenance recommendations tailored to your specific line conditions. This assists you in maximizing the service life of the clips and optimizing lifecycle costs.
