A rail fish plate is a joint reinforcement element designed to maintain alignment and stiffness at rail connections where two rail lengths meet. It ensures stable wheel passage over jointed sections. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates suitable for GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC rails, DIN536 and QU crane rails, JIS rail sections, AS1085 profiles, BS11 standards, and AREMA/ASCE systems, with optional corrosion protection treatments.
What is the function of a rail joint?
A rail joint (or fishplate) connects two rail ends to provide a continuous, smooth, and safe riding surface for trains while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction. They maintain horizontal and vertical alignment to prevent derailment, transfer vertical loads to sleepers, and, in some cases, facilitate electrical continuity for track circuits.
Key Functions of a Rail Joint:
- Structural Continuity: Connects rail ends securely to form a continuous track.
- Expansion/Contraction Management: Allows for safe, minor movement of rails due to temperature variations, preventing buckling or gaps.
- Load Transfer: Transfers vertical, downward pressure from train wheels across the joint to the sleepers.
- Alignment Maintenance: Keeps rails aligned vertically and horizontally to prevent derailments.
- Electrical Conductivity: In signaled tracks, special insulated joints maintain track circuits for signaling.
- Transition: Compromise joints connect rails of different profiles or weights.
How to Select and Maintain Fish Plates?
Selecting and maintaining fish plates involves matching the material and design (e.g., standard, insulated, or joggled) to specific rail types, loads, and environmental conditions (such as corrosive coastal areas). Proper maintenance requires regular inspection for cracks, ensuring bolt tightness, and lubricating joints to reduce wear.
How to Select Fish Plates?
- Match Rail Profile: Identify the exact rail weight and profile (e.g., AREMA 115RE) to ensure the fish plate fits the rail web.
| 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 |
- Consider Operating Environment: Use stainless steel for high corrosion areas, or standard rolled/forged steel for typical conditions.
- Determine Load Requirements: High-strength alloy steel is recommended for heavy freight, while lighter, synthetic, or insulated plates are suitable for lighter traffic or specialized, electrified tracks.
- Select Joint Type: Choose between standard (butt) joints or lap joint fish plates that overlap rail ends for better load distribution.
- Verify Standards: Ensure the product meets industry standards, such as specific tensile strength, elongation, and hardness requirements.
How to Maintain Fish Plates?
- Regular Inspections: Check for cracks, deformation, and wear at least every 3-6 months. Pay special attention to the areas around bolt holes.
- Bolt Tightness: Use a torque wrench to check and retighten bolts to specified values, preventing joint failure.
- Lubrication: Regularly apply grease to the fishing surface to reduce friction and wear between the plate and rail. Use specialized lubricants to prevent joints from becoming too stiff.
- Cleanliness: Remove debris, dirt, and rust, especially in corrosive environments, to ensure proper fitting.
- Replacement Schedule: Replace worn or cracked fish plates immediately. Under tough conditions, planned replacement every 5-10 years is typical.
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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