A rail fish plate is a steel joint bar whose function is to transmit bending moments and shear forces across a rail gap, preventing stress concentration at unsupported rail ends. It directly affects joint durability and track safety. GNEE RAIL produces fish plates for GB light rail and heavy rail, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 A55–A120 crane rails, QU70–QU120 crane rails, JIS rails, AS1085 profiles, BS11 standards, and AREMA/ASCE rails.
What is a generic fish plate?
A generic fish plate (or fishplate/joint bar) is a metal bar bolted to the sides of two rails or beams to join them together, typically used in railway tracks to ensure structural continuity, alignment, and load distribution. These steel plates feature 4 or 6 holes and are crucial for strengthening joints and preventing misalignment.
Key Aspects of a Fish Plate:
- Railway Use: It is a standard component in rail infrastructure that connects rail ends, often used on curved tracks.
- Structure: It fits into the rail web and is fastened using fish bolts.
- Other Contexts: In welding and fabrication, a fish plate is used to reinforce structural points under high tension.
Components of a Railway Fish Plate:
- Material: Usually made of rolled steel or killed carbon steel.
| Grade/Standard | C | Si | Mn | P (max) | S (max) | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45# (GB/T 699) | 0.42-0.50 | 0.17-0.37 | 0.50-0.80 | 0.035 | 0.035 | Quality carbon steel |
| 50# (GB/T 699) | 0.47-0.55 | 0.17-0.37 | 0.50-0.80 | 0.035 | 0.035 | Quality carbon steel |
| 50Mn (GB/T 699) | 0.48-0.56 | 0.17-0.37 | 0.70-1.00 | 0.035 | 0.035 | Mn-enhanced carbon steel |
| Q235 (GB/T 700) | ≤0.22 | ≤0.35 | 0.30-0.65* | 0.045 | 0.050 | *Deoxidation method dependent |
| Q345 (GB/T 1591) | ≤0.20 | ≤0.55 | 1.00-1.60* | 0.045 | 0.045 | Contains Microalloys (e.g., V, Nb, Ti) |
- Design: The top and bottom faces are tapered to wedge securely between the rail head and flange.
- Types: Include standard, insulated, and compromise fish plates.
Origins of the Name:
The name is derived from the "fish" (a piece of wood) used in ship repair to strengthen a mast, or because the cross-section resembles a fish.
Is it possible to use a generic fish plate on any rail type?
No, it is generally not possible to use a single, generic fish plate on any rail type. Fish plates must be precisely matched to the rail's specific profile, weight, and bolt hole pattern to ensure safety and structural integrity. Using an incompatible plate can lead to instability, uneven rail joints, and potential derailments.
Key Considerations for Compatibility:
- Rail Profile Matching: Fish plates must match the specific rail section, such as light rail, heavy rail, or crane rail.
- Different Rail Types: Specialized plates are required for different needs, including insulated joints (for signaling) and compromise joints (for connecting rails of different sizes).
- Structural Integrity: While standard fish plates are used for general applications, they are engineered to fit specific rail sections (e.g., 43kg, 50kg) rather than being truly universal.
| 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 |
For safe and reliable installation, always select a fish plate that matches the specific rail section being used.
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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