A rail clip is a spring steel locking component used to fasten rails to sleepers or baseplates by applying controlled elastic force, ensuring long-term fixation, gauge retention, and vibration control under continuous traffic loads. Its elastic behavior is essential for modern track durability.
GNEE RAIL supplies full categories of elastic rail clips such as SKL1–SKL15, Nabla clips, Fast Clips, E-clips, and heavy-duty industrial clips for crane rails, suitable for GB, EN, DIN, UIC, AS, and AREMA fastening systems, and provides one-stop fastening system supply and technical installation guidance.
What material is commonly used to make elastic rail clips (ERC)?
Elastic rail clips (ERC) are primarily made from high-strength forged spring steel. Common material grades include 60Si2Mn, 55Si7, 60Si2CrA, 38Si7, and 65Si7, chosen for their superior fatigue resistance, elasticity, and durability under heavy cyclic loads. These steels are processed via hot forging to ensure consistent, reliable, and durable performance.
Key materials and properties include:
- Silico-Manganese Steel (60Si2Mn, 55Si2Mn): Widely used due to excellent elasticity and, after hardening and tempering, high fatigue resistance.
- Silicon-Chromium Steel (60Si2CrA, 55SiCr7): Provides superior strength and performance for demanding applications.
- Production Method: Generally produced through hot forging (hot forming) followed by heat treatment (quenching and tempering) to achieve a required hardness, usually in the range of 42-47 HRC.
| 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 |
Why not use iron to make railway clips?
Railway clips are not made of iron because it lacks the necessary elasticity, strength, and durability to withstand the intense, repeated impact and heavy, shifting loads of trains. Iron is too brittle (pig iron) or too soft (wrought iron), leading to potential failure, whereas spring steel offers the elasticity and fatigue resistance required.
- Lack of Elasticity: Rail clips (like Pandrol clips) must be flexible to absorb vibration and hold the rail securely in place, a property that iron lacks.
- Strength & Durability: Iron, particularly cast iron, is brittle and breaks under impact, while wrought iron is too soft, making them unsuitable for securing railway tracks that bear high pressure.
- Safety & Fatigue Resistance: Steel offers superior fatigue resistance, meaning it can withstand millions of loading cycles from trains without snapping, which iron cannot.
- Corrosion Resistance: While both rust, steel alloys are often engineered for better longevity in outdoor environments compared to iron, which degrades quickly under harsh conditions.
What are the types of elastic rail clips?
Elastic rail clips are specialized spring steel fasteners used to secure rails to sleepers, providing essential elasticity, damping, and electrical insulation. Key types include E-type (E1609-E2056), SKL (SKL1-SKL14), Nabla, PR-type, Fast-clip, and Russian rail clips, commonly used in heavy-haul and high-speed railways.
Common Types of Elastic Rail Clips:
- E-Type Rail Clips (E1609, E1809, E2001, etc.): Widely used in various rail fastening systems (e.g., Pandrol) for their ability to maintain gauge and withstand harsh conditions.
| Model | Diameter | Material | Under Pressure | HRC | Weight |
| E1609 | Ø 16mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.43kg/pc |
| E1809 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.61kg/pc |
| E1813 | Ø 18mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.62kg/pc |
| E2001 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2009 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2039 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2007 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2055 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2056 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2063 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
- SKL Tension Clamps (SKL1, SKL2, SKL3, SKL12, SKL14): Primarily used in German-style W-type fastening systems, offering high elasticity and durability.
| Name | SKL tension clamp |
| Material | 60Si2MnA 60Si2CrA 55Si2Mn 38Si7 |
| Hardness | 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 or according to customer requirement |
| Standard | DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222 |
- Nabla Rail Clips: Known for their distinct shape and high-strength clamping force, frequently used in French rail systems.
| Nabla Rail clip specification | |
| Name | Nabla rail clip |
| Material | 60Si2MnA |
| Hardness | Hrc41-48 |
| Sizes | As your drawing |
| Surface | plain (oiled), Oxide black, color painting or according to customer requirement |
| Standard | DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222 |
- PR Type Rail Clips: Often used in conjunction with concrete sleepers and elastic pads to reduce track noise and vibration.
- Fast-Clip: Engaged perpendicular to the rail, it is designed for rapid installation and automated maintenance in modern tracks.
| FC 1500 | FC 1600 | |
| Nominal Buckle Pressure | 1000 kgf | 1250 kgf |
| Buckle Pressure | > 16 kN | > 20 kN |
| Rail Resistance to Climbing | >7kN | > 9 kN |
| Insulation Resistance | >5 kO | >5 kO |
GNEE RAIL as the largest rail clip and clamp production base in China, which has been qualified to tender medium and large scaled railway projects. In addition, GNEE RAIL is approved elastic rail clip manufacturer by China's Railway Ministry and has been ISO9001-2008 certified. Our rail clip product is ideal for rail track assembly for advantages of easy fitment while track laying; economical maintenance; long durability and lifespan; fast replacement.
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