Specification of UIC Standard Rail Fishplate

A rail fish plate is a steel joint bar fixed to the rail web to reconnect separated rail ends, restoring mechanical continuity so the track can transmit loads across a jointed interface. It prevents rail ends from acting independently under traffic. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates compatible with GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50/UIC54/UIC60, JIS rail sections, AS1085 profiles, BS11 rails, AREMA/ASCE standards, as well as crane rail systems including DIN536 A55–A120 and QU70/80/100/120, supported by joint-fit evaluation services.

Specification of UIC Standard Rail Fishplate

A UIC standard rail fishplate is a metal joint bar that adheres to International Union of Railways (UIC) standards for connecting two steel rails together. These fishplates ensure structural integrity, stability, and proper alignment of rails, commonly featuring 4 or 6 holes for bolts, with UIC 54 and UIC 60 being the most common types.

UIC54 rail joint bar of 4 holes

UIC54 rail joint bar of 6 holes

UIC60 rail joint bar of 4 holes

What is the material of UIC rail joints?

UIC standard rail joints (fishplates) are typically manufactured from high-grade carbon steel, commonly utilizing Chinese steel grades 40#, 55#, or JIS G 4051 S45C, conforming to UIC864-4 and UIC864-8 standards. These materials provide high tensile strength (550-650 MPa) and durability for UIC54 and UIC60 rail profiles.

Key Material Specifications:

• Material Grades: High-carbon steel (e.g., S45C, 40#, 55#).

• Chemical Composition: Typically includes Carbon (0.37 – 0.44%), Manganese (0.50 – 0.80%), Silicon (0.17 – 0.37%), with low Sulfur (≤ 0.035%) and Phosphorus (≤ 0.035%).

• Mechanical Properties: Tensile strength Rm​ of 550 – 650 MPa and elongation A of ≥ 18%.

• Insulated Joints: These use composite materials or high-strength, glass fiber-impregnated epoxy resins for electrical isolation.

These steel fishplates are designed to connect rail ends, maintaining the strength and continuity of the track.

The competitive advantages of UIC rail joints :

UIC rail joints, particularly UIC 60, offer significant competitive advantages rooted in international standardization, high durability, and safety. Designed for heavy-load, high-speed, and high-intensity usage, they provide superior technical performance-including excellent ductility, high fatigue strength, and moderate fracture toughness. They are widely adopted globally for high-speed, interoperable rail infrastructure.

Key competitive advantages of UIC rail joints include:

• Global Interoperability and Standardization: As products complying with UIC (International Union of Railways) standards, they are globally recognized, facilitating consistent quality and seamless integration across international borders.

• High Technical Performance: The UIC 60 rail profile is designed for heavy-load, high-speed, and high-intensity usage.

• Durability and Strength: These joints exhibit high fatigue strength, good ductility, and moderate fracture toughness, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring long-term reliability.

• Enhanced Safety: Compliant with strict UIC Safety Index standards, these components contribute to improved safety and security in railway operations.

• Optimized Infrastructure: They support the development of modernized, high-performance, and sustainable rail transport.

• Wide Application: Commonly used in high-speed railways in Europe (e.g., France and Germany).

These factors combine to improve railway efficiency, reduce costs, and increase competitiveness on a global scale.

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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