A rail clip is a spring steel fastening component that fixes the rail foot through elastic compression, maintaining stable clamping force over time while accommodating structural movement and thermal effects. Its elastic nature reduces the risk of loosening compared with rigid fasteners. GNEE RAIL offers a full portfolio of rail clips including SKL series, Nabla, Fast Clip, E-clips, PR clips, and industrial crane rail clips, suitable for GB, UIC, DIN536, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE rail systems, with supporting services for installation, inspection, and technical coordination.
What are the different types of elastic rail clip?
Elastic rail clips are specialized, high-strength spring steel fasteners designed to secure rails to sleepers while absorbing vibration, ensuring stability in railway track systems. Key types include E-type, SKL (Vossloh), Nabla, Deenik, Fast Clip, and Russian rail clips, with sizes typically ranging from 13 mm to 23mm diameter.
Main types of elastic rail clip
E-Type Clips
- One of the most common elastic clips worldwide.
- Typically used with concrete sleepers and cast-in shoulders.
- Provides consistent toe load, simple installation, and good vibration damping.
- Suitable for light and heavy railway lines as well as industrial tracks.
| 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 Series Clips (SKL1, SKL3, SKL12, SKL14, SKL15, etc.)
- Designed for high-speed and heavy-haul railways.
- Higher toe load than standard E-type, ensuring enhanced lateral and longitudinal restraint.
- Often paired with precast concrete sleepers and high-performance rail pads.
| 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 |
Pandrol-Type Clips
- Standardized elastic fastening system with several models like PR, E-Clip, Fastclip.
- Allows mechanized installation, excellent fatigue performance, and uniform clamping.
- Widely used in high-speed lines, slab tracks, and international railway projects.
What are railroad clips used for?
Railroad clips (or elastic rail clips) are critical fastening components used to secure steel rails to ties (sleepers) or baseplates, maintaining proper gauge and track alignment. Made of forged spring steel, they provide consistent pressure to prevent longitudinal rail movement, absorb vibrations from passing trains, and reduce maintenance costs.
Key Functions and Benefits:
- Secure Fastening: They hold the rail firmly to the baseplate, preventing lateral or longitudinal displacement.
- Vibration Absorption: They absorb shock loads, protecting the sleeper and reducing track stress.
- Stability and Safety: By maintaining precise track geometry, they minimize the risk of derailment.
- Durability: These elastic fasteners can withstand significant bending and fatigue, and often allow for re-use.
What is the material of ERC clip?
Elastic Rail Clips (ERC) are primarily manufactured from high-grade, hot-forged silico-manganese spring steel, specifically complying with grade 55Si7 according to IS:3195 specifications. These clips are designed to fasten rails to sleepers, providing essential elasticity and strength. They are heat-treated for durability and often coated to resist corrosion.
Specifications and Standards:
- Material Standard: 55Si7 or 60Si7 (silico-manganese).
- Indian Standards (IS): IS 3195, IS 4072.
- Technical Specifications: IRS T-31 (for normal clips), IRS T-58 (for anti-theft clips).
| 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 |
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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