A rail clip is a fastening element made of hardened spring steel, which locks the rail foot to the sleeper or baseplate and provides elasticity to reduce stress transmission and vibration. Its consistent toe load is essential for track safety and longevity. GNEE RAIL offers rail clips for high-speed, freight, and crane tracks, including SKL series, Nabla, Fast Clip, PR, and E-type clips, compatible with GB, UIC, DIN536, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE standards, with services for supply, installation guidance, and system optimization.
What is the full form of ERC clip?
The full form of ERC clip is Elastic Rail Clip.

An Elastic Rail Clip (ERC) is a type of spring steel fastener used to secure rails to sleepers or baseplates while allowing controlled elastic movement. Its design ensures that the rail remains firmly seated under vertical, lateral, and longitudinal forces, while absorbing vibration, impact, and thermal expansion, thus maintaining track stability and geometry over long service periods.
What is the function of an elastic rail clip?
Elastic rail clips are crucial, forged spring-steel components that securely fasten railway rails to sleepers (commonly concrete), maintaining track gauge and alignment while absorbing dynamic, vertical, and lateral forces. They prevent rail movement, creep, and warping, enhancing stability and reducing maintenance costs, often used in modern high-speed or heavy-haul systems.
Key Functions of an Elastic Rail Clip

- Secure Fastening: Acts as a fastener to hold the steel rail securely to the sleeper.
- Track Stability: Maintains the proper gauge and alignment of the tracks, preventing lateral and vertical movement.
- Vibration Reduction: Absorbs dynamic forces and vibrations generated by passing trains, reducing noise.
- Creep Resistance: Prevents the longitudinal movement of rails (rail creep).
- Thermal Management: Accommodates the expansion and contraction of rails due to temperature changes.
- Durability: Withstands significant fatigue, bending, and torsion forces over a long service life.
What are the specifications of the railroad clip?
Railroad clips (or elastic rail clips) are, typically manufactured from high-strength spring steel (60Si2MnA, 55Si2Mn, 38Si7) with a hardness range of 42-48 HRC, designed to withstand high fatigue and corrosion. Key specifications include diameter ranges of 18mm to 23mm, and they are used to secure rail tracks to sleepers, ensuring proper alignment, stability, and load distribution. Common types are E-clips (E1, E2, E1609, E2001) and SKL-clips (SKL1, SKL12, SKL14).

- Material: Spring steel, commonly 60Si2MnA, 55Si2Mn, or 38Si7.
- Hardness: E-clips usually have a hardness of 44-48 HRC, while SKL-clips range from 42-47 HRC.
- Dimensions: Diameters range from 18mm to 23mm, with specific profiles like the 23mm rod for ERC Mk-V, which is reduced to 20.64mm.
- Performance: Elastic clips provide a toe load, for example, minimum 9kN (3kN for small resistance clips).
- Manufacturing Process: Involves shearing, heating (950--1000℃ ), forging, quenching, and tempering.
- Quality Testing: Subjected to 100% magnetic particle crack detection and deflection tests (usually three cycles).
- Marking: Clips are generally marked with the manufacturer's code, year, and lot number.
| Model | Diameter | Weight | Material |
| Type III | Ø18 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1609 | Ø16 | 0.43 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1809 | Ø20 | 0.61kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1813 | Ø18 | 0.62kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2001 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2007 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2009 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2039 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2055 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2056 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2063 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR85 Rail Clip | Ø13 | 0.25kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR309A | Ø19 | 0.85kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR401 | Ø20 | 0.97kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR415 | Ø20 | 0.95kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR601A | Ø20 | 1.03kg/pc | 38Si7 |
| SKL 1 | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc | 60Si2CrA |
| SKL 3 | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc | 60Si2CrA |
| SKL 12 | Ø13 | 0.53kg/pc | 38Si7 |
| SKL 14 | Ø13 | 0.53kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Special Rail Clip | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Russia Rail Clip | Ø18 | 0.58kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Deenik Clip | Ø25 | 0.49-0.68kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
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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