What is the material of ERC clip?

A rail clip is a steel spring device used to hold the rail securely on the sleeper or baseplate, allowing controlled movement to absorb vibrations and thermal expansion while maintaining track gauge and preventing creep. GNEE RAIL supplies elastic clips such as SKL1–SKL15, Nabla clips, Fast Clips, E-clips, and heavy-duty crane rail clips, for ballast and slab track systems under GB, UIC, DIN536, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE standards, with additional services including clip testing, pre-assembly, and technical installation guidance.

What is the material of ERC clip?

An ERC clip (Elastic Rail Clip) is made from high-strength spring steel, specifically carbon–manganese alloy steel that has been quenched and tempered (heat-treated) to achieve the required combination of elasticity, strength, and fatigue resistance.

From a materials engineering perspective, the steel used for ERC clips must meet several functional requirements: it must store elastic energy when deflected during installation, maintain stable toe load over long periods, and withstand millions of load cycles without cracking or permanent deformation. For this reason, ordinary structural steel is not suitable; only spring steel grades are used.

Commonly used steel grades for ERC clips include:

• 65Mn – widely used for standard railway elastic clips, offering good strength and elasticity

• 60Si2Mn – improved elastic recovery and fatigue performance, suitable for higher-speed or heavier-load lines

• 70Si2Mn – used for heavy-duty and crane rail fastening systems, where higher toe load and stronger lateral resistance are required

After forming, ERC clips are subjected to heat treatment (quenching and tempering) to reach high tensile strength, typically in the range of 800–1200 MPa, and to stabilize the spring properties. To improve durability in outdoor and industrial environments, the clips are usually finished with surface treatments such as black oxide, phosphating, or hot-dip galvanizing for corrosion protection.

Do different types of railroad clips use the same materials?

Yes, most types of railroad clips (E-type, SKL, Nabla, KPO) are made from the same base material: forged spring steel. These elastic components are designed to withstand high pressure, requiring high-strength materials like 60Si2MnA, ensuring they can maintain clamping force for 20-30 years.

• Primary Material: Forged spring steel is standard for most rail clips, produced via hot forging for a uniform microstructure.

• Variations in Composition: While the core material is similar, variations exist in the steel alloy's specific composition (e.g., carbon content, silicon, manganese) to meet different international standards (BS, JIS, UIC, DIN, GB).

• Surface Treatment: To combat corrosion, different types of clips may use different treatments, such as oiling, painting, or natural finishes.

• Exceptions: While standard elastic clips are steel, other railway fastening components (like insulators) are made of different materials, such as plastic or rubber.

Although different shapes, such as the W-shaped 13mm spring round steel or E-clips, serve different functions (intermediate vs. joint), they generally rely on the same fundamental metallurgical properties of high-strength spring steel.

Types of Rail Clip from GNEE RAIL

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.

Click here to obtain the detailed product catalog of GNEE RAIL.