A rail fish plate is a mechanical joint reinforcement that compensates for the absence of welded continuity by distributing wheel loads over a longer effective length of rail. This reduces impact forces and slows joint deterioration. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates for GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC rails, DIN536 and QU crane rails, JIS profiles, AS1085 rails, BS11 sections, and AREMA/ASCE rails, with optional surface treatments and international delivery service.
What are the specifications of BS80A Fish Plates?
BS80A fish plates (also known as rail joint bars or splice bars) are high-strength steel fasteners designed to connect two 80 lb/yd (BS80A) rail ends, forming a secure joint. Manufactured to BS47-1 standards, they stabilize the track, maintain proper alignment/gauge, and support heavy loads in industrial, mining, and railway projects.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rail Joint Type | BS80A Rail Fish Plate |
| Compatible Rail | BS80A (80 lb/yd) |
| Material | 55# Carbon Steel / Q235 |
| Hardness | HB 260–300 |
| Tensile Strength | ≥700 MPa |
| Surface Treatment | Black / Galvanized / Painted |
| Holes | 4 or 6 holes |
| Bolt Size | M24 or as required |
BS80A Fish Plate Dimensions & Hole Spacing
| tem | Code | Size (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Length of 4-bolt fishplate | A | 406.4 |
| Length of 6-bolt fishplate | B | 609.6 |
| Centres of bolt holes in fishplates (Parameter C) | C | 50.8 |
| Centres of bolt holes in fishplates (Parameter D) | D | 101.6 |
| Centres of bolt holes in fishplates (Parameter E) | E | 101.6 |
| Centres of bolt holes in fishplates (Parameter F) | F | 101.6 |
| Diameter of bolt holes in fishplates | J | 23.81 |
Calculated weight per pair (4 hole): 13.15 kg
Calculated weight per pair (6 hole): 19.72 kg
NOTE: All fishplates are designed to have a 6.35 mm gap between rail ends.
Chemical composition table of BS80A rail joint bar
| Material Type | Typical Grade / Designation | Chemical Composition (wt%) | Notes / Equivalent Standards |
| Carbon Structural Steel | Q235 (GB/T 700) | C: ≤0.22 | Common mild steel for general joint bars. Similar to ASTM A36, S235JR. |
| Si: ≤0.35 | |||
| Mn: 0.30-0.65 | |||
| P: ≤0.045 | |||
| S: ≤0.045 | |||
| Carbon Structural Steel | Q255 (GB/T 700) | C: 0.18-0.28 | Slightly higher strength than Q235. |
| Si: ≤0.35 | |||
| Mn: 0.40-0.70 | |||
| P: ≤0.045 | |||
| S: ≤0.045 | |||
| Medium Carbon Steel | 50Mn / 50BA (GOST 10779) | C: 0.47-0.55 | Classic high-strength fish plate steel. Widely used for mainline joints. |
| Si: 0.17-0.37 | |||
| Mn: 0.80-1.20 | |||
| P: ≤0.040 | |||
| S: ≤0.045 | |||
| Medium Carbon Steel | 55# (GB/T 699) | C: 0.52-0.60 | Standard medium carbon steel for demanding applications. Similar to AISI 1055. |
| Si: 0.17-0.37 | |||
| Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |||
| P: ≤0.035 | |||
| S: ≤0.035 |
GNEE RAIL manufactures BS80A fish plates to meet the rigorous demands of heavy-duty operations. Produced from high-grade carbon steel and meticulously machined to match the exact BS80A rail profile, our joint bars guarantee optimal load transfer and long-term structural integrity. They are a reliable component for critical applications, including industrial sidings, mining haulage lines, and mainline infrastructure upgrades, where durability and consistent performance are essential.
What are the advantages of using BS80A Fish Platesd?
BS80A fish plates offer high-strength, durable, and precise, BS47-1 standard compliant connections for BS80A rails, ensuring structural integrity and reduced maintenance. They facilitate fast, efficient, and, cost-effective installation compared to welding, while offering superior load transfer and durability.
Key Advantages of BS80A Fish Plates:
- Perfect Compatibility & Precision: Manufactured to BS47-1 standards, they offer an exact fit for BS80A rail sections, ensuring proper alignment, surface continuity, and, smooth rail joints.
- High Strength and Durability: Made from materials like 55# steel or Q235, these plates provide excellent mechanical properties to withstand high, operational loads and impact, ensuring a long service life.
- Easy Installation & Maintenance: Compared to welding, using fish plates is faster and more labor-saving, allowing for quicker, assembly and repairs.
- Improved Structural Stability: By acting as a secure joint between rails, they maintain the correct rail gauge and reduce, derailment risks caused by, misalignment.
- Customization Options: Available in 4-hole or 6-hole designs, they can be treated with, anti-corrosion finishes (painting, blackening, or galvanizing) to suit different environmental conditions.
- Reliable Performance: They securely join rails and can be paired with appropriate, bolts and nuts to maintain rail, continuity and stability.
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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