A rail fish plate is a mechanical rail-joining component whose purpose is to bind adjacent rail ends into a single load-sharing structure, preventing independent movement at the joint. This function is fundamental in jointed rail tracks. GNEE RAIL manufactures fish plates compatible with GB light and heavy rails, UIC standard rails, DIN536 and QU crane rail systems, JIS standards, AS1085 profiles, BS11 rails, and AREMA/ASCE rail sections, offering dimensional verification and supply integration.
Types and Materials of Fish Plates , How to Choose the Best One?
Types of Fish Plates
Railway fish plates (rail joints) are metal bars bolted to the ends of two rails to join them, categorized primarily by function and design into standard, insulated, compromise, and specialized types. Key types include 4-hole or 6-hole plates, glued insulated joints, and compromised joints for varying rail sizes. Materials include high-strength ductile iron, rolled steel, or forged steel for durability.
| Classification Category | Type of Rail Joint | Core Definition / Key Characteristics |
| By Position on Track | Square Joint | Joints on parallel rails are aligned opposite each other. Common on straight tracks; simple but causes more impact. |
| Staggered Joint | Joints on one rail are opposite the mid-point of the adjacent rail. Primarily used on curves to reduce forces and improve ride quality. | |
| By Position of Sleepers | Supported Joint | Rail ends rest directly on a single "joint sleeper". Minimizes deflection but creates a rigid, high-maintenance point. |
| Suspended Joint | Rail ends are located between two sleepers. The most common type; offers flexibility but requires more frequent maintenance. | |
| Bridge Joint | Similar to suspended, but uses a metal bridge plate to connect rails on either side of the joint. Not widely used. | |
| By Performance & Application | Ordinary (Bolted) Joint | Standard connection using fishplates and bolts. Cost-effective, allows for thermal expansion. |
| Compromise Joint | Connects two rails of different sizes/profiles. Uses specially shaped fishplates to ensure a smooth transition. | |
| Conductive Joint | Ensures electrical continuity between rail sections for traction current and signaling, using conductive materials. | |
| Insulated Joint (IRJ) | Electrically isolates rail sections for signaling systems. Uses insulating materials between rails and plates. | |
| Welded Joint | Rail ends are fused together (e.g., thermite welding). Creates Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) for a smoother, stronger track. | |
| Frozen Joint | A defective condition where tight or corroded fishplates prevent thermal expansion/contraction, leading to high stress. | |
| Expansion Joint (REJ) | Allows controlled longitudinal rail movement (e.g., on bridges) to prevent buckling or breakage due to temperature changes. |
Materials of Fish Plates
| Type | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Ductile Iron Fishplates | High strength and good toughness; effectively distributes stress and resists deformation and breakage under heavy, repeated impact. | Heavy-duty railways. |
| Rolled Q235 Steel Fishplates | Good strength and wear resistance; cost-effective. | Branch lines, local railways, and cost-sensitive projects. |
| Forged Fishplates | High strength and precision from the forging process. | High-speed railway connections and precision instrument transport rails. |
| Alloy Steel Fishplates | Customized to meet specific performance needs (e.g., temperature or corrosion resistance). | Extreme environments: high-temperature, extremely cold, or chemically corrosive areas like mining or chemical plants. |
| Stainless Steel Fishplates | Excellent corrosion resistance. | Harsh environments such as coastal railways and chemical plants. |
How to Choose the Best One?
Choosing the best rail joint requires matching the fishplate (joint bar) to the specific rail profile, weight (e.g., 50kg, 60kg), and drilling pattern, while ensuring the joint maintains uniform strength, stiffness, and electrical insulation (if required). Key factors include selecting based on application-standard, insulated, or compromise-and verifying high tensile strength (e.g., ≥ 690 Mpa).
Key Considerations for Selection:
Rail Profile & Weight: The joint bar must perfectly match the rail section (e.g., AREMA 115RE, 132RE, UIC60) for proper fit and load distribution.
Application Type:
- Standard Joints: Used for connecting rails of the same size and weight.
- Compromise Joints (Transition Joints): Used to connect two different types or sizes of rails.
- Insulated/Bonded Joints: Essential for track circuits and electrified lines.
Drilling Alignment: Fishplate bolt holes must align precisely with the rail webs, with tolerance typically within ±0.5 mm.
Material Quality: Look for high-strength steel (e.g., 55# steel, ≥ 690 Mpa tensile strength) to handle heavy loads and prevent bolt hole cracks.
Environmental Factors: Consider expansion and contraction needs in the design to ensure stability under varying temperatures.
Essential Features of an Ideal Joint:
- Strength & Stiffness: The joint should match the strength of the rail itself.
- Proper Alignment: Ensures both lateral and vertical alignment of the rail ends.
- Maintenance Efficiency: Easy to install, inspect, and replace, requiring minimal maintenance.
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.
| Fishplate for UIC Standard Steel Rail | |||
| Steel Rail Type | Steel Rail Weight (KG/M) | Fishplate Standard | Fishplate Material |
| UIC54 | 54.43 | UIC | 45#,55# |
| UIC60 | 60.34 | ||
| Fishplate for BS Standard Steel Rail | |||
| BS50'O' | 24.833 | BS 47-1 | 55#,45# European Grade 700 |
| BS60A | 30.618 | ||
| BS75R | 37.041 | ||
| BS80A | 39.761 | ||
| BS90A | 45.099 | ||
| BS100A | 50.182 | ||
| BS113A | 56.398 | ||
| Joint Bar for AREMA 2007 Standard Steel Rail | |||
| 100RE(TR50) | 50.35 | AREMA 2007 | 45#,55#,AREMA Grade Steel |
| 115RE | 56.9 | ||
| 115-119RE | |||
| 132RE | 65.31 | ||
| 133RE | 66.1 | ||
| 136RE | 67.41 | ||
| 132-136RE | |||
| Fishplate For Chinese Standard Steel Rail | |||
| GB15KG | 15.2 | YB226-63 | Q235,45# |
| GB18KG | 18.06 | YB225-63 | |
| GB22KG | 22.3 | YB14-63 | |
| GB24KG | 24.46 | ||
| GB30KG | 30.1 | YB351-63 | |
| GB38KG | 38.733 | TB/T 2345-2008 | 45#,55# |
| GB43KG | 44.653 | ||
| GB50KG | 51.514 | ||
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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