Types of Rail Clips for Railway Tracks and Fastening Systems

Aug 25, 2025 Leave a message

In a railway track system, rail clips, also called elastic rail clips or railway clips, press the rail through the bending deformation of the spring steel bar. The clamping force acts on the rail and effectively guarantees a reliable connection between the rail and the fastening system. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAYL supplies E-type rail clips, tension clamps, and other customized types of rail clips for tracks around the world.

Function of Rail Clips

Through the bending deformation of the elastic rail clip, buckle pressure is applied to the rail. This pressure prevents longitudinal and lateral movement of the rail under temperature change and train vibration, keeps the gauge stable, and transfers loads evenly into the sleeper. Because clips work under repeated alternating stress, they must combine high strength with good elasticity and fatigue resistance.

E-Type Rail Clip Models

Model Diameter Material Clamping Load Hardness Weight
E1609 16 mm 60Si2MnA 950 kg or more 44 to 48 HRC 0.43 kg
E1809 20 mm 60Si2MnA 950 kg or more 44 to 48 HRC 0.61 kg
E1813 18 mm 60Si2MnA 950 kg or more 44 to 48 HRC 0.62 kg
E2001 20 mm 60Si2MnA 950 kg or more 44 to 48 HRC 0.80 kg
E2039 20 mm 60Si2MnA 950 kg or more 44 to 48 HRC 0.80 kg
E2055 20 mm 60Si2MnA 950 kg or more 44 to 48 HRC 0.80 kg
E2091 20 mm 60Si2MnA 950 kg or more 44 to 48 HRC 0.80 kg

Tension Clamp Specifications

Tension clamps are produced from spring steel grades including 60Si2MnA, 60Si2CrA, 55Si2Mn, and 38Si7, with a hardness of 42 to 47 HRC. Fatigue testing shows that 18 mm clips withstand at least 3 million cycles without breaking and 20 mm clips at least 5 million cycles. Standard finishes are plain oiled, oxide black, and color painting, or finishes according to customer requirements. Production follows DIN 17221, BS 970, and GB/T 1222.

Toe Load by Clip Diameter

Diameter mm Weight kg Toe Load kgf
12 0.18 200 to 400
14 0.30 400 to 600
16 0.44 500 to 700
18 0.59 800 to 1000
20 0.76 1100 to 1400
25 0.49 to 0.68 1200 to 1500

Matching the Clip to the Rail Size

Elastic rail clip material is made of spring steel such as 60Si2Mn, 60Si2Cr, and 38Si7. The common clip sizes are 14 mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, and 20 mm, which are used on different rail sections. Smaller clips suit light and secondary lines, while 18 mm and 20 mm clips suit mainline, high speed, and heavy haul tracks. Clips can also be customized according to drawings or samples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which clip types does GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAYL supply? GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAYL supplies E-type rail clips, tension clamps, and customized clip types for different rail sizes and fastening systems.

What material are elastic rail clips made of? Elastic rail clips are made of spring steel such as 60Si2Mn, 60Si2Cr, and 38Si7.

What is the clamping load of E-type clips? E-type clips provide a clamping load of 950 kg or more at a hardness of 44 to 48 HRC.

How is toe load related to clip diameter? Toe load rises with diameter, from 200 to 400 kgf at 12 mm up to 1200 to 1500 kgf at 25 mm.

Which standards apply to these clips? Production follows DIN 17221, BS 970, and GB/T 1222, and custom clips can be made to customer drawings.