Why Must Welded Rail Clips Be Used for A120 Rail?
As A120 crane rails weigh approximately 100 kg/m with a base width of 220mm, they are designed to support heavy-tonnage overhead or port cranes. Due to the extreme vertical wheel pressure and lateral forces (side thrust) involved, traditional rigid bolted clips are strictly discouraged. Instead, Heavy-Duty Flexible Welded Rail Clips are the industry standard.
1. Rail Clamp s for A120 Rail
| Series / Model | Lateral Load Capacity | Best For | |
| 9220 Series (e.g., 9220/20/40) | Up to 300 kN | Extreme heavy-duty; large welding area for 220mm base. | |
| 9216 Series | Up to 170 kN | Moderate lateral forces; more cost-effective. | |
| RailLok™ W30 | Up to 300 kN | Next-generation forged clips for ultra-heavy loads. | |
| RailLok™ W25 | Approx. 200 kN | Conventional heavy-load environments. | |
| Classic W20 (e.g., W20/130) | Varies | Legacy standard widely used and replicated globally. |
2. Other Alternatives
WJK Heavy-Duty Welded Clips: Often based on the Gantrail 9220 design (sometimes named GDGL-9220).
| WJK Model Type | Compatible Rail | Lateral Load Capacity | Bolt Torque | Adjustability |
| WJK-GDGL-9220 | DIN A120 | 300 kN | 600 Nm | 20 mm |
| WJK-GDGL-9216 | DIN A120 | 170 kN | 350 Nm | 15 mm |
| WJK-W30 Style | DIN A120 | 300 kN | 600 Nm | 20 mm |
| WJK-W25 Style | DIN A120 | 200 kN | 450 Nm | 15 mm |
3. Four Core Features of A120 Flexible Clips
- Welded Base: The lower part is fully welded to the steel girder, eliminating the risk of bolts loosening or breaking due to vibration.
- Vulcanized Rubber Nose: This allows for micro-elastic vertical displacement, working with the rail pad to protect the support structure from fatigue.
- Self-locking Wedge Design: High-strength bolts (M20/M24) combine with a wedge interface to prevent the clip from retreating under side-thrust impact.
- Lateral Adjustability: Typically provides 15mm - 20mm of stepless adjustment for high-precision rail alignment during installation.
How Do Welded Clips Handle the Massive Tonnage of A120 Heavy Rails?
The A120 rail weight per meter is 101.2 kg/m, reflecting its massive sectional density. When a crane carries a full load, the horizontal forces trying to "push" the rail out of alignment are enormous. A welded clip transfers these forces directly into the structural steel of the building. Unlike through-bolted systems, which rely on the friction of the bolt head, a welded base provides a shear strength that is specifically calculated to match the Specifications of A120 Rail for heavy industrial use.
Furthermore, the "nose" of the welded clip is designed to fit the specific slope of the A120 rail profile flange. This ensures that the pressure is distributed evenly, preventing localized stress that could lead to cracks in the A120 Steel Crane Rail. This level of secure fastening is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the baseplates/Steel Soleplates and the underlying girder over decades of use.
- Shear Force Capacity: Welded bases provide the highest rated resistance to lateral rail movement.
- Flange Protection: Rubber-nosed clips prevent metal-to-metal fatigue on the A120 rails.
- Structural Integration: The clip becomes a permanent part of the Crane Track assembly.
FAQ
- Can I use any welded clip for the A120 rail?
No. You must use a clip specifically designed for the A120 rail profile. The height of the clip nose and the lateral adjustment range must match the A120 rail dimensions and the width of the rail flange to ensure a secure grip.
- Does welding the clip damage the A120 rail material?
No, because the clip base is welded to the supporting girder, not to the rail itself. The A120 steel rails are held in place by the clamping force of the clip's upper component, allowing the Rail A120 to expand and contract longitudinally.
- What is the role of the rubber nose on the clip?
The rubber (elastomer) nose provides "controlled elasticity." It allows the A120 heavy rails to tilt slightly under extreme load, which prevents the edges of the rail base from cutting into the baseplates/Steel Soleplates or the girder.
- How many clips are needed for A120 crane tracks?
Typically, clips are spaced every 500mm to 750mm along the DIN 536 a120 crane rails. The exact spacing depends on the maximum wheel load and the Specifications of A120 Rail provided by the project engineer.
- Are welded clips compatible with A120 rail pads?
Yes. Welded clips are designed to be used in conjunction with reinforced rubber pads. The clip height is calibrated to account for the thickness of the pad under the A120 rail profile.
- Can welded clips be replaced if they wear out?
The upper part of the clip (which contains the bolt and rubber nose) can be easily replaced. The welded base is permanent, but if necessary, it can be ground off and a new base welded in its place without damaging the A120 Steel Crane Rail.
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GNEE RAIL provides the expertise and the industrial-grade A120 rail accessories needed to ensure your runway is secure. We offer a complete range of clips designed specifically for the A120 rail profile, ensuring compatibility with your A120 Crane Rail Material Grade and load requirements.Contact us to obtain a solution to discuss your DIN536 A120 Rail System needs and receive a customized quote for rails and welded clips.
