A rail fish plate is a mechanical connector that allows jointed rails to behave as a continuous beam under load by redistributing stresses across bolted connections rather than concentrating them at rail ends. GNEE RAIL manufactures fish plates suitable for GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50–UIC60, DIN536 A-series, QU crane rails, JIS standards, AS1085 rails, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE sections.
What is the function of a rail joint bar?
A rail joint bar (or fishplate) connects two rail ends to create a continuous track, ensuring vertical/lateral alignment and stability. By bolting securely to the rail web, it distributes wheel loads across joints, reduces impact, and allows for thermal expansion/contraction, which is vital for safe, smooth, and durable railway operation.
Key Functions and Characteristics:
- Structural Connectivity: Connects rail ends securely to form a continuous track, preventing separation.
- Load Distribution & Stability: Distributes wheel loads across joints to minimize stress on the rail ends and prevent damage.
- Alignment Maintenance: Maintains proper vertical and horizontal alignment, providing a smooth surface for trains.
- Expansion/Contraction Management: Allows necessary movement between rails due to temperature variations, preventing buckling or gaps.
- Impact Reduction: Reduces the "hammering" effect of train wheels at the joint, enhancing safety.
- Types: Includes common, compromise, and insulated joint bars, the latter of which prevents electrical current flow between rails for signaling.
| Type | Primary Function & Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Fish Plates | Connect rail ends of the same size, typically with 4 or 6 holes. Used for standard rail joints. |
| Insulated Fish Plates | Electrically isolate rail sections for signaling systems using non-conductive materials. |
| Compromise Fish Plates | Transition joints designed to connect rails of different sizes or profiles. |
| Joggled Fish Plates | Feature a bent shape for temporary repair or to accommodate rail defects. |
| Glued Insulated Joints (GIJ) | High-strength bonded joints that minimize movement in high-speed or heavy-axle lines. |
| Crane Rail Fish Plates | Heavy-duty plates designed for specific crane rail profiles (e.g., QU70, QU100). |
What are fish plates coated with?
Rail fish plates (joint bars) are typically coated with anti-corrosion materials to prevent rust and degradation from environmental exposure, including oil, grease, paint, or specialized galvanization. Advanced coatings like epoxy, polymer solutions, and graphene-based composites are also used for increased durability.
Key surface treatments and coating types include:
- Oiled: Standard coating for corrosion protection during storage and installation.
- Galvanized: Zinc coating provides a durable barrier against moisture, salt, and chemicals.
- Painted/Coated: Specialized anti-corrosion paint or epoxy coatings are applied.
- Insulating Layers: For insulated fishplates used in signaled tracks, epoxy resin or specialized polymers are applied to prevent electrical conductivity.
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.
| Standard | Type | Length/Diameter | Weight /Material | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AREMA 2007 | 115RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.04Kg | 45# chemical |
| 115RE | 6 hole-36" | 25.56Kg | composition(%): | |
| 132-136RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.75Kg | C: 0.42-0.50 | |
| 132-136RE | 6 hole-36" | 26.63Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| UIC864 | UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ26 | 18.07Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-600/Φ28 | 17.47Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 | |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ25 | 18.1Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 4 hole | 14.34Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 6 hole-800 | 19.94Kg | ||
| BS 47-1 | BS75R | 4 hole | 6.56Kg | |
| BS60A | 4 hole | 5.61Kg | ||
| BS80A | 4 hole | 6.5Kg | ||
| BS90A | 685.8/Φ26 | 13.23Kg | 50# chemical | |
| BS90A | 792.9/Φ26.2 | 15.34Kg | composition(%): | |
| BS100A | 4 hole | C: 0.62-0.70 | ||
| 90/91LB | 4 hole | 18.08Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| 90/91LB | 6 hole | 19.9Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 | |
| AS | 50kg | 4 hole | 14.3Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 |
| 50kg | 6 hole | 19.5Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| S49 | 4 hole | 9.71Kg | S: ≤0.035 |
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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