Rail clip is a component of railway fastening systems. It is used to fix the railroad track to the underlying baseplate and sleepers. The clamping force by rail clips helps to maintain the gauge and prevent the rail from moving in the vertical and horizontal direction relative to the sleeper. One extensively used type of rail clip is an elastic rail clip made of hot-pressed spring steel. Its energy produced at elastic deformation can alleviate the vibration and shock when trains move.
What are the advantages of Railway Tension Clip?
- Fastening Rails: Elastic rail clips are designed to fasten the rails firmly to the sleepers, preventing any movement that could lead to misalignment.
- Maintaining Rail Gauge: They help in maintaining the correct distance between the two rails, known as the rail gauge, which is essential for the safe passage of trains.
- Absorbing Vibrations: The clips absorb vibrations caused by passing trains, reducing wear and improving passenger comfort.
- Preventing Rail Movement: By providing a strong clamping force, elastic rail clips prevent horizontal and vertical movement of the rails.
Major Rail Clip Types
Rail clips come in a variety of types, each with its own unique features and advantages. Different rail clips are used for different types of railway systems, depending on factors such as rail weight and size, traffic volume, and track curvature. Some of the most common types of rail clips include:
| Name | Rail clip | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | E clip (e1809, e2006,e2007,e2009,etc) | |||
| Skl clip (skl1,skl3,skl12,skl14) | ||||
| Or the type by customers' drawings | ||||
| Material | 60Si2MnA | 60Si2CrA | 55Si2Mn | 38Si7 |
| Chemical composition(%) | C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.60-2.00, Cr:≤0.35, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.40-0.70, Si:1.40-1.80,Cr:0.70-1.00 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.52-0.60, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.50-2.00,Cr:≤0.35 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.35-0.42, Mn:0.50-0.80, Si:1.50-1.80, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 |
| Hardness | For e clip: 44-48HRC For skl clip: 42-47HRC |
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| Fatigue life | for Dia.18 is 3 millions cycles without breaking for Dia.20 is 5 millions cycles without breaking |
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| Surface | plain (oiled), Oxide black, color painting, HDG, Zinc Plating... | |||
| Standard refers | DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222 | |||
Rail clips play a crucial role in the railway system, as they ensure the stability and safety of the track. Selecting the right type of rail clip based on rail type and size, rail fastening system, environmental conditions, maintenance requirements, and cost considerations is necessary to maintain track stability. Proper installation, maintenance, and inspection of rail clips can help prevent common issues like corrosion, improper installation, fatigue failure, and vibration problems. Regular inspection and maintenance of rail clips can help detect issues early and prevent track instability, minimizing the risk of accidents.
GNEE RAIL offer an extensive range of rail clips with optimum quality, these rail clips are designed with high precision and made up of premium grade spring steel. GNEE has been the largest and most competitive production base of rail clip in China after more than 18 years' rail clip producing experience, and have qualification to tender nationally large and medium scaled rail projects. What's more, our rail clip can be customized according to clients' requirements.
