What are the differences between surface treatment methods for Rail Clips?
Rail clips are tools utilized for securely attaching rails to the baseplate underneath them. Their main purpose is to keep the rail stable and prevent any shifts that may cause alignment issues or accidents. The selection of materials and design for rail clips is carefully done to ensure durability, in weather conditions and mechanical pressures often faced in railway activities.
As an OEM & OBM manufacturer, GNEE RAIL is capable of not only producing a wide range of internationally common types of rail clips, such as W Tension Clamp, e-Clip, Fast-Clip, SKL Tension Clamp, Nabla Blade, etc., but also customizing products tailored to our customers' specific requirements.
| Model | Diameter | Weight |
| Type III | Ø18 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E1609 | Ø16 | 0.43 kg/pc |
| E1809 | Ø20 | 0.61kg/pc |
| E1813 | Ø18 | 0.62kg/pc |
| E2001 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2007 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2009 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2039 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2055 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2056 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2063 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| PR85 Rail Clip | Ø13 | 0.25kg/pc |
| PR309A | Ø19 | 0.85kg/pc |
| PR401 | Ø20 | 0.97kg/pc |
| PR415 | Ø20 | 0.95kg/pc |
| PR601A | Ø20 | 1.03kg/pc |
| SKL 1 | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc |
| SKL 3 | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc |
| SKL 12 | Ø13 | 0.53kg/pc |
| SKL 14 | Ø13 | 0.53kg/pc |
| Special Rail Clip | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc |
| Russia Rail Clip | Ø18 | 0.58kg/pc |
| Deenik Clip | Ø25 | 0.49-0.68kg/pc |
| Single Anti- | Ø20 | 0.25kg/pc |
| Theft |
Surface treatments for rail clips differ primarily in their cost, corrosion resistance, and performance, ranging from low-cost, temporary solutions like oiling and blackening to more durable options like zinc plating (electro-galvanizing or hot-dip), Dacromet coating, and specialized paints. The choice of method depends on the specific environment and required level of protection, with galvanized and coated options providing better resistance to moisture, salt, and chemicals.
| Method | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain (Oiled) | A basic, low-cost layer of oil is applied for temporary corrosion protection. | Lowest cost. | Provides only temporary protection; rusts quickly without the oil. |
| Oxidation (Blackening) | A low-cost chemical process that turns the surface black. | Low cost and good initial appearance. | Offers very little inherent rust resistance; requires oiling to prevent rust. |
| Zinc Plating (Electro-galvanizing) | A common and relatively simple process that coats the steel with a layer of zinc. | Cost-effective, provides good appearance, and offers moderate corrosion resistance. | Corrosion performance is generally considered moderate compared to other methods. Can lead to hydrogen embrittlement in high-strength fasteners. |
| Dacromet Coating | A process using a metallic compound to create a protective, durable layer. | Offers excellent, long-lasting corrosion resistance. | More expensive than basic zinc plating. |
| Epoxy or other specialized coatings | Various paints and specialized coatings like PTFE (for chemical resistance) are applied. | Can be tailored for specific needs, such as high chemical or low-temperature resistance. | Performance varies significantly depending on the specific coating used. |
| Hot-Dip Galvanizing | The clip is immersed in a bath of molten zinc for a thick, durable coating. | Provides excellent corrosion resistance, especially in harsh environments. | Thicker coating can sometimes be difficult to control and may be more expensive. |
Furthermore, GNEE RAIL offers a diverse range of products and services, including OEM and OBM rail fastening systems for conventional, high-speed, heavy-haul, and metro applications. Its portfolio includes rail clips, pads, tie plates, bolts, and other specialized components. Comprehensive laboratory facilities ensure all products meet rigorous standards, including EN 13146, EN 13481 internationally, and TB standards domestically in China.
