A variety of different types of heavy-duty clips are used to fasten the rails to the underlying baseplate or Sleeper, one common being the E Clip, which is shaped like a stubby paperclip. Another one is the SKL Tension Clamp, which is also the most widely used type all over the world. Others like KPO Clamp and Nabla Clip, also used in different situations.
What are the different types of railroad clips?
Railroad clips (or rail fasteners) secure tracks to sleepers, with common types including E-clips, SKL clips (like SKL1, SKL12), Nabla clips, and KPO clamps, each offering different tension, elasticity, and application for various track conditions, from heavy-haul to high-speed railways, ensuring rail stability and vibration absorption.
- E-Type Rail Clips: Simple, strong spring steel clips (e.g., E1609, E1817) providing durable alignment, used globally in many standard fastening systems.
| E-type Rail clip specification | |
| Name | E-type rail clip |
| Material | 60Si2MnA 60Si2CrA 55Si2Mn 38Si7 |
| Hardness | 44-48HRC |
| Fatigue Life | for Dia.18 is 3 millions cycles without breaking |
| for Dia.20 is 5 millions cycles without breaking | |
| Surface | plain (oiled), Oxide black, color painting or according to customer requirement |
| Standard | DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222 |
- SKL Rail Clips: Also known as tension clips, used in systems like the German HM system (e.g., SKL1, SKL3, SKL12, SKL14) for excellent holding power.
| SKL Rail clip specification | |
| Name | SKL tension clamp |
| Material | 60Si2MnA 60Si2CrA 55Si2Mn 38Si7 |
| Hardness | 42-47HRC |
| Fatigue Life | for Dia.18 is 3 millions cycles without breaking |
| for Dia.20 is 5 millions cycles without breaking | |
| Surface | plain (oiled), Oxide black, color painting or according to customer requirement |
| Standard | DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222 |
- Nabla Rail Clips: A specific type of clip used in the Nabla fastening system, often seen in countries like Japan and France, known for its effective fastening.
| Nabla Rail clip specification | |
| Name | Nabla rail clip |
| Material | 60Si2MnA |
| Hardness | Hrc41-48 |
| Sizes | As your drawing |
| Surface | plain (oiled), Oxide black, color painting or according to customer requirement |
| Standard | DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222 |
- KPO Clamps: A robust clamping solution used in KPO fastening systems, providing strong rail fixation.
- Deenik Clips: Another variation of elastic rail clips, designed for specific track applications.
| Deenik Rail clip specification | |
| Name | Deenik rail clip |
| Material | 60Si2CrA 55Si2Mn 38Si7 |
| Hardness | 42-47HRC |
| Fatigue Life | for Dia.18 is 3 millions cycles without breaking |
| for Dia.20 is 5 millions cycles without breaking | |
| Surface | plain (oiled), Oxide black, color painting or according to customer requirement |
- Vossloh Clips: A popular brand often associated with E-clips and other tension clips, widely used in Europe and beyond.
- W-Type Clips: Another distinct design for rail fastening, mentioned alongside E-type and KPO clips.
What is the material of an elastic rail clip?
Elastic rail clips are primarily made from high-strength spring steel, such as grades like 60Si2Mn, 60Si2Cr, 55Si2Mn, or 38Si7, chosen for their excellent elasticity, fatigue resistance, and ability to withstand high forces to securely fasten rails to sleepers. These clips are typically produced by hot forging and heat treatment (quenching and tempering) to achieve optimal mechanical properties.
Key Material Properties:
- Spring Steel Composition: Contains silicon and manganese (or chromium) for enhanced elasticity and strength.
| 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: Usually heat-treated to a hardness of 40-48 HRC (Rockwell Hardness C scale).
- High Tensile Strength: Capable of bearing significant load (around two tons per clip).
- Fatigue Resistance: Able to withstand repeated bending and torsional stress from passing trains.
GNEE RAIL as the largest rail clip and clamp production base in China, which has been qualified to tender medium and large scaled railway projects. In addition, GNEE RAIL is approved elastic rail clip manufacturer by China's Railway Ministry and has been ISO9001-2008 certified. Our rail clip product is ideal for rail track assembly for advantages of easy fitment while track laying; economical maintenance; long durability and lifespan; fast replacement.
