A rail fastening system, also known as a railway fastening system, is a critical assembly that secures rails to wooden or concrete sleepers. These systems vary in type to suit different track conditions and operational requirements. Common types, classified by clip structure and installation method, include E-clip, SKL, KPO, Nabla, WJ type, and Fast clip quick fastening systems.
Each fastening system works in combination with rail pads, rail insulators, tie plates, bolts, nuts, screws, and plastic sleeves to achieve load distribution, vibration absorption, and electrical insulation. Selecting the appropriate fastening system is essential for maintaining track gauge precision, enhancing track longevity, and ensuring safe train operations.
The main types of rail fasteners system
SKL clip rail fastening system
Generally, the components of SKL rail fastening system include SKL tension clip, screw spike, flat washer, plastic dowel, guide plate and rail pad. Skl rail fastening system is used with concrete sleepers.
| Part Name | Type | Material | Surface | Remark |
| SKL tension clip | Dia. 13mm | 60Si2CrA, 38Si7 |
Plain oiled, color painting, or the other required ones. |
Hardness: 42-47HRC Fatigue test: When the clip spring deflection reaches 9.1mm and the swing deflection is 1.42mm, the fatigue life will be 5 millions cycles without breaking. Standard: DIN17221, GB/T1222 |
| screw spike | M24*150MM M24*160MM M24*180MM |
Grade 4.6: Q235 Grade 5.6: 35# Grade 8.8: 45# |
Plain oiled, black oxide, galvanized, hot dip galvanized, Dacromet and sherardized |
Standard: ISO898-1, UIC864-1 and NF F500-50 |
| plain washer | UIs7 | Q235 |
Plain oiled, black oxide, galvanized, hot dip galvanized, Dacromet and sherardized |
Standard: EN10025, EN10139 |
| plastic dowel | For different size of screw spike | HDPE, Reinforced Nylon 66 (PA66) | Black, blue, yellow, green or other color | For insert into concrete sleeper |
| guide plate | UIC54, UIC60, 50kg rail, 6kg rail, and other sizes as ordered | Reinforced Nylon 66 (PA66) | Black, blue, yellow, green or other color | Different designs are available. |
| rail pad | UIC54, UIC60 and sizes as ordered | EVA, or rubber | Black, blue, yellow, green or other color | Different designs are available. |
E-clip rail fastening
For E-clip fastening system, E-clip, shoulder, rail pad, insulator are necessary parts.
| Part Name | Type | Material | Surface | Remark |
| E clip |
Dia. 16mm Dia. 18mm Dia. 20mm |
60Si2MnA, 60Si2CrA,55SiMn |
Plain oiled, color painting, or the other custom finish. |
Hardness: 44-48HRC without breaking for Dia.18mm, 5 millions cycles without breaking for Dia.20mm GB/T1222 |
| Shoulder |
UIC54,UIC60, 115RE,50kg rail, 60kg rail,BS80lbs, BS100lbs |
QT500-7 QT450-10 |
Plain oiled, color painting |
Different designs are available. |
| Rail pad |
UIC54,UIC60, BS80lbs,BS100lbs, in ordered size |
HDPE, EVA, or rubber |
Black or other colors |
Different designs are available. |
| Insulator |
UIC54,UIC60, 50kg rail, 60kg rail, BS80lbs,BS100lbs, and size as ordered |
Reinforced Nylon 66 (PA66) |
Black, blue, yellow, green or other color | Different designs are available. |
KPO clip rail fastening system
KPO rail fastening system is usually consist of KPO clips, screw spikes, HS bolts, Hex nuts and double coil spring washer.
|
Part name |
Type |
Material |
Surface |
Remark |
|
KPO clip |
KPO3, KPO6, KPO9 |
Q235 |
Plain oiled |
Standard: DIN5906 |
|
HS bolt |
HS26, HS32 |
Grade4.6: Q235 |
Plain oiled, black oxide, galvanized, hot dip galvanized |
Diameter: 22mm or 24mm. |
|
Hex nut |
As ordered |
Grade 5: 35# |
Plain oiled, black oxide, galvanized, hot dip galvanized |
Standard: DIN985 |
|
Double coil spring washer |
As ordered |
65Mn |
Plain oiled, black oxide, galvanized, hot dip galvanized |
Standard: UIC864-3 |
|
screw spike |
M24×150mm |
Grade 4.6: Q235 |
Plain oiled, black oxide, galvanized, hot dip galvanized, Dacromet and sherardized. |
Standard: ISO898-1, UIC864-1 NF F500-50 |
|
Base plate |
UIC54,UIC60, 50kg rail, 60kg rail,S49 in ordered size |
Casting iron QT500-7, QT450-10, or forging low carbon steel or high carbon steel |
Plain oiled |
Standard: UIC864-6 |
Nabla clip rail fastening system
Structurally, a Nabla clip rail fastening system contains these parts like nabla clips, insulator, double end screw spike, special spring washer, hex nut and plain washer.
|
Part name |
Type |
Material |
Surface |
Remark |
|
Nabla clip |
Thickness 4mm or 4.5mm |
60Si2MnA, 60Si2CrA |
Plain oiled, red color painting, or the other required by customers |
Hardness: 42-47HRCFatigue without breaking GB/T1222 |
|
Insulator |
UIC54, UIC60, S49 rails |
Reinforced Nylon 66 (PA66) |
Black, blue, yellow, green or other colors |
Different designs are available. |
|
Double end screw spike |
UIC54, UIC60, 50kg rail, 60kg rail |
Grade 5.6: 35# |
Plain oiled, black oxide, galvanized, hot dip galvanized |
Bending at 30 degree without crack. |
|
Special spring washer |
18.25×34×78mm |
ML08Al |
Plain oiled, black oxide, galvanized, hot dip galvanized |
For protecting the thread of the double end screw spike |
|
Hex nut |
As ordered |
Grade 5: 35# |
Plain oiled, black oxide, galvanized, hot dip galvanized |
Standard: DIN985 |
|
Plain washer |
As ordered |
Q235 |
Plain oiled, black oxide, galvanized, hot dip galvanized |
Standard: DIN125 |
GNEE RAIL supplies a comprehensive range of rail fastening systems, including E-clip, SKL, KPO, Nabla, WJ type, and Fastclip, along with full sets of rail pads, rail spikes, insulators, bolts, screws, and plastic sleeves. Additionally, GNEE RAIL provides customized solutions, installation guidance, and after-sales support, helping clients achieve efficient, safe, and long-term stable railway operations.
