A rail fish plate is a mechanical reinforcement element that enables adjacent rail sections to share loads effectively, minimizing impact forces generated at joints during train passage. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates for GB rails, UIC rails, DIN536 and QU crane rails, JIS standards, AS1085 rails, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE rails, with coordinated supply of bolts and nuts.
What does a fish plate do?
A fish plate (or joint bar/splice bar) is a heavy steel plate bolted to the sides of two connecting railway rails to hold them together securely. They maintain the structural integrity, horizontal/vertical alignment, and gauge of the track while enabling the smooth transfer of loads from one rail to the next.
Key functions and details include:
- Structural Joint: It acts as a bridge connecting rail ends, preventing them from separating or sagging.
- Load Distribution: Fish plates ensure the wheel load is distributed evenly across the rail joint, reducing impact on the track.
- Alignment & Stability: They keep rail ends aligned in both vertical and horizontal planes.
- Expansion/Contraction: While holding rails together, they are designed to allow for slight longitudinal movement for thermal expansion.
Hot Fish Plate from GNEE RAIL
| 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 |
What is the purpose of the holes on the fishtail plate?
The holes on a fishtail plate (or rail joint bar) are designed to accommodate rail bolts, which securely fasten the plate to the ends of adjacent railroad tracks. These holes ensure proper alignment, maintain structural continuity, and allow the joint to remain secure under heavy loads.
Key Purposes of the Holes:
- Fastening: They allow the insertion of bolts (often 4 or 6) that connect two rails, ensuring they do not move apart.
- Alignment & Stability: By enabling a tight connection, the holes help maintain the structural integrity and precise alignment of the tracks.
- Flexibility: The holes are sometimes slotted rather than circular to allow for the expansion and contraction of the steel rails due to temperature changes, preventing track buckling.
- Maintenance: The bolted, rather than welded, connection allows for easier removal and replacement of the rails.
Generally, these holes are found in pairs (4-hole or 6-hole configurations) to ensure maximum strength at the rail joint.
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.
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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