A rail fish plate is a steel connector used at rail joints to restore effective sectional strength where rails meet mechanically, protecting rail ends from accelerated fatigue and impact damage. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates for GB light and heavy rails, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 crane rails, QU crane rails, JIS rails, AS1085 rails, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE standards, with coordinated logistics for international supply.
What is a transition rail joint bar? What is its function?
A transition rail joint bar (or compromise joint bar) is a specialized, asymmetric steel connector used to join two railway rails of different sizes, profiles, or heights. Its primary function is to maintain proper alignment and a smooth, safe surface for train wheels when connecting dissimilar rail sections, reducing impact and wear.
Key Functions and Characteristics:
- Connects Dissimilar Rails: Joins different rail profiles, such as connecting worn rails to new rails or connecting lighter rails to heavier ones (e.g., in yard or maintenance areas).
- Ensures Smooth Transition: Manages differences in rail head height, web thickness, and base width to prevent derailment risks and ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient, uninterrupted ride.
- Asymmetric Design: Unlike standard joint bars, these are designed with an irregular profile and specific, customized hole spacing to match the unique dimensions of the two different rail ends.
- Structural Stability: Maintains the gauge and structural integrity of the track at the joint, ensuring the rails remain properly aligned and secure.
- Impact Reduction: Minimizes the dynamic impact of wheels passing from one rail type to another.
These bars are often used in areas where track standards change or during track upgrades, providing a cost-effective alternative to replacing an entire rail section.
Specifications of compromise joint bar
| No. | Type | Material | Unit weight (kg/pc) | Remark |
| 1 | 136RE-115RE | 55# | 27.5 | 4pcs per set |
| 2 | 136RE-132RE | 55# | 26.7 | 2pcs per set |
| 3 | 141RE-136RE | 55# | 26.7 | 2pcs per set |
| 4 | 141RE-132RE | 55# | 26.7 | 2pcs per set |
| 5 | 100-8 of 1/8″ vertical off | 55# | 15.6 | 2pcs per set |
| 6 | 100-8 of 3/8″ vertical off | 55# | 15.6 | 2pcs per set |
| 7 | UIC60-P50 | 55# | 23 | 2pcs per set |
| 8 | BS80A-115RE | 55# | 20 | 2pcs per set |
| 9 | UIC60 thermit welded joint | 55# | 18 | 2pcs per set |
| Material and bar length can be customized upon buyer request. | ||||
Why use 55# material to manufacture the compromise fish plate?
55# steel (a medium-carbon steel) is used for manufacturing compromise fish plates because it offers an optimal balance of high strength, toughness, and wear resistance needed to withstand intense vertical and lateral loads at rail transitions. It provides high-tensile strength and, after heat treatment (tempering/normalizing), ensures superior durability against fatigue, reducing the need for frequent maintenance in critical joint areas.
Key reasons for using 55# steel include:
- High Strength and Load Bearing: 55# steel provides the necessary structural integrity to hold heavy loads, crucial for connecting different rail profiles securely.
- Enhanced Durability: The material supports heat treatment processes (quenching and tempering) to improve fatigue resistance, preventing cracks or breakage under pressure.
- Wear Resistance: As a medium-carbon steel, it resists abrasion, which is critical for the longevity of the fish plate, which is often a point of high stress.
- Cost-Effective Performance: It offers a balance of cost and performance, providing a robust solution for railway infrastructure.
| Element | Standard Requirement (%) | Notes / Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.52 – 0.60 | Provides high strength and hardness. |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 – 0.80 | Increases hardenability and strength; neutralizes sulfur. |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.17 – 0.37 | Deoxidizer; enhances strength and elastic limit. |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.035 | Harmful element. Strictly controlled to prevent hot shortness. |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.035 | Harmful element. Strictly controlled to prevent cold shortness. |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.25 | Residual element (typically not intentionally added). |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.30 | Residual element (typically not intentionally added). |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.25 | Residual element. |
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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