What is the material of ERC clip?

A rail clip is a resilient fastening unit that stabilizes the rail by preventing vertical lift and sideways displacement, ensuring the rail remains properly seated even under heavy axle loads and frequent vibration. It is critical to maintaining long-term track integrity. GNEE RAIL supplies SKL1–SKL15, Nabla clips, Fast Clip systems, PR clips, E-type clips, and crane rail clips, compatible with GB, UIC, DIN536, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE track standards, and supports customers with fastening system matching services.

What is the material of ERC clip?

An Elastic Rail Clip (ERC) is made from high-strength spring steel, typically a carbon–manganese alloy steel, which is quenched and tempered to achieve the necessary combination of elasticity, tensile strength, and fatigue resistance.

This material selection is critical because ERCs must:

• Provide stable clamping (toe load) on the rail foot while allowing elastic flexing under dynamic loads.

• Absorb vibration and impact forces from passing trains or crane trolleys, protecting the rail, pad, and sleeper from fatigue damage.

• Withstand millions of load cycles without permanent deformation or cracking.

Common steel grades used for ERCs include:

• 65Mn – standard elastic clips for general railway applications.

• 60Si2Mn – improved elasticity and fatigue resistance for higher-speed or heavier-duty tracks.

• 70Si2Mn – heavy-duty or crane rail clips requiring higher toe load and stiffness.

After forming, ERCs usually receive surface treatments such as hot-dip galvanizing, black oxide, or Dacromet coating to resist corrosion in coastal, industrial, or high-humidity environments.

What types of rail clips are there?

Rail clips are specialized fasteners, typically forged from spring steel, designed to secure steel rails to sleepers (ties) while absorbing impact and preventing rail movement, buckling, or warping. Major types include E-type, SKL, Nabla, Pandrol (PR), and Deenik clips, commonly used in various elastic rail fastening systems.

Here are the main types of rail clips based on design and application:

• E-Type Rail Clip (E-Clip): Widely used in fastening systems (e.g., E1609, E1809, E2009) to provide high-strength, durable alignment.

• SKL Tension Clip: Commonly used in German HM-type and other systems (e.g., SKL1, SKL3, SKL12, SKL14, SKL75) to provide high clamping force.

• Nabla Clip: Frequently used in French rail fastening systems.

• Pandrol (PR) Clip: A popular, high-strength, and secure, elastic rail clip (e.g., PR85, PR401) widely used globally.

• Deenik Clip: A type of fastener, often found in Dutch railway systems.

• Crane Rail Clip: Specialized clamps used to secure crane rails, such as WJK or HWJK series, to crane girders.

• KPO Clamp: A bolted fastening system, often used for heavy-duty tracks.

• Fast Clip: An elastic, often self-installing clip system.

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.

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