A rail clip is a spring steel component designed to provide continuous clamping force, securing the rail foot against pads or baseplates while absorbing vibration and impact forces. Its elasticity ensures consistent holding power and long-term track stability.
GNEE RAIL offers elastic clips for metro, high-speed, and freight tracks, including SKL, Nabla, Fast Clip, E-clip, and customized crane rail clips, covering GB, UIC, DIN, JIS, AS1085, BS11, and AREMA/ASCE systems, with services including pre-assembly and fastening system optimization.
| Model | Diameter | Weight |
| Type III | Ø18 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E1609 | Ø16 | 0.43 kg/pc |
| E1809 | Ø20 | 0.61kg/pc |
| E1813 | Ø18 | 0.62kg/pc |
| E2001 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2007 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2009 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2039 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2055 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2056 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2063 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc |
| PR85 Rail Clip | Ø13 | 0.25kg/pc |
| PR309A | Ø19 | 0.85kg/pc |
| PR401 | Ø20 | 0.97kg/pc |
| PR415 | Ø20 | 0.95kg/pc |
| PR601A | Ø20 | 1.03kg/pc |
| SKL 1 | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc |
| SKL 3 | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc |
| SKL 12 | Ø13 | 0.53kg/pc |
| SKL 14 | Ø13 | 0.53kg/pc |
| Special Rail Clip | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc |
| Russia Rail Clip | Ø18 | 0.58kg/pc |
| Deenik Clip | Ø25 | 0.49-0.68kg/pc |
What kind of steel are railroad clips made of?
Railroad clips are made of high-carbon, high-manganese spring steel, a type of carbon–manganese alloy steel that has been heat-treated to combine high strength, elasticity, and fatigue resistance. This steel allows the clip to clamp the rail securely while flexing under repeated dynamic loads and returning to its original shape, ensuring long-term track stability.
Key characteristics of this steel include:
- High tensile strength: Typically 800–1200 MPa, which enables the clip to withstand heavy vertical, lateral, and longitudinal forces without permanent deformation.
- Elasticity: The material behaves like a spring, absorbing impact, vibration, and thermal expansion, protecting both the rail and sleeper.
- Fatigue resistance: Capable of enduring millions of load cycles, essential for heavy-haul railways, high-speed tracks, and industrial or crane rail applications.
- Corrosion resistance: Clips are often treated with galvanization, black oxide, or other protective coatings to resist rust in outdoor or harsh environments.
Common grades used for railroad clips include 65Mn, 60Si2Mn, and for heavy-duty or crane rails, 70Si2Mn.
| 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 |
What are railroad clips used for?
Railroad clips (or rail clips) are critical components of fastening systems designed to securely attach steel rails to sleepers (ties) or baseplates, ensuring track stability and gauge integrity. They prevent longitudinal rail movement caused by temperature changes, absorb vibration from passing trains, and reduce maintenance needs by providing a permanent, elastic clamping force.
Key Uses and Functions:
- Securing Rails: They hold the rail down, preventing it from moving, warping, or shifting, which reduces derailment risks.
- Vibration Absorption: Acting as a flexible, spring-loaded component, they dampen the shock and vibrations from heavy train traffic.
- Maintaining Gauge: They maintain the precise distance between rails, preventing track gauge issues.
Are different types of railway clips interchangeable?
Different types of railway clips are generally not interchangeable, as they are engineered for specific rail weights, base widths, and sleeper types (e.g., concrete vs. wood) to maintain precise track gauge and tension. While some systems, like Pandrol e-Clips, offer various options for different applications, using the wrong clip (e.g., mixing PR401A and E2071) can compromise safety.
Key Factors Affecting Interchangeability:
- Design Specifics: Clips such as Pandrol e-Clips, Fastclips, and specific elastic rail clips (ERCs) (e.g., MK-III, MK-V) are designed for specific fastening systems and are not universal.
- Toe Load and Size: Clips have specific toe loads (e.g., 12.5kN vs 6.5kN) and sizes, making them unsuitable for swapping.
- Application Constraints: Certain clips cannot be used with specific insulators or, in some cases, with older Pandrol plates.
- Rail Type: Clips are tailored to the specific rail type, including weight (10kg/m to 56kg/m) and shape.
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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