What are rail clips made of?

Rail clip, also called elastic rail clip, it is used to fasten the rail tracks with railroad spike, rail pad, track bolt, rail joint bar together. It is also usually used as a part of rail fastening system. There are huge demand of rail clips on the railway line, about 7000pcs per kilometer, which is directly related to rail safety.

 

 

What are rail clips made of?

 

Rail clips, especially elastic ones, are primarily made from high-strength spring steel, such as Si7 grades (55Si7, 60Si2MnA) or chromium-silicon steels, forged and heat-treated for durability, elasticity, and resistance to fatigue and corrosion. While the main component is spring steel, other parts of the fastening system might use carbon steels like Q235, but the clips themselves rely on steel's elastic properties.

Key Materials & Properties:

 

 

• Spring Steel: This is the core material, chosen for its ability to withstand bending, torsion, and shock without permanent deformation, crucial for holding rails in place.

 

• Specific Grades: Common types include 55 Si7, 60 Si7, 60Si2MnA, 55 SiCr7, and 60Si2CrA.

 

• High-Strength Steel: Some clips use other high-strength steels (like Q235) or even composite materials, depending on the specific application and load requirements.

 

 

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

Manufacturing Process:

 

 

• Hot Forging: Spring steel bars are heated and hammered into the desired clip shape, creating a uniform internal structure for better performance.

 

• Heat Treatment: After forging, clips undergo quenching (cooling in oil) and tempering (annealing) to achieve optimal hardness, strength, and elasticity.

 

 

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.

 

 

Name	Rail clip
Type	E clip (e1809, e2006,e2007,e2009,etc)
	Skl clip (skl1,skl3,skl12,skl14)
	Or the type by customers' drawings
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
Hardness	For e clip: 44-48HRC
	For skl clip: 42-47HRC
Fatigue life	for Dia.18 is 3 millions cycles without breaking
	for Dia.20 is 5 millions cycles without breaking
Surface	plain (oiled), Oxide black, color painting, HDG, Zinc Plating...
Standard refers	DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222

 

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