What is the E2056 rail elastic clip?

Dec 02, 2025

What is the E2056 rail elastic clip?

The E2056 is a model of E-type elastic rail clip, the most widely used threadless fastening component on concrete sleeper track. It is formed from a 20 mm diameter bar of 60Si2MnA spring steel and, after hot forging, oil hardening and tempering, it delivers a toe load of at least 950 kgf with a hardness of 44-48 HRC. Because the E2056 belongs to the 20 mm E-series family, it offers a combination of high clamping force and proven fatigue performance, which makes it suitable for mainline, heavy-haul, metro and high-speed applications.

Key parameters of the E2056

Parameter Typical value
Model E2056 (E-type elastic rail clip)
Bar diameter 20 mm
Material 60Si2MnA spring steel
Toe load ≥950 kgf
Hardness 44-48 HRC
Weight About 0.80 kg per piece
Fatigue life Several million cycles without breaking (20 mm clips typically tested to 5 million cycles)
Surface finish Plain oiled, oxide black, zinc plated, hot dip galvanized, Dacro or painting

Where is the E2056 used?

The E2056 is used with elastic fastening systems on concrete sleepers where a 20 mm clip with high holding force is required. Typical applications include mainline railways with heavy traffic, heavy-haul lines with high axle loads, metro systems with frequent train passages, and high-speed lines where track geometry must be held within tight tolerances. It is installed parallel to the rail into the shoulder of the fastening assembly, together with a rail pad and an insulator where electrical insulation is required.

How the E2056 works

During installation the clip is driven into the shoulder and deflects from its free shape. The elastic recovery force becomes the toe load that presses the rail foot onto the rail pad. This continuous clamping force prevents the rail from lifting, creeping or rolling over, keeps the gauge stable, and damps the vibration and impact generated by passing trains. Because the clip is self-tensioning, it maintains its clamping force without periodic retightening, which reduces maintenance workload over the life of the track.

What to verify when sourcing the E2056

When ordering E2056 clips, buyers should confirm the steel grade certificate and chemical composition, the hardness test results, the toe-load test report at the design installation deflection, and the fatigue test basis. The surface finish should be selected according to the project climate, and the clip geometry should be checked against the fastening system drawing to ensure compatibility with the shoulder and rail pad. Agree the packaging, quantity per pallet and labelling in the purchase order so that site stock control is straightforward.

FAQ

1. What does the E2056 model number mean?

E2056 is the model designation of a 20 mm diameter E-type elastic rail clip in the E-series family. The designation identifies the specific geometry and drawing used for production, and the parameters such as toe load and weight are defined by that drawing.

2. What is the toe load of the E2056?

The E2056 is specified with a minimum toe load of 950 kgf at the design installation deflection. The exact value is verified by a toe-load test on the delivered batch and stated in the test report.

3. Can the E2056 be used on high-speed lines?

Yes. The E2056 is used in concrete sleeper fastening systems on high-speed lines where the combination of high toe load and fatigue resistance keeps the track geometry stable under repeated dynamic loading.

4. How is the E2056 installed?

The clip is driven parallel to the rail into the shoulder of the fastening system with a hammer or a mechanised installation machine. Removal for maintenance is performed with a clip extractor, allowing quick replacement of pads and insulators.

5. What surface finish should I choose for the E2056?

Plain oiled is economical for dry and indoor projects; oxide black suits moderate climates; zinc plating and hot dip galvanizing protect against corrosion; Dacro coating is preferred for coastal and chemically aggressive environments.

6. How much does an E2056 clip weigh?

An E2056 clip weighs about 0.80 kg per piece, which is typical for 20 mm diameter E-series clips. This value is used for freight calculation and site stock management.