What is OTM in railroad?
Jan 28, 2026
Rail fasteners are mechanical systems designed to preserve track geometry under long-term cyclic loading by maintaining consistent clamping force and preventing gradual loosening of rails. Their reliability determines track safety margins and maintenance planning.
GNEE RAIL supports large-scale rail projects by supplying standardized fastening systems along with customized configurations for special rail sections, crane rails, and industrial rail layouts.
What is OTM in railroad?
In railroads, OTM commonly stands for Other Track Material (or Miscellaneous Track Material), referring to the accessories used to fasten rails to ties, such as rail joints, spikes, anchors, bolts, and washers. It also refers to On-Track Machines (maintenance vehicles like tampers or stoneblowers).
Usage Examples of OTM (Other Track Material):
- Rail Fastening: Utilizing E-clips, rail clamps, and anchors to secure rails to sleepers.
An Elastic Rail Clip (ERC) is a vital, self-tensioning fastener made from high-strength forged spring steel (e.g., 55Si7 grade), designed to secure railway rails to concrete (PSC) sleepers, ensuring stability and proper gauge. Used widely in modern railway tracks to withstand heavy vibrations, dynamic forces, and prevent creep.
| Model | Diameter | Weight | Material |
| Type III | Ø18 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1609 | Ø16 | 0.43 kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1809 | Ø20 | 0.61kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E1813 | Ø18 | 0.62kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2001 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2007 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2009 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2039 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2055 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2056 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| E2063 | Ø20 | 0.80kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR85 Rail Clip | Ø13 | 0.25kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR309A | Ø19 | 0.85kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR401 | Ø20 | 0.97kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR415 | Ø20 | 0.95kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| PR601A | Ø20 | 1.03kg/pc | 38Si7 |
| SKL 1 | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc | 60Si2CrA |
| SKL 3 | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc | 60Si2CrA |
| SKL 12 | Ø13 | 0.53kg/pc | 38Si7 |
| SKL 14 | Ø13 | 0.53kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Special Rail Clip | Ø13 | 0.48kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Russia Rail Clip | Ø18 | 0.58kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Deenik Clip | Ø25 | 0.49-0.68kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Single Anti- | Ø20 | 0.25kg/pc | 60Si2MnA |
| Theft |
Material of ERC rail clip
| Element / Grade | 60Si2Mn | 60Si2CrA | 55Si2Mn | 38Si7 (≈1.5023) | 55Si7 (≈1.0904) | 65Si7 (≈1.0906) |
| Carbon (C) | 0.56–0.64 | 0.56–0.64 | 0.52–0.60 | 0.35–0.42 | 0.52–0.60 | 0.62–0.70 |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.50–2.00 | 1.40–1.80 | 1.50–2.00 | 1.60–2.00 | 1.60–2.00 | 1.60–2.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.60–0.90 | 0.40–0.70 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.50–0.80 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.70–1.00 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤0.30 | 0.70–1.00 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.30 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤0.35 | ≤0.35 | ≤0.35 | – | – | – |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.025 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.025 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.025 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.025 |
| Key Standard | GB/T 1222 | GB/T 1222 | GB/T 1222 | EN 10089 | EN 10089 | EN 10089 |
- Track Joints: Connecting rail ends using joint bars, splice bars, and bolts.
- Insulation: Providing electrical insulation between rail sections.
- Maintenance: Fixing tie plates, screw spikes, and rail pads to maintain track geometry.
What is the purpose of rail fasteners?
Rail fasteners, often referred to as rail anchors, clips, spikes, or tie plates, are essential components that securely fasten rails to sleepers (railroad ties) to maintain gauge stability, resist movement from dynamic, lateral, and vertical train forces, and provide elasticity to reduce vibration and damage. These systems ensure track integrity, preventing derailments and ensuring safe, smooth operation.
Key Purposes and Functions
- Fixing Rails: Securely attaches rails to sleepers or baseplates to prevent horizontal/vertical movement and prevent overturning.
- Maintaining Gauge: Ensures the precise, consistent distance between rails (gauge) is maintained, which is critical for safe train operation.
- Withstanding Dynamic Forces: Distributes intense, repeated loads from trains (longitudinal, vertical, and lateral) across the track structure.
- Providing Elasticity/Damping: Absorbs vibrations, shocks, and noise, reducing damage to sleepers and rails.
- Thermal Management: Limits longitudinal movement caused by thermal expansion and contraction (creep).
GNEE RAIL offers different kinds of railway fasteners to meet client's requirements, such as Elastic Rail Clip and Clamp, Rail Screw Spike, Plastic Dowel, High Tensile Track Bolt with Nut, Rail Base(Tie) Plate, Rail Fish Plate, Railway Shoulder(Insert), Fish Bolt, Railroad Rubber and EVA Pad, etc. Samples and drawings provided by customer, we will manufacture qualified products accordingly. We also deal with Steel Rail, Sleeper, Auto Bolt and other customized parts.
Click here to obtain the detailed product catalog of GNEE RAIL.
