What material is used for rail pad

Railway pads are indispensable damping components in modern railway fastening systems, and their material directly affects the track's vibration damping performance, wear resistance, and service life. Currently, the main materials used for railway pads include the following:

 

Rubber

 

• Made from natural or synthetic rubber, it offers good elasticity, strong wear resistance, and significant damping effects.

 

• Suitable for high-speed railways, heavy-haul railways, and crane rails, it effectively absorbs longitudinal and lateral impact forces, protecting the rails and sleepers.

 

Technical Parameter	Unit	Value
Stiffness	KN	90-130
Hardness Shore A	℃	72-80 degree
Electronic Resistance	Ω	≥ 106
Tensile Strength before Aging	Mpa	≥12.5
Elongation before Aging	%	≥250

 

 

EVA

 

• A lightweight material with good elasticity and cushioning properties, alongside corrosion resistance and aging resistance.

 

• Often used in medium-low speed railways or urban rail transit lines, it reduces the overall weight of the track while ensuring cushioning effectiveness.

 

EVA: Polyethylene 80%, Vinyl Acetate 20%.
Technical Parameter	Unit	Technical Requirement	Value
Density	g/cm3	0.95-0.98	0.95
Tensile Strength	Mpa	≥15	16
Elongation	%	>500	550
Melting Point	℃	170-190	170
Insulation Resistance	Ω	≥1×1010	5.0 ×1010
Hardness	A	≥90	92(A)

 

 

HDPE

 

• Features relatively high rigidity, wear resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance, making it suitable for harsh environments or industrial tracks.

 

• Typically used in track scenarios requiring waterproofing, corrosion resistance, and low maintenance, though its damping effect is slightly lower than that of rubber pads.

 

Technical Parameter	Unit	Technical Requirement	Value
Density	g/cm3	0.95-0.98	0.95
Tensile Strength	Mpa	≥19	19
Elongation	%	>80	150
Melting Point	℃	170-190	190
Insulation Resistance	Ω	≥1×1010	3.5 ×1010
Hardness	A	≥98	98(A)

 

 

Composite Pads

 

• Combine rubber with plastic or other polymer materials to offer a balance of elasticity, wear resistance, and stability.

 

• Thickness and hardness can be customized based on train load, track type, and construction requirements, meeting the high standards of high-speed and heavy-haul railways.

 

Railway pads made from these different materials can be used in conjunction with components such as rail tie plates, rail clips, elastic rail clips, rail bolts, and fishplates to ensure track structure stability, effective vibration damping, and extended track lifespan.

 

 

GNEE RAIL can supply railway pads in various materials and specifications, including Rubber, EVA, HDPE, and composite pads. We also provide a full range of complementary railway fasteners such as Rail Tie Plates, Rail Clips, Fishplates, Rail Bolts, and Crane Rail Clips, along with custom design, installation technical guidance, and after-sales services to meet global railway construction and maintenance needs.

 

Click here to obtain the detailed product catalog of GNEE RAIL.