A rail fish plate is a mechanical continuity component that connects rail segments so that track geometry and stiffness remain stable across joints during repeated train passage. Its accuracy directly affects joint durability. GNEE RAIL manufactures fish plates for GB light rail and heavy rail, UIC profiles, DIN536 and QU crane rails, JIS rail sections, AS1085 rails, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE rails, and supports bulk supply for long-distance rail lines.
Types of RaIL Joint Bar
| Type | Primary Function & Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Fish Plates | Connect rail ends of the same size, typically with 4 or 6 holes. Used for standard rail joints. |
| Insulated Fish Plates | Electrically isolate rail sections for signaling systems using non-conductive materials. |
| Compromise Fish Plates | Transition joints designed to connect rails of different sizes or profiles. |
| Joggled Fish Plates | Feature a bent shape for temporary repair or to accommodate rail defects. |
| Glued Insulated Joints (GIJ) | High-strength bonded joints that minimize movement in high-speed or heavy-axle lines. |
| Crane Rail Fish Plates | Heavy-duty plates designed for specific crane rail profiles (e.g., QU70, QU100). |
Are insulated fish plates needed for all train tracks?
Insulated fish plates (or insulated rail joints) are not needed for all train tracks; they are specifically required in areas with electrical signaling systems, track circuits, or at turnouts to prevent electrical interference. They are crucial for separating track sections, while standard, non-insulated fish plates are used on conventional track sections where insulation is unnecessary.
Key Takeaways on Insulated Fish Plate Necessity:
- Signaling Systems: Essential where track circuits are used for train detection.
- Electrified Tracks: Crucial in electrified railway systems to maintain electrical isolation.
- Turnouts and Special Track Work: Used at turnout conversion parts to prevent current from interfering with turnout control circuits.
- Bridge/Tunnel Safety: Often required in humid environments to prevent electrical leakage.
- Non-Essential Areas: Not used on standard non-signaled tracks or conventional railway sections where electrical isolation isn't required.
- Alternative Systems: Modern, continuously welded rail (CWR) may require fewer joints, but where gaps are needed for signaling, insulation is crucial.
What is the material of the rail joint bar?
Rail joint bars (or fishplates) are primarily manufactured from high-strength carbon steel, such as 45#, 50#, 55# steel, or alloy steels like 50Mn for enhanced durability. They are designed to withstand heavy railway, crane, or light rail loads. Specialized insulated joints use high-strength composite materials to provide electrical isolation.
Key Materials and Properties
- Carbon Steel (45#, 50#, 55#): Frequently used for standard, high-strength applications.
- Alloy Steel (e.g., 50Mn, Q235B, Q345B): Used for heavy-duty crane tracks or cost-effective, lighter-duty, or temporary applications.
- High-Strength Composites: Used in insulated joints for corrosion resistance, rust prevention, and electrical, non-conductive, and non-magnetic properties.
- Forged/Rolled Steel: Forged or hot-rolled to ensure durability and strength.
| Material Type | Typical Grade / Designation | Chemical Composition (wt%) | Notes / Equivalent Standards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Structural Steel | Q235 (GB/T 700) | C: ≤0.22 Si: ≤0.35 Mn: 0.30-0.65 P: ≤0.045 S: ≤0.045 |
Common mild steel for general joint bars. Similar to ASTM A36, S235JR. |
| Carbon Structural Steel | Q255 (GB/T 700) | C: 0.18-0.28 Si: ≤0.35 Mn: 0.40-0.70 P: ≤0.045 S: ≤0.045 |
Slightly higher strength than Q235. |
| Medium Carbon Steel | 50Mn / 50BA (GOST 10779) | C: 0.47-0.55 Si: 0.17-0.37 Mn: 0.80-1.20 P: ≤0.040 S: ≤0.045 |
Classic high-strength fish plate steel. Widely used for mainline joints. |
| Medium Carbon Steel | 55# (GB/T 699) | C: 0.52-0.60 Si: 0.17-0.37 Mn: 0.50-0.80 P: ≤0.035 S: ≤0.035 |
Standard medium carbon steel for demanding applications. Similar to AISI 1055. |
| Alloy Steel | 42CrMo (GB/T 3077) | C: 0.38-0.45 Si: 0.17-0.37 Mn: 0.50-0.80 Cr: 0.90-1.20 Mo: 0.15-0.25 P: ≤0.035 S: ≤0.035 |
High-strength, high-toughness alloy for severe service. Similar to AISI 4140/4142. |
| Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron | QT450-10 (GB/T 1348) | C: 3.60-3.90 Si: 2.00-3.00 Mn: ≤0.50 P: ≤0.07 S: ≤0.015 Mg: 0.03-0.06 (Nodulizer) |
Used in some traditional/joint kits for its castability and damping properties. Similar to EN-GJS-450-10. |
| Insulating Composite Material | Epoxy Fiberglass / FRP | Base: Epoxy Resin Reinforcement: E-Glass Fiber (>60%) Additives: Hardener, fillers (e.g., SiO₂) |
No metallic elements. Provides electrical insulation (Resistivity >10¹² Ω·cm), corrosion resistance. |
Founded in 2008, GNEE RAIL is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of railway components, specializing in high-quality rail fish plates (joint bars/splice bars) with strong production capacity and global service capabilities.
| Standard | Type | Length/Diameter | Weight /Material | |
| AREMA 2007 | 115RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.04Kg | 45# chemical |
| 115RE | 6 hole-36" | 25.56Kg | composition(%): | |
| 132-136RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.75Kg | C: 0.42-0.50 | |
| 132-136RE | 6 hole-36" | 26.63Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| UIC864 | UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ26 | 18.07Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-600/Φ28 | 17.47Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 | |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ25 | 18.1Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 4 hole | 14.34Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 6 hole-800 | 19.94Kg | ||
| BS 47-1 | BS75R | 4 hole | 6.56Kg | |
| BS60A | 4 hole | 5.61Kg | ||
| BS80A | 4 hole | 6.5Kg | ||
| BS90A | 685.8/Φ26 | 13.23Kg | 50# chemical | |
| BS90A | 792.9/Φ26.2 | 15.34Kg | composition(%): | |
| BS100A | 4 hole | C: 0.62-0.70 | ||
| 90/91LB | 4 hole | 18.08Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| 90/91LB | 6 hole | 19.9Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 | |
| AS | 50kg | 4 hole | 14.3Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 |
| 50kg | 6 hole | 19.5Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| S49 | 4 hole | 9.71Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
Our rail fish plate portfolio is comprehensive and compliant with international standards including UIC, AREMA, BS, DIN, and GB, covering light rail (8kg-30kg), heavy rail (38kg-75kg), and crane rail (QU70-QU120) systems. We offer diverse types such as insulated joint bars, bulged fish plates, and compromise rail joints,with precise specifications (4-hole/6-hole, 24-inch/36-inch), ensuring excellent mechanical performance.We uphold strict quality control supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification, an in-house inspection center, and third-party audits by SGS and BV. Our one-stop service includes customization, production, packaging, and after-sales support, tailored to clients' project needs.