A rail fish plate is a load-distribution element that allows wheel loads to be shared between adjacent rail sections at joints, reducing localized stress concentration and extending rail service life. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY provides fish plates matched to GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50–UIC60, DIN536 A-series crane rails, QU crane rails, JIS standards, AS1085 profiles, BS11 rails, and AREMA/ASCE standards, with technical documentation for installation.
What types of rail fish plates are there?
Rail fish plates, or rail joints, connect rail ends to ensure continuity and safety, classified primarily by application (light/heavy/crane rail) and functionality, including standard (4-6 hole), insulated (for signaling), compromise (different rail sizes), and joggled types. They are typically made of steel, but also composites or ductile iron.
| Type of Rail Fish Plate | Primary Function & Description |
|---|---|
| Standard / Ordinary Fish Plates | Used for standard rail connections. Typically feature 4 or 6 bolt holes and are designed for heavy rails (e.g., 38kg, 43kg, 50kg, 60kg). |
| Insulated Fish Plates | Crucial for railway signaling systems. Incorporate non-conductive materials (e.g., fiberglass, resin, polyurethane) to prevent electrical conductivity between adjoining rail sections. |
| Compromise / Transition Fish Plates | Designed to connect rails of different sizes or profiles, enabling a transition between sections (e.g., connecting 50kg to 60kg rail). |
| Joggled Fish Plates | Feature a bent or "joggled" shape. Used to accommodate rail defects or serve as a temporary repair for broken rails. |
| Glued Insulated Joints (GIJ) | A high-strength insulated joint type that is bonded (glued) to the rail. Minimizes movement and is used in high-speed or heavy-haul lines. |
| Crane Rail Fish Plates | Specialized, heavy-duty plates designed specifically for crane rail profiles such as QU70, QU80, QU100, and QU120. |
Specification of Rail Joint Bar
Rail joint bars (fishplates) are engineered metal components designed to connect rail ends, ensuring track continuity, strength, and safety. They are manufactured according to standards like AREMA, UIC (54/60), or BS, using high-strength steel (40# to 55# grade) with tensile strengths typically ranging from 550 to >690 Mpa.
| 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 | |
How do insulated fish plates make trains safer?
Insulated fish plates enhance train safety by electrically isolating rail sections to ensure accurate track circuit signaling and preventing short circuits, which is critical for detecting train positions. They securely join rails, maintaining alignment and structural integrity while allowing for thermal expansion to prevent track buckling.
Key safety functions include:
- Signaling Accuracy: By blocking electrical current between rail joints, they allow independent track circuit operation, ensuring signal equipment correctly identifies the presence of trains.
- Structural Integrity: They hold rail ends together, preventing derailments by keeping tracks aligned and reducing vertical deflection at joints.
- Corrosion Protection: The insulation prevents stray electrical currents from traveling through the rail, which can corrode tracks and nearby metal infrastructure.
- Improved Stability: They accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of rails, reducing the risk of buckling due to temperature changes.
Insulated joints are often made from high-strength composites or reinforced materials, providing electrical resistance and structural strength.
Founded in 2008, GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY 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.
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.