A rail fish plate is a steel bar precisely shaped to match the rail web profile, used to mechanically unite two rail ends into a single functional track segment that resists deflection and misalignment under service loads. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY produces fish plates for GB light and heavy rails, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 A55–A120 crane rails, QU70–QU120, JIS rails, AS1085 sections, BS11 standards, and AREMA/ASCE profiles, and supports corrosion protection selection.
| 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 | |
What types of rail joint bars are there?
Rail joint bars, or fishplates, are essential railway fasteners used to connect rail ends, ensuring continuity, alignment, and strength. Key types include common (standard), compromise (different sized rails), insulated (signaling), and expansion joints. They are classified by fastener holes (4 or 6), position (supported/suspended), and function (welded/joggled).
| Joint Type | Key Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Rail Joint (Fish Plate) | - Profile: Matches the rail section (e.g., UIC 60, 136RE). - Length: Typically 600mm or 800mm per side. - Holes: 4 or 6 bolt holes per bar. |
| Insulated Rail Joint (IRJ) | - Material: Steel core with composite insulating end-posts/plates, or full epoxy composite. - Electrical Resistance: >10⁸ Ω. |
| Compromise Rail Joint | - Design: Connects two different rail profiles (e.g., UIC 54 to UIC 60). - Profile: Each side is machined to match its respective rail section. |
| Joggled Rail Joint | - Feature: Has a depressed (joggled) section to allow continuous rail head surface for smoother wheel passage. |
| Bridge Rail Joint | - Design: Often reinforced (thicker web/longer length) for high-stress locations like bridge approaches. |
| Glued Insulated Joint | - Construction: Steel bars bonded to composite insulation using high-strength adhesive for improved durability. |
| Welded Rail Joint (for CWR) | - Type: Flash-butt or thermite weld. - Specification: Weld must meet mechanical properties equal to or greater than the parent rail. |
| Expansion Joint (for BRE) | - Feature: Allows controlled thermal expansion in long rails on bridges or in extreme temperature zones. |
How They Differ from Standard Fish Plates?
Insulated fish plates differ from standard (steel) fish plates primarily by using non-conductive materials-such as fiberglass, polyurethane, or epoxy-to electrically isolate rail ends. While standard plates conduct electricity and connect rails structurally, insulated plates prevent signal current leakage, making them essential for modern electrified track signaling and automatic block systems.
Key Differences:
- Function: Standard plates are used for structural joining. Insulated plates are used for electrical isolation to separate signaling circuits.
- Material: Standard plates are typically made of high-strength steel. Insulated plates feature insulating materials (like epoxy resin) between the plate and the rail, or use reinforced plastic/composite materials.
- Application: Standard plates are for general-purpose track. Insulated plates are critical for track circuits, subway systems, and areas with signaling.
- Maintenance: Insulated joints require stricter maintenance to prevent insulation wear, whereas standard steel joints are more robust under heavy loads.
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.