A rail fish plate is a joint reinforcement component that compensates for the interruption of rail continuity by enabling bending moments and vertical loads to pass across the rail gap in a controlled manner. It is essential in traditional jointed track systems. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates compatible with GB rails, UIC profiles, DIN536 and QU crane rail systems, JIS standards, AS1085 rails, BS11 profiles, and AREMA/ASCE rails, with integrated joint kits for export projects.
| 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 is an insulated rail joint?
An insulated rail joint (IRJ) is a specialized track component that connects two rail ends while electrically isolating them from each other. Essential for modern railway signaling and train detection systems, they prevent electrical currents from passing between rail segments, thus enabling the creation of distinct track circuits to identify train positions.
Key Aspects of Insulated Rail Joints
- Purpose: Primarily used to separate track circuit sections in signaling systems, switches, and turnouts.
- Components: These joints incorporate insulation materials (such as nylon or fiber composites) between the rail ends, fishplates (joint bars), and bolts to ensure no metal-to-metal contact.
Types:
- Bonded/Glued Joints: High-strength joints where components are bonded together, commonly used in continuously welded rails (CWR).
- Non-Bonded/Conventional Joints: Traditional joints using insulated plates, often for lower-speed or specific applications.
- Material & Design: Constructed using high-strength steel or durable composites, designed to withstand high longitudinal forces and environmental conditions.
How long do insulated fish plates usually last?
Insulated rail fish plates (insulated joints) typically last between 5 to 10 years under normal, heavy-duty service conditions. Their longevity is heavily dependent on maintenance, weather, and traffic load, with, in some cases, specialized polyurethane-bonded joints providing years of service with minimal maintenance.
Key factors affecting their lifespan:
- Maintenance: Regular inspection of bolts is critical; without this, their lifespan decreases.
- Replacement Indicators: They should be replaced if there are signs of wear, such as clear cracks, curves, or when bolt hole growth exceeds 2mm.
- Damage Factors: Factors like UV radiation, ozone, abrasion, and heavy shock stresses from traffic can cause the insulating material to fail.
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.
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.