What are the functions of rail pads and railway insulators?
Rail pads and insulators cushion impacts, reduce noise/vibration, distribute loads, and provide electrical insulation between rails and sleepers, protecting infrastructure; pads are elastic mats for general buffering/wear, while insulators (often thicker) provide robust gauge adjustment and critical electrical isolation for signaling, working together to extend track life and ensure safety.
What is a rail pad?
Rail pad, is a rail rubber plate between the rail tie plate and foot of the rail, made of elastic polyurethane, which is interposed between steel rails and sleepers to reduce friction and impact. Rail pads are fastened within a fastening system by screw spikes or rail bolts into the sleeper ties. It is designed to increase the elasticity of the superstructure, reduce shock and vibration in the rail system. Rail pad is made up of rubber or plastic is to dampen the shocks and vibration effecting on the train and track.
Rail pad functions
A rail rubber pad is essential in reducing shock and vibration in a rail system. The pad laid under the rail to ensure:
- Load distribution over a larger surface
- Elimination of load concentration and the resultant fatigue stresses
- Centering of loads on the supporting element
- Absorption of uneven contact surfaces between rail and support
- Reduction of noise and vibration
- Sealing between the bottom of the rail and the top of the support
- Reduction of wear of the rail and its support
As a professional rail fastener manufacturer,GNEE RAIL can produce various types of rubber rail pads with different materials, such as natural rubber, EVA, HDPE and so on. In railway fastening system, rubber rail pads are often installed between the rail tracks and the concrete railway sleepers.
| Raw Material | Rubber, EVA, TPEE, HDPE |
| Standard | UIC, AREMA, TB/T2626-95 |
| Application | 43kg/m, 50kg/m, 60kg/m, 75kg/m,115RE, UIC54, UIC60, S49 |
| Model number | 43-7-7, 43-10-7, 50-7-9, 50-10-9, 60-10-17, 60-12-17 |
| Operating temperature | -50~70 degrees |
| Certificate | MSDS, ROHS, REACH |
| Notes | They should be stored in a clean, ventilated place. Don't be in direct sunlight, and keep away from the heat source and chemical reagent. Don't touch the oil, organic solvent, and other chemicals. Banned exposure. |
What is a railroad insulators?
Railroad insulators are crucial components for both overhead power lines (catenary) and trackside systems, serving to support electrical wires and provide electrical isolation for signaling, preventing current leakage, and reducing wear on track fasteners by separating metal parts like rails, clips, and bolts from concrete sleepers.
The properties of our rail insulators are as follows:
| Technical Parameter | Unit | Technical Requirement | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | g/cm | 1.3-1.45 | 1.45 |
| Tensile Strength | Mpa | ≥170 | 178 |
| Elongation | % | ≤4.4 | 4.0 |
| Bending Strength | Mpa | ≥250 | 290 |
| Impact Strength (No gap) | KJ/m2 | ≥80 | 85 |
| Melting Point | ℃ | 250 - 270 | 270 |
| Insulation Resistance | Ω | ≥1×108 | 5×108 |
| Glass Fiber Content | % | 30-35 | 35 |
| Hardness | HRR | ≥110 | 118 |
GNEE RAIL offers different kinds of railway fasteners to meet client's requirements, such as Elastic Rail Clip and Clamp, Rail Screw Spike, Plastic Dowel, High Tensile Track Bolt with Nut, Rail Base(Tie) Plate, Rail Fish Plate, Railway Shoulder(Insert), Fish Bolt, Railroad Rubber and EVA Pad, etc. Samples and drawings provided by customer, we will manufacture qualified products accordingly.