What clips are compatible with A55 crane rail?
The A55 crane rail has a specific "squat" profile with a wide base (150 mm) and a relatively low height (65 mm). Because of this geometry, the clips must be specifically designed to clear the low vertical height while providing enough lateral force to keep the rail aligned under heavy crane movement.
Compatible clips generally fall into two categories: Weldable and Bolted.
1. Weldable Flexible Clips (Recommended)
These are the most common for A55 rails in industrial settings. The lower part of the clip is welded to the steel runway beam, while the upper component is bolted onto the base of the rail.
- Rail Clamp: The 7-series or 9-series (e.g., 9116 or 7116) are frequently used.
- Key Feature: These clips feature a vulcanized rubber nose. This "nose" applies a controlled pressure to the rail base, allowing for longitudinal expansion while preventing lateral movement.
- Advantage: They are "self-locking," meaning the vibraion of the crane won't loosen the bolt over time.
2.Bolted Flexible Clips
If welding to the runway beam is not permitted or possible, bolted clips are used. These require holes to be drilled through the flange of the support beam.
- Compatibility: Most bolted clips used for A55 are two-part systems with an eccentric washer that allows for lateral adjustment (usually up to 10 mm to 15 mm) to ensure the rail is perfectly straight.
- Best For: Maintenance and retrofitting where the existing structure cannot be easily welded.
3. Rail Clip Selection Factors for A55
When selecting a specific model, you must match the clip to the A55 dimensions:
| Component | Specification for A55 |
| Lateral Force Resistance | Must handle the horizontal "thrust" of the specific crane tonnage. |
| Tightening Torque | Usually ranges from $150\text{ Nm}$ to $300\text{ Nm}$ depending on the bolt grade (8.8 or 10.9). |
| Base Clearance | The clip must be low-profile enough that the crane wheel flange does not strike the top of the bolt. |
Why are rail clamps required for DIN 536 A55 rails?
Rail clamps are required for DIN 536 A55 crane rails to ensure lateral stability, secure fastening under heavy, dynamic, or vibrating loads, and to allow for longitudinal thermal expansion. These clips prevent rail displacement, maintain gauge accuracy, and prolong the service life of both the rail and the crane wheels.
Key reasons for using specialized clamps with A55 rails include:
- Secure Fastening: High-strength clips, often featuring a rubber "nose," apply constant pressure to the rail base, keeping the track anchored to the foundation.
- Lateral Support: The clamps prevent the rail from twisting or shifting under heavy horizontal forces generated by overhead or gantry cranes.
- Flexibility and Noise Reduction: When paired with rubber pads, clamps absorb vibration and reduce noise, crucial for preventing damage to concrete or steel supports.
- High-Temperature Stability: They maintain structural integrity in industrial environments (like steel plants) where A55 rails are commonly installed.
FAQ
1. Can I use standard railway clips for the A55 rail profile?
No. Standard railway clips are designed for different flange thicknesses and angles. The A55 rail dimensions feature a specific sloped base that requires clips engineered for the DIN 536 A serie. Using incorrect clips will result in poor clamping force and potential rail displacement, which can damage the crane wheels.
2. Is it necessary to use rubber pads with A55 fastening clips?
While not mandatory in every light-duty application, we strongly recommend using composite rubber pads for all A55 crane tracks. The pad distributes the load more evenly across the baseplates/Steel Soleplates and prevents "fretting corrosion" between the rail and the support beam. It is a cost-effective way to double the life of your crane components.
3. What is the difference between weldable and bolted clips for A55 rails?
Weldable clips have a lower base that is fused directly to the steel runway beam, providing maximum lateral resistance. Bolted clips are used when the Rail A55 is mounted on concrete or when the support beam cannot be welded. Both types are compatible with the DIN 536-1991 A55 crane rail standard, provided they are sized correctly for the 150mm base.
4.How do I determine the correct spacing for A55 rail clips?
Clip spacing for A55 heavy rails is typically 600 mm on center, but this can vary based on the maximum wheel load of the crane. For heavy-duty 24/7 operations, spacing may be reduced to 500 mm to ensure the A55 Steel Crane Rail remains perfectly aligned under extreme horizontal thrust.
5.Are your fastening clips compatible with S900Q material grade rails?
Yes. Our standard fastening clips are designed to work with all A55 Crane Rail Material Grade options, including S700 and S900Q. The mechanical clamping force remains consistent regardless of the steel grade, ensuring a secure DIN536 A55 Rail System for any industrial environment.
Request Latest Price
To ensure your project benefits from the most durable and cost-effective runway infrastructure, it is essential to utilize the correct material specifications and fastening hardware. At GNEE RAIL, we offer more than just products; we provide a complete technical ecosystem tailored to your specific operational loads and environmental challenges.
Please Contact Us today to receive a complete technical submittal, including detailed DIN 536 A55 rail dimensions Details and custom CAD drawings for your project. Our team is ready to provide the professional data and logistics support you need to ensure a successful and long-lasting DIN536 A55 Rail System installation.