E-type rail clip can provide durable alignment which can protect the steel rail and the fastenings from high pressure. The materials of e clip is spring steel which make e clip of high strength. There are many types of e clip: E1609, E1809, E1817, E2007, E2009, E2055, etc.
What is the function of e-railway clip?
An e-railway clip (elastic rail clip) functions as a vital component in railway fastening systems, securely clamping the steel rail to the sleeper (tie) to prevent unwanted vertical and horizontal movement, ensuring track stability, maintaining correct gauge, and absorbing vibrations from passing trains for safer, smoother operation. These clips provide strong, reliable tension (toe load) and are designed for "fit and forget" use, requiring minimal maintenance while resisting fatigue and corrosion.
What HRC hardness is ideal for E rail elastic clip?
For E-type elastic rail clips, the ideal hardness range is generally 44-48 HRC, though some specifications mention slightly lower ranges like 42-47 HRC, ensuring the clip has both the strength to hold the rail and the elasticity to function correctly, typically made from spring steels like 60Si2Mn.
Key Hardness Ranges & Materials:
- Standard Range: 44-48 HRC is a common target for E-clips.
| Model | Diameter | Material | Under Pressure | HRC | Weight |
| E1609 | Ø 16mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.43kg/pc |
| E1809 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.61kg/pc |
| E1813 | Ø 18mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.62kg/pc |
| E2001 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2009 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2039 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2007 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2055 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2056 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
| E2063 | Ø 20mm | 60Si2MnA | ≥950kg | 44-48 | 0.80kg/pc |
- Alternative/Slightly Softer: Some clips are specified at 42-47 HRC.
- Material: These clips are usually made from high-quality spring steels such as 60Si2Mn, 60Si2Cr, or 55Si2Mn, which are heat-treated to achieve the desired hardness and performance.
| Material | 60Si2MnA | 60Si2CrA | 55Si2Mn | 38Si7 |
| Chemical composition(%) | C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.60-2.00, Cr:≤0.35, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.40-0.70, Si:1.40-1.80,Cr:0.70-1.00 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.52-0.60, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.50-2.00,Cr:≤0.35 P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.35-0.42, Mn:0.50-0.80, Si:1.50-1.80, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 |
Why This Hardness Matters:
- Elasticity: A slightly softer range (like 42-47 HRC) provides better elasticity, crucial for absorbing vibrations and maintaining consistent rail pressure.
- Fatigue Life: The hardness, combined with the material and proper heat treatment, dictates fatigue life, often targeting 3-5 million cycles without failure.
GNEE RAIL offer an extensive range of rail clips with optimum quality, these rail clips are designed with high precision and made up of premium grade spring steel. GNEE has been the largest and most competitive production base of rail clip in China after more than 18 years' rail clip producing experience, and have qualification to tender nationally large and medium scaled rail projects. What's more, our rail clip can be customized according to clients' requirements.