What is the difference between rail rubber pads and rail clips?
Rail Pads (track pads) and Rail Clips (rail elastic clips / fastening clips) are core components in the railway fastening system with complementary functions. The key distinction lies in their primary roles: the former focuses on "cushioning support and insulation," while the latter focuses on "fixation, locking, and positioning." Each serves its own distinct purpose and cannot replace the other.
The specific differences are as follows:
- Core Function: Rail Pads primarily absorb train vibration impacts, distribute loads, and provide electrical isolation. Rail Clips primarily fasten the rail to the sleeper or tie plate, resisting lateral displacement and overturning.
- Installation Position: Rail Pads are placed between the bottom of the rail and the sleeper or tie plate, acting as an "intermediate cushioning layer." Rail Clips are installed on both sides of the rail, using clamping force in conjunction with the sleeper or tie plate to secure the rail.
- Material and Structure: Rail Pads are mostly made of elastic materials such as rubber or polyurethane and are shaped as sheets or blocks. Rail Clips are typically made of high-strength metals like spring steel, formed into hook-shaped or elastic-plate designs with elastic deformation capability.
Rail pad materials
GNEE RAIL have developed a range of high-performance elastic rail pads for stiffness requirements and various application areas-from trams through standard gauge railways to heavy haul lines, especially those for E-type rail fastening systems and SKL type rail fastening systems with material of HDPE/EVA/Rubber, with following properties respectively.
| Rubber Rail Pad | ||
| Technical Parameter | Unit | Value |
| Stiffness | KN | 90-130 |
| Hardness Shore A | ℃ | 72-80 degree |
| Electronic Resistance | Ω | ≥ 106 |
| Tensile Strength before Aging | Mpa | ≥12.5 |
| Elongation before Aging | % | ≥250 |
Functions of Rubber Rail Pad
In general, the main functions of rubber rail pads are reducing the high-speed vibration and impact of steel rails, protecting the railroad bed and the sleepers, and conduct electrical insulation to the information system. During the application, the rubber rail pads are often composed to the air. So in order to prolong the lifetime of rubber rail pads, we should improve the ageing resistance, cold-resistant, heat resistance and rot resistance of rubber rail pads. In order to make you get a better idea of rubber rail pads, we will have a detailed introduction about the features of rubber rail pads.
Benefits of Using Rail Pads
- The use of rail pads in railway systems offers numerous benefits, including improved passenger comfort, increased track longevity, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced safety for train operations.
- One of the most significant advantages of using rail pads is improved passenger comfort. Rail pads help reduce the amount of vibration and noise generated by passing trains, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers. This is particularly important for high-speed trains, where passenger comfort is crucial for ensuring a positive travel experience.
- Another benefit of rail pads is increased track longevity. The cushioning effect of rail pads helps reduce the stress and impact placed on the rails, which can significantly extend their lifespan. This results in reduced maintenance costs and less downtime for maintenance and repairs.
As a professional rubber rail pad manufacturer GNEE RAIL can produce various standards of rubber rail pads and other rail fasteners. If you want to build a railway line, do not hesitate to contact us, we can supply all types of rubber rail pads with different materials. If necessary, we can make customized rubber rail pad production.