In railway track engineering, fastening systems play a critical role in securing rails, damping vibrations, and maintaining track gauge stability. The SKL and E-type fastening systems are two widely used solutions, both suitable for concrete sleepers but differing significantly in design, performance, and components.
In terms of structure, the SKL system centers on the SKL clip (e.g., SKL1, SKL12, SKL14), featuring an "S"-shaped double-arm design. It works in combination with insulating guide plates, gauge blocks, rail pads, and anchor bolts. This configuration offers high elasticity and sustained clamping force. In contrast, the E-type system uses C-shaped or asymmetrically bent E-clips (e.g., E1609, E1809), along with cast shoulders, bolts, nylon insulators, and rubber pads. The structure is simpler but less elastic.
In performance, the SKL system provides superior elasticity, higher clamping force, and excellent fatigue resistance. It is ideal for high-speed railways and heavy-haul lines, effectively absorbing dynamic loads and resisting stress relaxation from temperature fluctuations. The E-type system is more suited for conventional passenger and freight lines. It is compact and easy to install, but has lower elastic recovery and anti-loosening capacity compared to SKL.
Moreover, the SKL system offers a modular design, allowing easier replacement and maintenance. It also provides more flexibility for gauge adjustment. The E-type system has fixed shoulders cast into the sleeper, which limits adjustability and complicates later replacement.
The SKL system emphasizes high performance, long service life, maintainability, and gauge adjustability, making it well-suited for modern, high-standard railway projects.
The E-type system, on the other hand, features a simple structure, low cost, and easy installation, making it suitable for lines with lower speed and load requirements.
As a professional railway fastener supplier,GNEE RAIL supply E type rail fastening, W14 rail fastening systems, rail clips to metro, tramway fastenings, crane rail clips, track bolts and joint bar for rail connection, screw spikes, tie plates and concrete rings connection bolts for tunnels. They are mainly according to standards of AREMA, IFI, ASTM, UIC and other specifications from clients.
We supply W rail fastening systems, spring blade fastening systems, KP fastening system, metro rail fastenings,fish plates and fish plate bolts, sleeper screws, lock spikes, spear bolts for tunnels etc. They are manufactured to standard of UIC, NF ,DIN, BS and other specifications requested by clients.