Rail pads are high-performance components installed between rails and sleepers that serve multiple vital functions. They are designed to minimize the stress imposed by trains traveling at various speeds while ensuring that track alignment is maintained. Made from a variety of materials, rail pads are engineered to withstand heavy loads and different environmental conditions, making them a fundamental aspect of railway maintenance.
What materials are rail elastic pads made of?
Rail elastic pads are made from various resilient, non-metallic materials like natural rubber, synthetic rubbers (SBR, Neoprene, EPDM), and high-performance plastics such as HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate), TPEE, and TPU, sometimes mixed with micro-foamed materials or composites, all chosen for their shock absorption, durability, and resistance to vibration and temperature extremes.
Common Materials Used:
- Rubber: Often natural rubber or synthetic blends (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber - SBR, Chloroprene) for excellent elasticity, anti-vibration, and wear resistance.
| 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 |
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Provides rigidity, durability, and good electrical insulation.
| HDPE Rail Pad | |||
| Technical Parameter | Unit | Technical Requirement | Value |
| Density | g/cm3 | 0.95-0.98 | 0.95 |
| Tensile Strength | Mpa | ≥19 | 19 |
| Elongation | % | >80 | 150 |
| Melting Point | ℃ | 170-190 | 190 |
| Insulation Resistance | Ω | ≥1×1010 | 3.5 ×1010 |
| Hardness | A | ≥98 | 98(A) |
- EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate): Offers a good balance of softness, flexibility, and shock absorption, with high performance in various temperatures.
| EVA: Polyethylene 80%, Vinyl Acetate 20%. | |||
| Technical Parameter | Unit | Technical Requirement | Value |
| Density | g/cm3 | 0.95-0.98 | 0.95 |
| Tensile Strength | Mpa | ≥15 | 16 |
| Elongation | % | >500 | 550 |
| Melting Point | ℃ | 170-190 | 170 |
| Insulation Resistance | Ω | ≥1×1010 | 5.0 ×1010 |
| Hardness | A | ≥90 | 92(A) |
- TPEE (Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer) & TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): Advanced elastomers known for excellent mechanical properties, abrasion resistance, and temperature tolerance.
- Micro-foamed materials: Used to enhance cushioning and reduce weight, often incorporating TPEE, TPU, or TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate).
Why These Materials?
These materials are selected to:
- Absorb Shock & Reduce Noise: Protect sleepers and improve passenger comfort.
- Distribute Load: Spread the weight from the rail over the sleeper.
- Provide Electrical Insulation: Prevent current leakage.
- Resist Environmental Factors: Withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and wear.
GNEE RAIL provides exceptional elastic rail pads of various types for high-speed railways, normal-speed railways, and cranes. Especially the rail pads made of rubber, EVA, TPEE, and HDPE are very popular with customers. Our railway rubber pads fit the rails such as UIC54, UIC60, BS80lbs, BS100lbs, etc. We have more than 130set of machines in our production lines which can reach an annual production capacity of up to 2000, 000 pieces of rail pads. We offer a wide range of rail pads and other track materials at competitive prices.