Rail pads are elastic polyurethane mats which are interposed between steel rails and railway sleepers to protect the sleeper top from wearing and impacting.
The concept of rail pads has evolved significantly over the years, driven by advancements in materials science and manufacturing technologies. In the late 20th century, rubber products were increasingly adopted for railway applications, culminating in improved designs that supported greater speed and stability. Recent innovations, including products developed by GNEE RAIL, harness advanced techniques in polyurethane pouring and injection molding, leading to the production of high-quality rail pads that meet modern rail requirements and standards.
Which type of railroad pad is suitable for different axle loads?
Different railroad pad types (material, thickness, design) are chosen for axle loads: thinner, softer pads (e.g., 10-12mm EPDM/rubber) for standard passenger loads (≤16t), thicker pads (12-15mm, maybe grooved) for mixed use (16-25t), and very thick (15-20mm, composite/studded) for heavy haul/high speed (≥25t) to manage impact, noise, and sleeper protection, often using specialized materials like Sylodyn or studded designs for extreme loads.
Key Pad Features for Loads:
- Thickness: Increases with load to spread force and cushion impact.
- Material: Rubber, EPDM, HDPE, EVA; high-density materials for heavy loads, elastic ones for vibration.
| Raw Material | Rubber, EVA, TPEE, HDPE |
| Standard | UIC, AREMA, TB/T2626-95 |
| Application | 43kg/m, 50kg/m, 60kg/m, 75kg/m,115RE, UIC54, UIC60, S49 |
| Model number | 43-7-7, 43-10-7, 50-7-9, 50-10-9, 60-10-17, 60-12-17 |
| Operating temperature | -50~70 degrees |
| Certificate | MSDS, ROHS, REACH |
| Notes | They should be stored in a clean, ventilated place. Don't be in direct sunlight, and keep away from the heat source and chemical reagent. Don't touch the oil, organic solvent, and other chemicals. Banned exposure. |
- Grooves: Create a low initial stiffness for contact and high stiffness under load, improving performance.
- Studs/Mesh: Enhance damping and resilience for heavy/high-speed use.
- Insulation: Plastic components provide electrical insulation.
How to choose the right type of rail elastic pad?
Choosing the right rail elastic pad involves matching its properties (stiffness, material, thickness) to the track's demands, considering load (heavy haul vs. urban), speed (high-speed needs damping), environment (cold, heat, moisture), and track type (concrete vs. ballast), prioritizing heavy loads with high stiffness (HDPE/grooved rubber) for stability and high-speed/urban lines with low stiffness (grooved rubber) for comfort and noise reduction. Always check your specific rail fastening system's specs for compatibility.
As a professional rail fastener manufacturer, GNEE RAIL can produce various types of rubber rail pads with different materials, such as natural rubber, EVA, HDPE and so on. In railway fastening system, rubber rail pads are often installed between the rail tracks and the concrete railway sleepers.