A rail fish plate is a mechanical reinforcement element used to restore track stiffness and geometric alignment at rail joints, reducing vibrations, wheel impact, and potential rail-end damage. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates compatible with GB 8–60 kg/m rails, UIC50–UIC60, DIN536 A-series, QU crane rails, JIS standards, AS1085 rails, BS11 sections, and AREMA/ASCE rails, along with bolt-grade selection and corrosion protection options.
| Standard | Type | Length/Diameter | Weight /Material | |
| AREMA 2007 | 115RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.04Kg | 45# chemical |
| 115RE | 6 hole-36" | 25.56Kg | composition(%): | |
| 132-136RE | 4 hole-24" | 17.75Kg | C: 0.42-0.50 | |
| 132-136RE | 6 hole-36" | 26.63Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| UIC864 | UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ26 | 18.07Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-600/Φ28 | 17.47Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 | |
| UIC60 | 4 hole-630/Φ25 | 18.1Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 4 hole | 14.34Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
| UIC54 | 6 hole-800 | 19.94Kg | ||
| BS 47-1 | BS75R | 4 hole | 6.56Kg | |
| BS60A | 4 hole | 5.61Kg | ||
| BS80A | 4 hole | 6.5Kg | ||
| BS90A | 685.8/Φ26 | 13.23Kg | 50# chemical | |
| BS90A | 792.9/Φ26.2 | 15.34Kg | composition(%): | |
| BS100A | 4 hole | C: 0.62-0.70 | ||
| 90/91LB | 4 hole | 18.08Kg | Mn: 0.50-0.80 | |
| 90/91LB | 6 hole | 19.9Kg | Si: 0.17-0.37 | |
| AS | 50kg | 4 hole | 14.3Kg | Cr: ≤0.25 |
| 50kg | 6 hole | 19.5Kg | P: ≤0.035 | |
| S49 | 4 hole | 9.71Kg | S: ≤0.035 | |
Why are fish plates important for rail safety?
Fish plates (or joint bars) are critical for rail safety because they connect rail ends, maintaining horizontal and vertical alignment to prevent derailments. They provide structural stability at the weakest point of the track, distribute heavy wheel loads, reduce vibration, and manage expansion and contraction.
Key Safety Functions:
- Structural Integrity and Alignment: Fish plates ensure the two rail ends remain perfectly aligned, preventing vertical or lateral misalignment that could cause derailment.
- Load Distribution: By securing the joint, fish plates help transfer the massive weight of trains from one rail to the next, protecting the track from stress and potential failure.
- Impact Reduction: They minimize the impact force as wheels pass over the gap between rails, reducing vibrations, noise, and wear.
- Preventing Rail Spread: They securely hold the rail ends, preventing them from shifting or spreading apart.
- Electrical Insulation: In modern signaling systems, specialized insulated fish plates are used to prevent track circuit interference.
- Emergency Repair: Fish plates are often used in temporary, quick repairs to restore track safety.
What are the types of rail joint fish plates?
Rail joint fish plates, also known as rail joints, joint bars, or splice bars, are metal components used to connect rail ends, commonly classified into ordinary, insulated, compromise, and specialized types based on function. Key types include standard (4-6 hole) for general use, insulating for track circuits, and connecting varying rail sizes.
- Ordinary/Standard Fish Plates: The most common type, made of steel (e.g., Q235) to connect rails of the same type in general applications.
- Insulated Rail Joints (IRJ): Used in track circuits to isolate electric current. They are made of insulating materials to prevent electrical short circuits.
- Compromise/Transition Fish Plates: Specifically designed to connect two rails of different sizes or profiles (e.g., 50kg to 60kg rails).
- Special/Special-Shaped Fish Plates: Used for non-linear tracks, such as curved tracks, or for unique rail profiles.
- Bulged Fish Plates: Designed with a unique shape to enhance stability at welded rail joints.
- Glued Insulated Joints: High-strength, bonded joints used for increased stability in modern tracks.
- Bridge Joint Bars: Specialized plates for added support at bridge locations.
| Type | Primary Function & Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Fish Plates | Connect rail ends of the same size, typically with 4 or 6 holes. Used for standard rail joints. |
| Insulated Fish Plates | Electrically isolate rail sections for signaling systems using non-conductive materials. |
| Compromise Fish Plates | Transition joints designed to connect rails of different sizes or profiles. |
| Joggled Fish Plates | Feature a bent shape for temporary repair or to accommodate rail defects. |
| Glued Insulated Joints (GIJ) | High-strength bonded joints that minimize movement in high-speed or heavy-axle lines. |
| Crane Rail Fish Plates | Heavy-duty plates designed for specific crane rail profiles (e.g., QU70, QU100). |
Founded in 2008, GNEE RAIL is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of railway components, specializing in high-quality rail fish plates (joint bars/splice bars) with strong production capacity and global service capabilities.
Our rail fish plate portfolio is comprehensive and compliant with international standards including UIC, AREMA, BS, DIN, and GB, covering light rail (8kg-30kg), heavy rail (38kg-75kg), and crane rail (QU70-QU120) systems. We offer diverse types such as insulated joint bars, bulged fish plates, and compromise rail joints,with precise specifications (4-hole/6-hole, 24-inch/36-inch), ensuring excellent mechanical performance.We uphold strict quality control supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification, an in-house inspection center, and third-party audits by SGS and BV. Our one-stop service includes customization, production, packaging, and after-sales support, tailored to clients' project needs.