A rail fish plate is a steel joint connector that enables two separate rail lengths to operate as a continuous track by transmitting vertical, lateral, and bending forces through bolted connections, ensuring safe and stable operation of jointed railways.
GNEE RAIL provides fish plates covering GB 8–60 kg/m, UIC50/54/60, DIN536 A55–A120, QU70/80/100/120, JIS rails, AS1085 rails, BS11 sections, and AREMA/ASCE profiles, with comprehensive joint supply and technical support.
What are the different sizes and specifications of fishplates?
Fishplates (also known as rail joints, splice bars, or angle bars) are metal plates bolted to rail ends, ranging from 10kg to 68kg+ (e.g., UIC60, 50kg, 43kg, 38kg) with 4 or 6 holes. They are crucial for maintaining track alignment and continuity. Types include standard (general-purpose), insulated (electric signaling), and compromise (joining different rail sizes).
- Light Rail (8kg–24kg): Typically 4 holes, used in mining and light factory tracks.
- Heavy Rail (38kg–60kg): Usually 6 holes (36 inches) or 4 holes, providing higher stability for mainlines.
- Fishplate Length: Common lengths include 24 inches for 4-hole and 36 inches for 6-hole variants.
- Standards: Comply with specifications such as AS 1085.1, IRS T-1/57, or AREMA 2007.
- Material: Usually medium or high carbon steel, with special high-strength alloy or composite materials for specific, durable, or insulating requirements.
| 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 | |
| Fishplate For Chinese Standard Steel Rail | |||
| GB15KG | 15.2 | YB226-63 | Q235,45# |
| GB18KG | 18.06 | YB225-63 | |
| GB22KG | 22.3 | YB14-63 | |
| GB24KG | 24.46 | ||
| GB30KG | 30.1 | YB351-63 | |
| GB38KG | 38.733 | TB/T 2345-2008 | 45#,55# |
| GB43KG | 44.653 | ||
| GB50KG | 51.514 | ||
Why Fish Plates Matter for Track Stability?
Fish plates are essential for track stability because they securely connect rail ends, maintaining proper horizontal and vertical alignment while ensuring structural integrity at joints. By reinforcing these "weak links," fish plates prevent rail separation, minimize gap-related vibrations, and evenly distribute heavy wheel loads, directly reducing derailment risks.
Key Reasons Fish Plates Ensure Stability:
- Structural Continuity: They connect two rail ends, maintaining the line, level, and gauge of the track to allow smooth train passage.
- Load Distribution: By bridging the gap between rails, they transfer loads from one rail to the next, reducing stress concentration.
- Vibration Mitigation: They reduce impact forces and vibrations at the joint, decreasing wear and tear on components.
- Thermal Expansion Management: Their design allows for necessary movement caused by temperature variations without compromising the track's strength.
- Safety and Alignment: They prevent vertical and lateral displacement at the joint, which is critical for preventing derailments.
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.