The bolts, nuts and washers in railway fasteners are important components to ensure the stability and safety of railway track structures. The following is a brief introduction to them:
Bolts
Function: Railway bolts are used to connect rails with sleepers or other track components, such as fish plates. The preload generated by tightening the bolts makes the connecting components fit tightly to prevent the rails from shifting and loosening during train operation, ensuring the geometric stability of the track.
Types: Common types include ordinary railway bolts and high-strength railway bolts. Ordinary railway bolts are generally used for connections in non-critical areas or where strength requirements are not high; high-strength railway bolts are used for areas that bear larger loads, such as turnout areas, bridge sections, etc., to meet the requirements of high-speed and heavy-load railways for track structure strength and stability.
Material: Usually made of high-quality carbon steel or alloy steel, and its strength and toughness are improved through heat treatment and other processes to withstand the alternating loads and impact forces generated during train operation.
Specifications: According to different use parts and connection requirements, railway bolts have various specifications, such as M20, M22, M24, etc., and the length ranges from tens of millimeters to hundreds of millimeters.
Nut
Function: Used in conjunction with bolts, the connection parts are tightened by tightening the nuts. The threads of the nut match the threads of the bolt, providing reliable connection force and preventing the bolts from loosening to a certain extent.
Type: There are ordinary nuts, anti-loosening nuts, etc. Anti-loosening nuts are commonly used on railways. For example, double nuts, nylon embedded nuts, spring washer nuts, etc. are used to effectively prevent nuts from loosening by themselves under the vibration of the train and ensure the reliability of track connection.
Material: Generally matched with the bolt material to ensure the consistency of the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the two. Commonly used materials include carbon steel, alloy steel, etc.
Specification: Corresponding to the corresponding bolt specifications, such as M20 bolts are equipped with M20 nuts, and their size and precision have strict standard requirements to ensure good matching with the bolts.
Washers
Functions: There are two main functions. One is to increase the contact area between the bolt head or nut and the connecting part, disperse the pressure, and prevent the surface of the part from being crushed; the other is to provide a certain elasticity. Under the action of the train load, it can play a role in buffering and compensating deformation, which helps to maintain the preload of the bolt.
Type: It is divided into flat washers and spring washers. Flat washers are used in general connection parts, mainly to increase the contact area and protect the surface of the part; spring washers are elastic and can overcome the tiny displacement of the connecting parts caused by vibration to a certain extent to prevent the bolts from loosening.
Material: Flat washers are usually made of carbon steel, stainless steel and other materials, and spring washers are generally made of spring steel. After heat treatment and surface treatment, their elasticity and corrosion resistance are improved.
Specifications: Washers of corresponding sizes are selected according to the specifications of the bolts. For example, M20 bolts are usually equipped with flat washers or spring washers with an inner diameter of about 21mm and an outer diameter and thickness that meet relevant standards.
Although the bolts, nuts and washers in railway fasteners seem simple, they are crucial to the safe operation of railway tracks. During railway construction and maintenance, these components must be selected, installed and replaced in strict accordance with relevant standards and specifications to ensure the stability and reliability of railway tracks and the safe and smooth operation of trains.
As an outstanding enterprise in the field of steel foreign trade, GNEE RAIL focuses on the international trade of various steel fasteners such as bolts, nuts, washers, etc., and is committed to providing high-quality products and professional services to global customers.
GNEE RAIL was officially established in 2008. At the beginning of its establishment, it targeted the international market's demand for high-quality steel fasteners. In the early days of its establishment, it gradually emerged in the industry by constantly exploring the market and establishing basic business relationships. After years of steady operation, the company has continued to expand its business scale and continuously enhance its reputation and influence in the international market. Now it has become a well-known foreign trade enterprise in the industry.