Fishplates

Overview

Light rail fishplates are primarily used for connecting and securing light rail rails, and are compatible with various specifications of light rail rails such as 9kg/m, 12kg/m, 15kg/m, 22kg/m, and 30kg/m. The products strictly comply with the implementation standard GBT 11265-1989.

Heavy rail fishplates are mainly used for connecting and securing heavy rails, and are suitable for different types of heavy rails such as 38kg/m, 43kg/m, 50kg/m, and 60kg/m. Through precise design of dimensions, weight, and mechanical parameters, they ensure the stability and mechanical performance of rail connections.

Smelting & Manufacturing

Light-rail steel may be produced in converter, open-hearth or electric furnaces; delivery condition is hot-rolled.

Heavy fishplates are commonly produced from killed steel (EAF/BOF/other) and, depending on requirements, delivered quenched & tempered (high-temperature quench + self-tempering or tempering) to meet mechanical properties.

Bolt holes are often punched in the hot state; cutting to length may be by hot or cold methods.

Surface Quality & Dimensional Tolerances

End faces: no delamination or shrinkage cavities.

Surface: no cracks, folds, bubbles, scabs; local scratches/pits ≤ 0.5 mm depth permitted.

Ends and hole edges to be square to length and burrs removed.

Dimensional tolerances:

Bolt hole diameter: punch direction ±0.5 mm; die direction +2.0/−0.5 mm.

Thickness: +1.0/−0.5 mm; working face height ±0.5 mm.

Fishplate length: ±3.5 mm; other negotiated dims ±0.5 mm (examples).

Technical Specifications

Light Mining Rail

Light-rail joint bars: for nominal rail weights 9, 12, 15, 22, 30 kg/m.

Rail spec (kg/m)	Theoretical weight (kg/piece)
9	0.81
12	1.39
15	2.2
22	3.8
30	5.54

Rail spec (kg/m)	Tensile strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)
<15	375-460	≥26
>15	410-510	≥24

Heavy Mining Rail

Heavy fishplates: for heavy rails such as 38, 43, 50 and 60 kg/m.

Rail spec (kg/m)	Fishplates (length/mm)	Cross-Sectional area	Each meter’s weight	Full Weight	Deduct hole
38	790	26.01	20.37	16.09	15.57
43	790	26.01	20.37	16.09	15.57
50	820	30.05	23.53	19.29	18.72
60	820	37.26	23.17	23.92	23.32

FAQs

Q: What is a fishplate / joint bar?

A:A fishplate (joint bar) connects two rail ends to ensure geometric and mechanical continuity at the joint. It is used with bolts, shims and insulation components as required.

Q: Which rail types/sizes are available?

A: Common light-rail: 9, 12, 15, 22, 30 kg/m. Typical heavy rails: 38, 43, 50, 60 kg/m. Other sizes available on request.

Q: What materials are used and can you provide an MTC?

A: Light-rail uses Q235-A or Q255-A per GB 700; heavy fishplates commonly use grades such as YW52. Mill Test Certificates (MTCs) and factory test reports are provided with shipments.