Introduction
If you’re searching for reliable railway fish plate solutions, you’ve come to the right place. As a professional fish plate manufacturer in China, we’ve supplied track joint bars to railway projects across Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and Australia for over a decade.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about railway fish plates—from basic definitions to detailed specifications—so you can make informed purchasing decisions for your railway construction or maintenance projects.
What is a Railway Fish Plate?
A railway fish plate (also called a track joint bar, splice bar, or angle bar) is a metal bar bolted to the ends of two rails to join them together in a railway track. This essential railway fastener ensures continuous support and proper alignment between rail sections, maintaining track integrity and safety under heavy loads.
Fish plates are critical components in railway infrastructure because:
They create seamless track connections for smooth train operations
They distribute loads effectively across rail joints
They maintain proper gauge alignment
They accommodate thermal expansion and contraction
They provide cost-effective solutions for track maintenance
Types of Railway Fish Plates
Understanding the different types of fish plates helps you select the right product for your specific application.
- Standard Fish Plates (Normal Fish Plates)
Standard fish plates are the most common type, designed for connecting two identical rail sections with consistent profile. These are ideal for main railway lines, freight tracks, industrial sidings, and mining railways.
Key specifications include:
UIC 60 fish plates (4-hole, 630mm length, 18.07 kg/pc)
UIC 54 fish plates (4-hole, 14.34 kg/pc; 6-hole, 800mm, 19.94 kg/pc)
GB 60kg fish plates (4-hole, 600-630mm, 17.5-18.1 kg/pc)
GB 50kg fish plates (4-hole, 14.3 kg/pc)
AREMA 115RE fish plates (4-hole, 24″, 17.04 kg/pc)
AREMA 136RE fish plates (4-hole, 24″, 17.75 kg/pc)
BS 90A fish plates (4-hole, 685.8mm, 13.23 kg/pc)
- Joggled Fish Plates (Bulged Fish Plates)
Joggled fish plates are specially forged for emergency repair of cracked or damaged rail joints. When a rail develops a crack and immediate replacement isn’t possible, joggled fish plates provide a quick and temporary repair solution.
Benefits include:
Rapid installation for urgent track repairs
Clamp assembly compatible with various rail sections
Allows continued train movement at reduced speed
Cost-effective emergency maintenance solution
- Compromise Fish Plates (Combination Fish Plates)
Compromise fish plates are specially designed to join two different rail section profiles. These are essential for:
Transition zones where rail sections change
Mixed rail installations
Common combinations: UIC 60 to GB 50kg, AREMA to BS standard, heavy rail to light rail transitions
As an experienced compromise fish plate supplier, we can customize solutions for your specific rail profile combinations.
- Insulated Fish Plates
For electrified railways and track circuit applications, insulated fish plates are essential. These prevent electrical conductivity while maintaining mechanical strength.
Types include:
Glued insulated fish plates — For high-speed railway applications
Insulating composite fish plates — For standard track circuits
As an insulated fish plate manufacturer, we supply products for electrified railways, high-speed rail, and signaling track circuits worldwide.
- Light Rail Fish Plates
Light rail fish plates are designed for lighter rail applications and smaller railway systems, including:
| Rail Type | Standard | Material |
|---|---|---|
| 15kg/m | GB11264 | Q235 |
| 18kg/m | GB11264 | Q235 |
| 22kg/m | GB/JIS | Q235 |
| 24kg/m | GB | Q235 |
| 30kg/m | GB | Q235/U71Mn |
Applications: Urban light rail, factory railways, mining tracks, tram systems, and port railways.
International Standards for Railway Fish Plates
When sourcing rail joint bars, understanding international standards is crucial for ensuring compatibility and quality.
Standards We Manufacture To:
| Standard System | Specific Standards | Primary Markets |
|---|---|---|
| GB (China) | TB/T2345, GB standards | China, Asia |
| UIC (International) | UIC 864-4, UIC 860 | Europe, International |
| AREMA (USA) | AREMA 2010, 115RE, 136RE | USA, North America |
| BS (Britain) | BS 47-1, BS 80A, BS 90A | UK, Commonwealth |
| DIN (Germany) | DIN 5902 | Europe, Middle East |
| NF (France) | NF A 45 | Europe, Africa |
| JIS (Japan) | JIS E 1101 | Japan, Asia |
| AS (Australia) | AS standards | Australia, Oceania |
Whether you need UIC fish plates, GB fish plates, AREMA standard joint bars, or BS standard splice bars, we can manufacture to your required specifications.
Manufacturing Process and Quality
Our Manufacturing Capabilities
As a professional railway fasteners exporter, we employ multiple manufacturing processes:
| Process | Application |
|---|---|
| Hot Rolling | Standard fish plates with consistent quality |
| Forging | Heavy-duty and joggled plates requiring superior strength |
| Machining | Precision requirements with CNC cutting and drilling |
| Heat Treatment | Enhanced mechanical properties through quenching and tempering |
| Surface Treatment | Corrosion protection through galvanizing, painting, or oiling |
We use premium-grade carbon steel materials:
-55# Steel (Chinese Standard): C 0.52-0.60%, Mn 0.50-0.80%, Tensile strength Rm ≥ 785 MPa
-BS Grade Steel: C 0.40-0.60%, Mn 0.60-1.00%, Tensile strength Rm ≥ 785 MPa
-Q235 Steel: For light rail applications
Mechanical Properties
Every fish plate undergoes rigorous testing:
Tensile Strength: Rm ≥ 785 MPa
Yield Strength: ReL ≥ 520 MPa
Elongation: A ≥ 9%
Hardness: HBW 227-388
Cold Bend Test: d=3a: 30°, no crack
Surface Treatment Options
Proper surface treatment extends the lifespan of railway fish plates, especially in harsh environments.
| Treatment | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Plain/Oxide Black | Natural mill finish | Standard applications |
| Hot-Dip Galvanized | Thick zinc coating (75-85μm) | Coastal areas, 20+ years durability |
| Electro-Galvanized | Thin zinc layer | Indoor or low humidity environments |
| Spray Zinc | Thermal zinc spray coating | Aggressive environments |
| Paint/Primer | Industrial coating | Custom color requirements |
| Anti-Rust Oil | Temporary protection | Storage and shipping |
For mining railway fasteners exposed to corrosive conditions, we strongly recommend hot-dip galvanizing for maximum protection.
Applications Across Industries
Our railway track accessories serve diverse sectors worldwide:
Railway Construction
Main line railway construction
High-speed rail projects
Branch line development
Mining Industry
Underground mining tracks
Surface rail systems
Heavy-duty mining railways
Industrial Facilities
Factory railways
Workshop tracks
Logistics yards
Port & Terminal Operations
Container yard railways
Port rail systems
Multimodal transport hubs
Global Infrastructure Projects
We’ve successfully supplied fish plates to railway projects in:
Africa — Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa
South America — Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile
Southeast Asia — Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand
Australia — Various mining and industrial projects
How to Choose the Right Railway Fish Plate
Selecting the appropriate track splice bar depends on several factors:
- Rail Standard Compatibility
Match the fish plate to your existing rail standard (UIC, GB, AREMA, BS, DIN, etc.)
- Application Type
Standard connections → Standard fish plates
Emergency repairs → Joggled fish plates
Different rail profiles → Compromise fish plates
Electrified tracks → Insulated fish plates
- Environmental Conditions
Standard environments → Plain or oxide black finish
Coastal/humid areas → Hot-dip galvanized
Chemical exposure → Specialized coatings
- Load Requirements
Heavy-haul railways require higher-grade materials and thicker profiles.
Why Source Railway Fish Plates from China?
China is the world’s leading fish plate manufacturer, offering significant advantages:
Cost Efficiency
Direct factory pricing without middlemen
Competitive railway fish plate price per piece
Volume discounts for large orders
Manufacturing Excellence
Advanced production facilities
Strict quality control systems
ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing
Supply Capacity
Annual production capacity of 10,000+ tons
Flexible MOQ (minimum 500 pieces per specification)
15-30 days delivery after order confirmation
Global Trade Experience
Professional export documentation (CO, CI, BL, PL, MTC)
Experienced with international trade procedures
Third-party inspection support (SGS, BV, CCIC)
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is the minimum order quantity for railway fish plates?
Our MOQ is typically 500 pieces per specification. For mixed specifications, the minimum is usually 1x20GP container.
2.Can you provide custom specifications?
Yes, we manufacture custom fish plates based on your drawings, samples, or technical requirements. As a professional splice bar manufacturer, we handle custom orders regularly.
3.What payment terms do you accept?
We accept T/T (30% deposit, 70% balance against BL copy), L/C at sight, and other terms upon discussion.
4.How long is the delivery time?
Standard delivery is 15-30 days after order confirmation, depending on order size and specifications.
5.What certificates can you provide?
We provide Mill Test Certificates (MTC), quality inspection reports, ISO 9001 certificates, and can arrange third-party inspections (SGS, BV, CCIC).
6.Do you offer samples?
Yes, we can provide small samples for quality inspection. Sample costs can be deducted from bulk orders.
Conclusion
Choosing the right railway fish plate supplier is crucial for your project’s success. As an experienced railway fish plate manufacturer and supplier in China, we combine quality craftsmanship with competitive pricing to serve railway projects globally.
Whether you need standard joint bars for mainline railways, joggled plates for emergency repairs, compromise plates for rail transitions, or insulated plates for electrified tracks—we have the expertise and production capacity to meet your requirements.
Ready to get a quote?
📧 Email: [info@miningcasting.com]
🌐 Website: miningcasting.com
📞 Contact: Request a customized quote for your railway project
Related Products
We also supply comprehensive railway track fastening components:
Rail clips and elastic clips (E-clips, SKL clips)
Track bolts (hex bolts, fish bolts, track spikes)
Rail pads (rubber, HDPE, EVA)
Tie plates and rail insulators
Screw spikes and washers
Rail shoulders
Contact us today to discuss your complete railway fasteners requirements.
