A rail shoulder is a pre-inserted item in the concrete sleepers, suitable for both single stem and twin stem types. It is used to secure elastic rail clips, primarily e-clips, within the railway fastening system. We provide two primary types of rail shoulders: Cast-in Shoulders and Weld-on Shoulders.
Casting Rail Shoulders
Casting shoulders are made from iron and are pre-embedded in concrete sleepers. They work in conjunction with elastic clips to fasten the rail securely. Materials include M.C.I. (Malleable Cast Iron) and S.G.C.I. (Spheroid Graphite Cast Iron). Available grades: QT600-3, QT700-2, ZG25, ZG35, ZG45, etc.
Compliance Standards: GB/T 1348, NF EN 1563, ISO1038, DIN 1693, JIS G5502, KS D 4302, GOST 7293, or BS EN 1563.
Weld-on Shoulder
Produced by hot forging, weld-on shoulders are utilized where standard sleepers cannot be easily deployed. These are welded onto flat steel base plates to create rail retaining units on steel ties. They are commonly manufactured according to AREMA standards and are compatible with Pandrol style clips ranging from 30lbs to 113lbs.
Technical Description
As a specialist railway supplier, we provide essential spare parts for freight wagons, including wheel sets which are the most critical components of the railway bogie. A standard wheel set consists of two wheels, one axle, and two bearings.
Freight Wagon Composition
Module
Components
Bogie
Side frame, bolster, center plate, wedge, adapter, stopper key, wearing plate, fastener
Air Brake System
Brake valves, pipes, cylinders
Draft Gear System
Coupler, knuckle, yoke, draft gear, draft key, striker, control rod
UIC 813: Technical specifications for tractive and trailing stock
BS 5892-6: Railway rolling stock materials - Wheelsets specification
EN 13260: Railway applications - Product requirements for wheelsets
JIS E4504: Quality requirements for railway wheelsets
Product Gallery
Professional Capabilities
Established to supply and design components, freight wagons, and spare parts for the global market.
Technical team with extensive years of experience in the Railway Industry.
Comprehensive project management, maintenance, and system integration services.
Large inventory from top-tier manufacturers in China and global leaders.
Efficient global shipping and time-sensitive delivery solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main function of a rail shoulder?
A: A rail shoulder is used to fix elastic rail clips (like e-clips) within the rail fastening system, ensuring the rail remains securely attached to the concrete sleepers.
Q2: What is the difference between cast-in and weld-on shoulders?
A: Cast-in shoulders are embedded directly into concrete sleepers during manufacturing, while weld-on shoulders are forged and welded onto steel base plates for specific structural requirements.
Q3: Which materials are typically used for casting shoulders?
A: We primarily use Malleable Cast Iron (M.C.I.) and Spheroid Graphite Cast Iron (S.G.C.I.), including grades like QT500, QT600-3, and QT700-2.
Q4: Do your railway products comply with international standards?
A: Yes, our products meet various standards including BS EN 1563, UIC 813, AREMA, DIN 1693, and JIS G5502.
Q5: What are the key components of a railway wheel set?
A: A standard wheel set consists of two wheels (cast or forged), one axle, and two bearings, with optional parts like brake discs or axle boxes depending on the application.
Q6: What is the annual production capacity for these rail components?
A: Our facility has a robust production capacity of approximately 500,000 pieces per year to meet large-scale railway project demands.