Custom-engineered Rail Fishplates

Custom-engineered rail fishplates (also called joint bars) are specialized mechanical connectors designed for non-standard, high-stress, or transitioning track sections where standard off-the-shelf plates will not fit. They ensure seamless rail alignment, continuity, and structural integrity under heavy dynamic wheel loads.

Key Types of Custom Engineering Fishplates

• Compromise Fishplates (Joggled Bars): Designed to connect two different rail profiles or weights (e.g., joining a 115 RE rail to a 136 RE rail) while keeping the running surfaces and gauge sides perfectly flush. 

• Insulated Joint Fishplates: Engineered using bonded polyurethane, fiberglass, or heavy nylon-coated steel to block electrical currents, which is critical for track signaling and audio frequency circuits.

• Bulge / Clearance Fishplates: Custom-shaped with a central curve or clearance pocket to fit around field welds, thermite welds, or reinforced track structures without causing structural interference.

Specifications of Custom Engineering Fishplates

• Standards Compliance: Custom bars can be engineered to match international standards including AREMA, UIC, BS, DIN, and AS. 

• Bolt Configurations: Options include custom 4-hole or 6-hole spacing patterns, round or oval holes, and tailored expansion gaps to accommodate extreme temperature fluctuations. 

• Material Grades: Manufactured using high-tensile carbon steel, medium-manganese alloy steel, or custom heat-treated micro-alloys to match the hardness and elasticity of the host rail.

When Custom Engineering is Required

• Transitioning between heavy mainline tracks and lighter railyard/siding tracks.

• Repairing cracked or damaged rail joints in tight radiuses or heavy curve sections.

• Installing specialized transit systems, mining tracks, or heavy-haul industrial crane rails.