Rail shoulder is cast in the concrete rail ties to fix the elastic rail clips. There are two types of rail shoulders available, the cast-in shoulder and the weld-on shoulder, both of which are used for the fixing of elastic rail clips.
The casting shoulders as the embedded part of the rail way fastening system are pressed in concrete sleeper and work together with the E clip to fasten the rail. The cast in shoulder is made by casting from iron, such as, GB/T 1348-1988, NF EN 1563(1997), ISO1038, DIN 1693, JIS G5502 (2001), KS D 4302, GOST 7293(1985) or BS EN 1563(1997).
| Application |
UIC54 |
UIC60 |
115RE, 50kg, 60kg, BS80lbs, BS100lbs |
| Material Name |
QT500-7 |
QT450-10 |
QT400-15 |
| Standard |
GB 1348-88 |
GB 1348-88 |
GB 1348-89 |
| Tensile Strength |
≥500 Mpa |
≥450 Mpa |
≥400 Mpa |
| Hardness |
170~230HB |
160~210HB |
130~180HB |
Cast-in Rail Shoulder Types
The Rail shoulder is a semi-embedded part cast in the concrete rail ties to fix the elastic rail clip to the base plate. There are two common types available: Cast-in Shoulder and Weld-on Shoulder. One is the Single Stem Iron Shoulder used in pre-stressed concrete ties, and the other is the Twin Stem Iron Shoulder used in Bi-Block or Twin Block concrete ties.
Mechanical Properties
| Material |
Tensile Strength (Mpa) |
Yield Strength (Mpa) |
Elongation (%) |
| QT400-15 (GGG40) | 400 | 250 | 15 |
| QT450-10 (GGG45) | 450 | 310 | 10 |
| QT500-7 (GGG50) | 500 | 320 | 7 |
Chemical Composition Requirements
| Material |
C |
Si |
Mn |
P |
S |
| QT400-15 | 3.6-3.6 | 3.0-3.2 | 0.5 | 0.07 | 0.02 |
| Qt450-10 | 3.4-3.9 | 3.7-3.0 | 0.5 | 0.07 | 0.03 |
| QT500-7 | 3.4-3.8 | 2.5-2.9 | 0.6 | 0.08 | 0.025 |
The weld-on shoulder is used at typical rail positions where the shoulder is welded onto a flat steel plate rather than the standard tie plate. Manufactured using hot forging methods according to AREA standards, these are fabricated from low or medium carbon steel.
These shoulders can be welded onto longer length steel sleeper sections or bearers, specifically useful for switch and crossing layouts where vertical rail geometry is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of a rail shoulder?
The rail shoulder is embedded or welded into the rail tie system to securely fix elastic rail clips, ensuring the rail remains stable and properly aligned.
What are the differences between Cast-in and Weld-on shoulders?
Cast-in shoulders are embedded directly into concrete sleepers during manufacturing, while Weld-on shoulders are typically welded onto flat steel plates or sleepers for specific track layouts like switches and crossings.
What materials are used for QT500-7 rail shoulders?
QT500-7 is a type of ductile iron (nodular cast iron) known for its high tensile strength (≥500 Mpa) and durability in heavy-duty railway environments.
Which international standards do your rail shoulders comply with?
Our products meet various global standards including GB/T 1348, NF EN 1563, ISO1038, DIN 1693, JIS G5502, and BS EN 1563.
Are custom rail shoulders available?
Yes, we provide customized manufacturing services based on specific technical drawings and material requirements provided by the client.
What is the daily production capacity for these components?
The facility has a robust production capacity of approximately 20,000 pieces per day to meet large-scale railway infrastructure demands.
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