The rail shoulder, also known as the railway shoulder, is a pre-inserted item in the concrete sleepers, no matter for single stem type or twin stem type, used to fix the elasticrail clips, mainly e-clips, within the fastening system. There are two types of rail shoulders available, the cast-in shoulder and the weld-on rail shoulder, both of which are used for the fixing of elastic rail clips. 

Cast in Shoulder is made by casting from iron, and such shoulder is used by being pre-embedded in the concrete sleepers and works with the elastic clip to fasten the rail.

The weld-on shoulder is used at the typical position of rail where the rail shoulder is weld on flat steel plate rather than the standard railroad tie plate. The weld-on shoulder is produced by hot forging, according to AREA standard. The materials for weld-on shoulders production can be low or mid carbon steel, based on the customer’s requirements.

For materials, cast in shoulder includes 3 types: M.C.I. shoulder by malleable iron and S.G.C.I. shoulder by malleable iron and S.G.C.I. shoulder by spheroid graphite iron.

Main Material Technical Parameter of Cast in Rail Shoulders

Material Chemical Composition〔%〕of Cast in Rail Shoulders

Cast-in Rail Shoulder Applications:

Other materials available: QT600-3,QT700-2,ZG25,ZG35,ZG45 and so on.

Standard: 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).

As a professional manufacturer and supplier of rail fastenings, Yongyang provides high quality rail shoulders with various standards. We can customize rail shoulders according to customers' specifications and requirements. 

The Difference Between Cast-in Rail Shoulder and Weld-on Shoulder

• Installation method: The cast-in shoulder is integrated into the sleeper during the manufacturing process, and the shoulder is poured directly into the concrete or other materials of the sleeper. Weld-on shoulder is fixed to the rail seat by welding and they are welded directly to the rail foot.

• Connection: The cast-in shoulder fits firmly into the sleepers to form a unified structure without the need for additional fasteners or welding. Weld-on shoulder is welded directly to the rail for a strong and permanent connection.

• Durability: Cast-in rail shoulder and Weld-on shoulder have good durability due to their integrated features. Rail shoulders and sleepers function as a whole, and the connection between them is usually firm and stable.

• Maintenance: Maintenance of cast-in shoulder includes maintaining the condition of the crossties themselves, there are no separate parts like fasteners that need to be inspected or replaced periodically. Weld-on shoulder generally require less maintenance, and welded connections are less prone to loosening and falling out.

• Installation techniques: Prefabricated sleepers require a specialized manufacturing process during sleeper production, which may be performed in a prefabrication factory, which reduces the need for on-site welding and installation expertise. Weld-on shoulder requires specialized skills and equipment, proper welding procedures must be followed to ensure a strong and reliable connection, and installation requires welding experts.

The choice between cast-in rail shoulders and weld-on rail shoulders depends on factors such as the specific rail system, local installation capabilities, and maintenance strategies. Both methods have their advantages and challenges, and the decision should be made based on a thorough assessment of the specific project's requirements and available resources.

The Functions of Rail Shoulder

1. Load Distribution: Rail shoulders help distribute the vertical loads from the rails and passing trains evenly onto the sleepers. This prevents excessive stress on individual sleepers and the underlying trackbed, enhancing the overall stability of the track.

2. Cushioning and Protection: Rail shoulders serve as a cushion between the rail and the sleeper, reducing direct contact and preventing damage due to impact and vibration. This can extend the lifespan of both the rail and the sleeper.

3. Vibration Damping: The use of rail shoulders can help dampen vibrations generated by passing trains, leading to reduced noise levels and a more comfortable environment for nearby residents.

4. Rail Alignment: Rail shoulders also play a role in maintaining proper rail alignment, ensuring that the rails stay in position and maintain the correct gauge (distance between the rails).

5. Installation: Rail shoulders are designed to be easily installed on the sleepers. They are typically secured using fasteners like bolts or clips, and their design allows for proper positioning and alignment with the rail base.

Why Choose Yongyang Rail Shoulder

With ISO and CRCC certification, Yongyang tries its best to save cost for each customer by upgrading our production equipment and testing facilities and quality management system to be more efficient, economical and good quality control ability. Quality and reliability have always been our culture. We will never stop upgrading and developing, and will use our whole life to provide the best quality and service.

As one of the region's most comprehensive workshops, Yongyang has the range of equipment required to produce high quality railway parts according to different standards. Our Quality Control and Inspection teams diligently inspect and control parts prior to shipment. For standard railway parts, we manufacture and deliver fast. For customized parts, we could take measurements on samples and make drawings if customers request so, we manufacture all railway and some construction fasteners.

1. Screw spike/Coach screw/Drive screw/Sleeper Screw, Dog spike/Railroad spike/Lock spike/Cut spike,etc.

2. Rail clip/ Tension clamp/ E clip/ PR clip/SKL clip/ DE clip/ RN Clip/ Nabla clip, etc

3. Swivel Bolts/ Track Bolt/ Special bolts/ U bolts/ J bolts/ Anchor bolts/Hook bolts / Foundation bolts/ Stud bolts/ Rod bolts/ Curved bolts/ Tunnel bolts

4. Tie plate/ Base plate / Rail plate/ Rail fixing base/ Rail Pads/ Sole plate/ Sole pad

5. Fish plate / Joint bar / Rail joint/ Splice Bar

6. Track bolt/ T bolt / Rail bolt/ Clamp bolt/ Inserted bolt/ Clip bolt/ Fish bolt/ Square bolt/ Rod bolt /Rail joint bolt

7. Clamp plate/ Rail spring clamp/ Anchor plate/ Steel clip

8. Rail Shoulder/ Rail sleeper Inserts/ Rail Anchors for rail sleepers

9. Plastic dowel / Guide plate/ Nylon insert / Rail insulator

10. Rail pad (Rubber, EVA, TPU, etc.)/ Rail sole plate / Rail adjustment pad

11. Forged or casted rail car spare parts, such as: Pivot Pin, Brake Shoe Key, Brake shoe holder, Friction Wedge, Wearing Plate, Composite Brake Shoe, Disc brake pad, Brake Beam, Load springs, etc.

12. Chinese Standard Steel Rail: GB/T11264-89 9kg 12kg 15kg 22kg 30kg steel light rail; Q/YYG001-2008 (formerly YB222-63) 4kg 8kg 18kg 24kg steel light rail. GB2585-2007 38kg 43kg 50kg 60kg 75kg steel heavy rail. YB/T5055/93 QU70 QU80 QU100 QU120 crane rail.

13. German Standard Steel Rail: DIN536 A45 A55 A65 A75 A100 A120 A150 Crane Rail.

14. American Standard Steel Rail: ASTM-A1 ASCE25, ASCE30, ASCE40, ASCE60,ASCE75,ASCE85,90RA,115RE,136RE,175LBs Steel Rail.

15. British Standard Steel Rail: BS11-1985 BS50O,BS60A,BS60R,BS70A,BS75A,BS75R, BS80A,BS80R,BS90A, BS100A, BS113A.