Description of Rail Washer
Rail washer is available in single or double types and various sizes. As a professional rail washer manufacturer, we can supply many different kinds of high-quality Spring Washers, which include single coil spring washer, plain washer and double coil helical spring. We procure high standard raw materials like stainless steel, mild steel and iron from reliable vendors to manufacture our rail fastening products. Our team of controllers inspects and supervises carefully to ensure that all of our products are made based on to international quality standards and latest market trends.
Railway washers are mainly used to prevent bolts from loosening. They ensure the stability of components through a locking structure and also achieve the function of conducting electricity for grounding. The specific functions are as follows:
Anti-loosening locking
The washer is designed with a combination of radial raised surfaces and inclined tooth surfaces. When the bolt is subjected to vibration and shows a tendency to loosen, the inner inclined tooth surfaces will generate an upward tension through relative displacement, achieving a 100% locking effect and effectively preventing bolts from accidentally loosening in railway transportation equipment.
Grounding and conductive
The tooth design of the washer can pierce the insulation layer, enhancing the electrical connection between metal components and ensuring the reliability of grounding in scenarios such as electrical cabinet assembly, avoiding potential safety hazards caused by poor insulation.
Buffer and vibration reduction
Some railway washers (such as those made of rubber) can also play a buffering role during train operation, reducing the impact force between the rail and the sleeper, protecting the roadbed structure and improving the smoothness of train operation.
Types of Railway Washers
| Type | Material | Application |
| Flat Washer | Mild steel, stainless steel | General load distribution |
| Spring Washer | 65Mn/70Mn steel | Prevents bolt loosening |
| Toothed Washer | Hardened steel | High-vibration areas (bridges, turnouts) |
| Insulating Washer | Nylon/fiberglass | Electrified tracks, signaling zones |
| Shoulder Washer | Cast iron/alloy steel | Used with Pandrol clips and E-clips |
1.Flat Washer
A rail flat washer is a simple but essential component used in railway track fastening systems to distribute load, prevent bolt/nut embedding, and protect rail components from damage. It is commonly used with fish bolts, screw spikes, and rail clips to enhance the stability and longevity of rail joints and fastenings.
Key Features:
1.Load Distribution
Spreads clamping force evenly across the rail foot, baseplate, or sleeper to prevent:
- Sleeper damage (e.g., wood splitting, concrete cracking).
- Rail foot deformation under heavy loads.
2.Surface Protection
- Prevents bolt heads/nuts from digging into soft materials (wood, composite sleepers).
- Reduces wear between metal components.
3.Corrosion Resistance
- Typically made from carbon steel (Q235), stainless steel (AISI 304/316), or galvanized steel.
- Optional epoxy coating for harsh environments (coastal, industrial areas).
4.Compatibility
- Works with M22, M24, M30 bolts (standard railway sizes).
- Used in wooden, concrete, and steel sleeper systems.
2.Spring Washer
A rail spring washer (also called a disc spring washer or Belleville washer) is a critical component designed to maintain bolt tension, resist vibration loosening, and compensate for thermal expansion in railway track fastenings. It is widely used in high-speed, heavy-haul, and urban rail systems where dynamic loads and vibrations are significant.
Key Features:
1.Anti-Loosening Mechanism
- Applies continuous spring force to bolts/nuts, counteracting vibration-induced loosening.
- More effective than flat washers in high-dynamic-load environments.
2.Vibration Damping
- Absorbs and dissipates impact energy from passing trains, reducing wear on fasteners.
3.Thermal Expansion Compensation
- Maintains clamping force despite rail contraction/expansion in varying temperatures.
4.High-Strength Materials
- Carbon steel (65Mn, 60Si2MnA) – Standard use, hardened to HRC 40-50.
- Stainless steel (AISI 304/316) – Corrosion-resistant for coastal/tunnel tracks.
- Zinc-plated or phosphated – Enhanced rust protection.
3.Toothed Washer
Specialized railway components called rail toothed washers (also known as serrated washers or locking washers) actively prevent bolt/nut loosening under extreme vibration and dynamic loads. Its unique tooth design provides superior grip compared to standard washers, making it essential for high-speed tracks, turnouts, and bridge applications.
Key Features:
1.Anti-Rotation Locking Mechanism
- Radial teeth (8-16 teeth) bite into both bolt head/nut and contact surface.
- Creates mechanical resistance against rotational loosening.
- More reliable than spring washers in high-frequency vibration environments.
2.High Clamping Force Retention
Maintains pre-load tension even under:
- Train-induced vibrations (20-200Hz)
- Thermal cycling (-40°C to +60°C)
- Track settlement movements
3.Durable Material Options
| Material | Hardness | Application |
| Hardened Carbon Steel | HRC 45-50 | Standard mainline tracks |
| Stainless Steel (AISI 304/316) | HRC 30-35 | Coastal/tunnel environments |
| Zinc-Nickel Plated | HRC 40-45 | Heavy-haul corrosive conditions |
4.Surface Protection
- Prevents fretting corrosion between mating surfaces
- Reduces embedding damage on wooden/composite sleepers
Advantages
How to Find a Qualified Rail Fastener Manufacturer?
Please choose LTRF.
Why Choose LTRF?
- Strong Technical Expertise
LTRF boasts a dedicated R&D center. Moreover, it maintains long-term collaborations with major industry players such as China Railway, CRCC, and the Academy of Railway Sciences. In addition, it also partners with leading railway universities. As a result, LTRF has been able to develop various innovative fastening systems for both domestic and international markets. Notably, all these systems possess independent intellectual property rights. Indeed, to date, LTRF holds over 30 invention and utility model patents.
- Professional Manufacturing
LTRF always aims for the best. We carefully choose the materials we use and make sure every part is made with great care and skill. And we believe in doing things perfectly, so we keep coming up with new ideas and check the quality of our products very carefully to make sure they’re good.
We work fast to make sure you get your order on time. And we offer good service before and after you buy something. At LTRF, we also focus on what our customers need. We’re committed to making good products and providing great service in everything we do.
LTRF control the cost of each process, and the finance department updates the cost calculation regularly.
Furthermore, LTRF’s advanced testing equipment endows the company with comprehensive quality inspection capabilities for the entire fastener system. This meticulous quality-control measure is crucial for ensuring product reliability. Importantly, LTRF holds ISO and CRCC certification for railway products. These certifications not only demonstrate the company’s compliance with international and industry-specific standards but also enhance its credibility in the market.
