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What Are Vossloh SKL Clips
What Are Vossloh SKL Clips
Vossloh SKL rail clips, also known as tension clamps or "W" clips, are high-performance fastening components made of spring steel designed to permanently and elastically secure rails to sleepers in railway tracks.
They are a core component of many Vossloh "System W" and "System KS" fastening systems globally, known for providing consistent clamping force and a long service life.
Vossloh SKL rail clips have developed several SKL variations to suit different track requirements and speeds
Key Types and Applications
Key Types and Applications
Vossloh has developed several variations of the SKL clip over decades to suit different track requirements, from conventional to high-speed and heavy-haul lines.
SKL 14 (W 14 System):
Application: The most popular type used worldwide for ballasted tracks, suitable for conventional and high-speed lines (up to 320 km/h or 198 mph).
Features: Developed to prevent rail breaks from frequent acceleration and braking, it helps damp vibrations and reduce noise when used with a cellentic rail pad.
SKL 12 (Ballastless Systems):
Application: Typically used in ballastless (slab) tracks, including many metro systems.
Features: Designed for sleeper track panels without concrete shoulders, it can reduce vibration transmission and allows for horizontal and vertical adjustments.
SKL 21 (W 21 System):
Application: Used for conventional and high-speed traffic (up to 300 km/h or 186 mph), offering high rail creep resistance.
Features: Features a long spring deflection, ensuring the spring arms remain in contact with the rail base even under dynamic loads, which helps avoid dangerous fracture gaps.
SKL 24 (KS 24 System):
Application: Used in ribbed plate systems on various sleeper types (wooden, concrete, steel, plastic), with a maximum speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
Features: Its flat geometry allows for installation within the rail joint area and can provide higher electrical resistance with an additional insulator.
Key Specifications
Key Specifications
SKL clips are engineered to withstand demanding railway conditions, with core mechanical properties ensuring durability and performance.
Material: Typically made from 60Si2CrA spring steel.
Hardness: Rated at 42-47 HRC (Rockwell Hardness C scale).
Fatigue Life: Designed for a fatigue life of over 5 million cycles.
Clamping Force: Maintain a consistent clamping force (toe load) of typically between 10–15 kN per clip, ensuring rail stability.
Performance: Capable of handling heavy axle loads (up to 30+ tons) and high-speed operations.
System Components
System Components
The SKL clip is part of a complete fastening system. In addition to the clip itself, the system typically includes the following components:
Screw spike: Used to fasten other components to the sleeper or track plate.
Plastic dowel: Inserted into the concrete sleeper to provide insulation and a secure connection for the screw spike.
Guide plate: Installed under the tension clamp to maintain the rail's lateral position and transfer forces to the sleeper.
Rail pad: An elastic mat (often made of cellentic elastomer) placed between the rail and sleeper to dampen vibrations, reduce noise, and protect the sleeper from wear.
Flat washer: Used in conjunction with the screw spike.
Kunshan Signum Machinery Technology Co.,Ltd is a manufacturer and supplier produce Vossloh SKL Clips(SKL Tension Clamps) and associated fastening systems. We are able to offer SKL clips with associated fastening parts according to your drawings, requirements and standards with competitive price.
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