Rail Base Plate

A rail base plate, also commonly known as a tie plate or sole plate, is a critical component in railway track systems placed between the steel rail and the sleepers (ties). Its primary functions are to distribute the heavy load of the train across a larger area of the sleeper, maintain the correct track gauge (the distance between rails), and provide a stable platform for the fastening system.

Signum Featured Rail Tie Plates

AREMA Standard Specifications

In North America, base plates are typically categorized by AREMA Plan Numbers, which correspond to the size of the rail base they support: 

• Plan #1 & #2: Single-shoulder plates for 90RA-A and 100RE rail sections.

• Plan #7 & #8: Double-shoulder plates for 115RE and 119RE rail (5-1/2" base width).

• Plan #12 & #13: Double-shoulder plates for 136RE and 140RE rail (6" base width). 

Production Process of Rail Tie Plates

Key Functions and Benefits

• Load Distribution: Prevents the rail from crushing or indenting the sleeper by spreading the wheel weight over a wider surface area.

• Gauge Maintenance: Holds the rails at a precise distance from each other, which is essential for safety and preventing derailments.

• Vibration and Noise Reduction: When paired with elastic pads, base plates help dampen the noise and vibrations generated by moving trains.

• Rail Inclination (Cant): Most base plates are manufactured with a 1:40 cant (inward slope) to match the profile of train wheels for better stability. 

Common Manufacturing Materials

Other Rail Tie Plates Available 

We can mainly supply two kinds of rail tie plates: One kind is produced by forging, and the other is produced by casting. For rail tie plates to be forged, the structure should be less complicated, and the cost for production and mould are more economic; On the contract, the rail tie plate to be casted can be complicated and more expensive. We adapt AREA and DIN standard. 

We have wide ranges of production for rail tie plates, our lead time for mould and mass production are very effective.

We have rich experience of supplying rail tie plates for worldwide market. Additionally, we can supply track bolts,screw spikes,dog spikes,railway fish plate,elastic rail clips according to customers' technical requirements.