The Pandrol fastening system is a world-leading rail attachment technology that uses resilient, threadless spring clips to secure rails to sleepers. Unlike traditional spikes or bolts, Pandrol systems are self-tensioning, meaning they use the elastic properties of spring steel to maintain constant pressure on the rail foot without needing regular manual retightening.
Signum Rail Fastening offers rail fasteners for Pandrol systems, providing comprehensive one-stop services.
Pandrol offers several specialized systems tailored to different installation needs and environments:
e-Clip: The iconic, "e"-shaped spring clip that has been the industry standard since the 1950s. It is highly versatile and used in over 50 countries for everything from heavy haul to light rail. It typically consists of the clip, a cast-in shoulder, a rail pad, and insulators.
Fastclip (FC/FE): A "switch-on/switch-off" system where all components—clips, pads, and insulators—are pre-assembled on the sleeper at the factory. Once the rail is placed, the clips are simply pushed into the installed position using mechanical equipment, significantly speeding up track construction.
SKL Fastening: A threaded, resilient system (screwed-direct) common on concrete sleepers in ballasted tracks. It uses tension clamps (SKL clips) held down by screws into concrete dowels, offering easy gauge adjustment by swapping guide plates.
Safe Driven (SD): A high-performance, pre-assembled screwed fastening designed for all track categories. It offers controlled clip guidance and is optimized for automated mechanical installation.
Reduced Maintenance: Threadless systems (like e-Clip and Fastclip) eliminate the risk of bolts loosening over time, making them "fit-and-forget" solutions.
Vibration Isolation: High-elasticity pads and clips (such as the Vanguard system) are used to attenuate noise and vibration, which is critical in urban or tunnel environments.
Bridge Specifics: For bridges, Pandrol provides Zero Longitudinal Restraint (ZLR) configurations, allowing the rail to move independently of the bridge structure to account for thermal expansion.
Heavy Haul Capabilities: Specialized heavy-duty versions (like the Victor Baseplate) are engineered to withstand extreme axle loads exceeding 40 tonnes.
Comparison Table
Signum Rail Fastening (Kunshan Signum Machinery Technology Co., Ltd.) is a specialized manufacturer that produces rail clips, screw spikes, track bolts, tie plates and fasteners specifically designed for Pandrol-type fastening systems.