Nabla Guide Plate for Railway Fastening System

A Nabla guide plate(also known as Nabla Insulator) is a component of the Nabla rail fastening system used in railway tracks to help maintain the correct track gauge and provide electrical insulation.The guide plate is part of a comprehensive system, also involving the Nabla clip (or blade) and a screw spike, used to securely fasten rails to sleepers (railroad ties). 

Function of Nabla Guide Plate

• Gauge Maintenance: It is crucial for maintaining the precise distance (gauge) between the rails, especially on tight radius curves, which increases the life expectancy of assembly components.

• Electrical Insulation: The guide plate, often made of glass-reinforced materials ( nylon 6 or nylon 66), provides high electrical insulation between the steel rail and the concrete sleeper or baseplate.

• Lateral Support: The guide plate, specifically designed with a deep post insulator, offers exceptional resistance to wear and tear caused by lateral (side-to-side) loads from passing trains.

• Simple Installation: The Nabla system is often "pre-assembled" on sleepers delivered to the site, which makes track laying faster and more efficient. 

Materials of Nabla Guide Plate

The Nabla guide plate is typically made from durable, engineered materials: 

• Nylon 6 or Nylon 66: These materials are commonly used, often with a glass filler content of 20% to 35%, to achieve the high mechanical strength and performance needed for long usage life in demanding railway environments.

• High Strength Wear Material: By separating the electrical insulation and lateral support functions into different components, higher strength, wear-resistant material can be utilized in the lateral restraint block, further increasing the component's lifespan. 

Standard of Nabla Guide Plate

• Material: Reinforced Nylon 66 (PA66) with 30–35% glass fiber content.

• Hardness: ≥110 HRR.

• Tensile Strength: ≥170 Mpa.

• Electrical Resistance: ≥1x108Ω

Kunshan Signum Machinery Technology Co., Ltd. is a trusted supplier of the Nabla Guide Plates and Rail Blades, meeting the NF F50-021 and NF F50-015 Standard for railway and transportation infrastructure.