MK2 Individual Rail Pads for Discontinuous Support
Specialized EVA copolymer individual rail pads for discontinuous sole plates, preventing displacement and distributing wheel loads effectively.
What Are Individual Rail Pads?
Unlike continuous rail pads, individual rail pads (like the MK2 series) are designed for discontinuous support—each pad pairs with a single sole plate to stabilize rails at specific mounting points. This design is critical for applications where rails can’t rely on a continuous support structure, such as crane runways, industrial rail lines, and heavy-equipment tracks.
Glory Rail’s MK2 individual rail pads feature front and back lips that sit over sole plates to prevent displacement, and are cut 5mm narrower than the rail’s bottom flange for a precise fit. Multiple size options let you match the pad’s total area to your expected wheel load, ensuring optimal performance.
MK2 Individual Rail Pad Dimensions
Choose the correct MK2 individual rail pad by matching the sole plate width to the pad’s “L” dimension (see table below). The “W” dimension is always 5mm less than the rail foot width for a snug fit.
| Part Number | L (mm) – Sole Plate Width Match | W (mm) – Rail Foot Width |
|---|---|---|
| MK2-110 | 110 | Rail foot width less 5mm |
| MK2-120 | 120 | |
| MK2-165 | 165 | |
| MK2-205 | 205 | |
| MK2-220 | 220 | |
| MK2-250 | 250 | |
| MK2-320 | 320 |
Individual Rail Pad Specifications
Glory Rail MK2 individual rail pads are manufactured to meet strict industrial standards, with materials and performance tested for durability and reliability. Below are key technical details:
| Parameter | Value / Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Wear-resistant EVA copolymer (with elastomeric properties) |
| Temperature Range | -25℃ to +75℃ |
| Recommended Max Compressive Stress | 15 N/mm² (reduce above 50℃, installation-dependent) |
| Tensile Strength (ISO R 527) | 16 MPa |
| Elastic Modulus (ISO R 527) | 100 MPa |
| Elongation at Break (ISO R 527) | 750% |
| Shore Hardness (ISO 868 A scale) | 95 |
| Recovery | Complete recovery after testing to multiple design loads |
| Chemical Resistance | Unaffected by oil, grease, and ultraviolet (UV) light |
Rail Recommendations for Discontinuous Support
To maximize the performance of your MK2 individual rail pads, choose rails suited for discontinuous applications. Below are guidelines based on load and use case:
- Not Recommended: A-section rails (DIN 536:1981) – widely used but weak in vertical bending, making them poor for discontinuous support.
- Light Applications: Railway rails – ideal for lighter wheel loads and general industrial use.
- Heavy Applications: Taller rails (e.g., QU70, ISCR100, MRS87A) – preferred for heavier wheel loads, providing better vertical bending strength.
Typical Discontinuous Sole Plate Arrangements
Match your sole plate setup to your vertical wheel load requirements (pair with MK2 individual rail pads for optimal results):
Installing Individual Rail Pads
Correct installation ensures your MK2 individual rail pads deliver maximum performance and longevity. Follow these steps, or contact Glory Rail for personalized guidance:
- Leveling Priority: Ensure sole plates are level with the rail base. The best method is to level the rail first, then bring the sole plate (with pad attached) up to fully contact the rail’s bottom surface.
- Size Confirmation: Verify the pad’s “L” dimension matches the sole plate width, and the “W” dimension is 5mm less than the rail foot width.
- Lip Placement: Align the pad’s front and back lips over the sole plate to prevent displacement—ensure full overlap for stability.
- Support Contact: Confirm the pad makes full contact with both the rail bottom flange and the sole plate (no gaps, which can cause uneven loading).
- Professional Advice: Glory Rail can provide tailored installation methods and supply additional components (e.g., adjustable clips) to optimize your setup.
Why Choose MK2 Individual Rail Pads?
- Displacement Prevention: Front and back lips overlap sole plates to keep the pad securely in place—no shifting during operation.
- Stress Reduction: Works with Glory Rail adjustable rail clips to significantly lower stresses in rails, grout, and concrete below sole plates.
- Load Distribution: Allows small rail rotations to conform to crane wheels, ensuring even distribution of wheel loads onto the supporting structure.
- Fatigue Protection: Eliminates load concentrations, preventing resultant fatigue stresses in rail mountings.
- Extended Equipment Life: Protects crane mechanisms (rails, wheels, bearings, axles) by reducing wear and impact.
- Corrosion Resistance: Eliminates fretting corrosion between rails and support surfaces, reducing wear and maintenance needs.
- Edge Load Mitigation: Tapered leading and trailing edges reduce edge loading on sole plates and grout when crane wheels move between sole plates.
- All-Weather Durability: Resists UV light, oil, and grease—performs reliably in indoor and outdoor industrial environments.
Need Expert Advice on Discontinuous Rail Support?
Our technical team can provide guidance on the suitability of MK2 individual rail pads for your specific discontinuous support application.