The S21 Fastening System is a next-generation railway fastening system for concrete sleeper tracks. Created by SFFST, the S21 provides high stability, low vibration, and long-term reliability for conventional and high-speed railways. Based on advanced materials and precision-engineered components, the S21 complies with stringent international standards and meets the increasing demands for rail infrastructure.
Why Reliable Fastening Systems Matter
Concrete sleepers are increasingly being utilized in modern railroad construction owing to their durability, strength, and possess high load-carrying capacity. However, even the most superior sleepers must be complemented by an efficient fastening system if they are to ensure rail alignment, vibration dampening, and thermal expansion compensation. Failure of the fastening system can result in derailments, expensive maintenance, or premature wear. The S21 Fastening System eliminates these difficulties by creating a high-performance elastic connection with optimized track stiffness.
SFFST’s Manufacturing Excellence and Expertise
We believe at SFFST that quality rail fastening systems are constructed, not put together. Our manufacturing facilities feature fully automated production lines for tension clamps, elastic pads, and insulators, ensuring consistent precision and structural integrity. Each phase—from heating and hot forming to anti-corrosion treatment to anti-corrosion treatment—is tightly controlled in-house. Such vertical integration enables us to supply fastening systems with consistent performance and a longer service life. With over 15 years of rail fastening manufacturing experience, SFFST has delivered products to domestic and overseas rail projects in Asia, Europe, and Africa, earning the trust of infrastructure developers and engineers across the globe.
Key Features of the S21 Fastening System
Designed for high performance
S21 Fastening System is specifically developed for heavy-duty rail applications. It features high-strength components with controlled elasticity to deliver high rail clamping force. Both of them together reduce the stress caused by heavy traffic and high-speed operations. Our design methodology guarantees minimum track deformation, excellent lateral resistance, and high vibration damping.
Components and materials utilized
The S21 Fastening System comprises:
- Elastic tension clamps (W-shape) manufactured by our automatic lines,
- Polyurethane elastic rail pads are produced on automated polyurethane casting/injection production lines.
- Rail insulators, gauge baffles, and embedded dowels are precision molded on fully automatic injection molding machines.
Every item is designed with specially chosen materials for mechanical strength, weathering, and resistance to fatigue loading.
Durability under heavy loading and stress
The S21 Fastening System is subjected to extreme fatigue and durability testing. The system undergoes rigorous field testing, with trial sections extending at least 500 sleepers for mainline tracks or 200 sleepers for metro systems. These tests replicate actual conditions of high-speed vibration, temperature fluctuation, and axle load stress. The outcome always confirms that our S21 Fastening System retains superior clamping force and mechanical integrity for extended durations.
Compliance with Industry Standards
The S21 Fastening System is fully compliant with EN 13481-2:2022, the European standard for fastening systems for concrete sleepers. This certification encompasses performance criteria that include static stiffness, fatigue strength, electrical resistance, and ease of assembly. Compliance with EN standards is not merely a technical specification but a commitment to public safety. By adhering to this standard, the S21 guarantees longevity when subjected to exposure to environmental extremes, moisture, and dynamic loading, protecting both passengers and investment in infrastructure.
Applications Throughout Rail Networks
Conventional Railways
The S21 Fastening System is perfect for conventional speed standard railways. It is a cost-effective, high-strength solution that minimizes maintenance frequency and improves the stability of track alignment. This makes it a great choice for national rail lines that need upgrading or new fittings.
High-Speed Rail Lines
High-speed rail presents special challenges—more vibration, thermal expansion, and increased dynamic forces. The S21 has withstood the test in certain high-speed projects like the Wuhan-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway and Jinan-Qingdao High-Speed Railway Project. In these projects, our fastening systems have worked well and demonstrating proven long-term operational stability.
Varied Environmental Conditions
Whether in desert heat in Morocco’s Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Railway Project or high rainfall regions like the Wuhan-Huangshi Intercity Railway Project in China’s central region, the S21 Fastening System conforms with ease. Its corrosion-resistant elements and UV-stable materials also render it just as appropriate for coastal regions, arid environments, and cold climates.
Benefits of Using SFFST’s S21 Fastening System
Low maintenance and long service life
Due to the internal quality control and high-quality materials, the S21 Fastening System provides long service life with little intervention. Elastomeric parts are resistant to wear, UV degradation, and environmental aging—reducing downtime and maintenance costs for railroad operators.
Easy installation and replacement
Easy assembly and dismantling with the tools suggested by the manufacturer is a fundamental function checked by EN 13146-8 testing. The S21 Fastening System is engineered/designed for rapid installation with conventional tools. The modular design provides simple replacement of separate parts without disassembling the complete assembly, reducing the time for maintenance tasks.
Improved track stability and safety
Each component of the S21 works together to make the railways safer—from its firm clamping force that keeps rails fastened tightly under heavy loads to its insulating pads that eliminate stray current leakage. Its vibration-dampening qualities also minimize noise pollution and increase the lifespan of surrounding infrastructure.
Facilitating Modern Railway Infrastructure Development
S21 Fastening System assists the railway operator in having reduced lifecycle costs through high durability and easy maintenance. SFFST has provided more than 130,000 sets of fastening systems for main railways, such as Shaanxi Fenghong Heavy-Haul Railway and Chengdu Metro Line 17, which modernized transportation systems worldwide. Through the provision of stable quality and certified safety, the S21 Fastening System assists in promoting sustainable and efficient railway development worldwide.
Conclusion
The S21 Fastening System is SFFST’s dedication to the future of railway safety, performance, and reliability through engineering excellence. Engineered for concrete sleeper tracks and tested in the harshest conditions, it provides long-term stability with fewer maintenance requirements. It is fully compliant with EN 13481-2 Category C, providing operators across the globe with trust and confidence.
To find out more about the S21 Fastening System or talk to us about bespoke railway fastening solutions for your next project, call us today or visit our website. SFFST — the partner of choice in high-performance rail fastening technology.
FAQ
Q: What makes the S21 different from other fastening systems?
A: The S21 Fastening System stands out for its high EN standard compliance, better material quality, ease of installation, and proven performance in high-speed as well as conventional tracks.
Q: Is the S21 adaptable to individual projects?
A: Yes. Due to our vertically integrated production lines—from casting and rubber molding to polyurethane injection—we are able to adapt the S21 Fastening System to specific load conditions or climatic requirements.
Q: Where is S21 already in use?
A: S21 Fastening System is in use in some big national projects such as the Wuhan-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, the Datong-Xi’an Passenger Line, etc.
