Fastening systems in railways are critical elements that hold rails onto sleepers or baseplates, keeping gauge, alignment, and stability. They are the foundation of safe rail operations, enabling trains to run with heavy loads, high speeds, and during unfavorable environmental conditions. Type II fastening systems are a recent advancement in rail engineering. Suitable for heavy-haul and high-speed rails, they optimize rail stability and reduce maintenance for decades of operation, enhancing track safety. SAFE‘s Type II products integrate innovative materials, precision engineering, and established manufacturing techniques to achieve the highest international standards.
What is Special about Type II Fastening Systems
Improved stability and lifespan
Type II fastening systems are leading the way in delivering increased stability in the guise of higher clamping mechanisms and component stiffness. Type II systems offer a better distribution of load over the rail foot, minimizing stress concentrations that cause premature failure. Increased durability comes through specially designed material selection and manufacturing techniques that are resistant to wear, corrosion, and fatigue under the influence of extreme operating conditions.
Anti-loosening and vibration resistance
One of the foremost characteristics of Type II systems is that they have very high resistance to loosening under dynamic loading. The clamping force of a complete rail fastening assembly is measured by the force required to lift the rail from the surface upon which it is being supported. Elaborate spring mechanisms and specially designed clips hold stable clamping forces through millions of cycles of loading, thus providing stability of track gauge even at high-frequency vibrations caused by passing trains.
Compatibility with high-speed tracks
Type II fastening systems are designed for high-speed passenger lines. Fastening systems for steel sleepers and other standards direct their design to perform under extreme operating conditions with guaranteed safety margins.
Design and engineering innovations
Key Components and Their Functions
SAFE Type II fastening systems consist of tension clamps, rail clips, baseplates, resilient pads, and insulation elements. Each product has a function:
- Rail Clips & Tension Clamps: Rail clamping and guarantee of clamping force.
- Baseplates & Pads: Load distribution, vibration absorption, and reduction of rail wear.
- Insulation Elements: Electrical insulation and track safety.
We SAFE’s State-of-the-art production lines allow automated production of these products with assured consistency and precision.
Materials and Manufacturing
Material is the answer to Type II system performance. SAFE employs:
- Steel alloys of high strength for clips and clamps.
- Engineered polymers as insulation.
- Special elastomers for vibration damping.
Automated production lines, such as polyurethane pouring and injection molding systems, ensure high efficiency and reproducibility of properties of all the components.
Innovations in Engineering
Type II systems feature enhanced spring geometries, surface treatments, and close manufacturing tolerances. These enhancements are a result of extensive research into load distribution, fatigue life, and long-term environmental performance, delivering a strong and reliable fastening system.
Benefits of Using SAFE Type II Systems
Enhanced Safety and Track Performance
SAFE Type II systems provide continuous rail restraint, delivering good wheel-rail contact and minimizing derailment hazards. Resistant to longitudinal slip and loosening caused by vibration, they promote safer, smoother operations on all types of track.
Less Maintenance Required
The durable design minimizes maintenance over traditional fastenings. Long-lasting clamping force, durability against environmental degradation, and resilient materials translate to fewer adjustments and inspections over the system’s service life.
Long-Term Cost Efficiency
Although higher in up-front cost, Type II systems provide long-term value in the form of longer service life, less maintenance, and higher track availability. Made to precision with quality materials, they provide decades of uninterrupted service with little or no attention.
Applications in Modern Railways
High-speed railway lines
Type II fastening systems are a must for high-speed rail tracks, where accurate track geometry and vibration control are critical. Wuhan-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, which opened in 2009, initially confirmed China’s independent high-speed rail technology, delineating a part of advanced fastening systems in contemporary rail infrastructure. Our participation in projects such as the Morocco Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Railway Project illustrates our international experience. In 2025, based on our precision manufacturing and end-to-end quality control system, our corporation provided advanced fastening solutions to this iconic international project.
Heavy-haul freight lines
Heavy-haul operation requires a fastening system with strength and durability. In 2023, we provided 130,000 sets of high-performance heavy-haul railway fastening systems to Shaanxi for the Fenghong and Jingshen Railway project, proving our ability in this challenging market.
Urban transit systems
Urban rail systems need low-noise and low-vibration fastening systems with high reliability when operating in confined spaces. In 2020, as a strategic supplier of Chengdu Metro Line 17—a western China hub—we developed a next-generation fastening system for urban rail applications.
SAFE’s Expertise in Type II Systems
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
With more than four decades of experience, SAFE has been at the forefront of fastening technology with ongoing R&D. All components, from spikes, bolts, nuts, and washers to sophisticated assemblies, are produced using fully automated lines and strict quality controls for complete system integration and reliability.
Integration with Other Railway Solutions
SAFE Type II systems are designed to work in harmony with rail tie plates, baseplates, and cast shoulders. The complete solution streamlines procurement, maximizes performance, and minimizes project complexity.
Global Rail Projects Trust SAFE
SAFE has established long-term relationships with railway operators across the globe. Some of the most significant partnerships include:
- Wuhan-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway (2009) – Type II fastening solutions.
- Chengdu Metro Line 17 (2020) – Bespoke urban transit fastening.
- Fenghong & Jingshen Heavy-Haul Railways (2023) – 130,000 sets supplied.
- Morocco Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Railway (2025) – Type II advanced systems.
FAQ
Q: Why are Type II fastening systems superior to conventional systems?
A: Type II systems provide better resistance to vibration, improved clamping force retention, and improved compatibility with high-speed and heavy-load applications through the use of advanced materials and engineering design.
Q: How does SAFE ensure quality in the production of Type II fastening systems?
A: All operations are completely mechanized and automated with total quality control systems in manufacturing from raw material to final assembly.
Q: What is the maintenance requirement for Type II fastening systems?
A: Type II systems require significantly less maintenance than traditional fastenings because of their superior anti-loosening qualities and greater durability, generally necessitating only periodical inspection instead of constant adjustments.
Q: Can Type II systems be used in all rail applications?
A: Yes, Type II systems are engineered for versatility, and they can be used on high-speed passenger lines and urban transit lines with the selection of components to match each application.
