Steel Sole Plate

Steel sole plate is a thickened metal plate installed beneath the crane rail, connecting it to the trackbed. Its function is to provide a protective layer beneath the track, preventing direct friction between the track and the trackbed, while also providing a stable, durable, and flat support surface for the crane track. Steel sole plates evenly transfer the load from the crane rails to the substructure, ensuring precise rail installation and effectively protecting the foundation from the concentrated loads of the crane wheels. Steel sole plates are a key component in crane rail systems for bridge cranes, gantry cranes, and port cranes, helping to extend rail life and reduce maintenance costs.

Continuous and Discontinuous Sole Plates

Depending on the design of the crane track structure, steel sole plates can be divided into two types: continuous and discontinuous sole plate.

Continuous steel sole plate

Continuous steel sole plates are laid continuously along the entire length of the rail, eliminating gaps beneath the crane rail. This provides uninterrupted support and even load transfer. We recommend using continuous steel sole plates for heavy-duty crane applications with wheel loads exceeding 30 tonnes. Continuous steel sole plates are typically 6 meters long and can be 20 mm or thicker. They are recommended for use with welded crane rail clamps. For outdoor use, anti-corrosion coating is recommended.

Discontinuous steel sole plate

Discontinuous steel sole plates are arranged in sections according to the crane rail fasteners mounting points, with each plate covering only one or more fixing points. Discontinuous steel sole plates are typically secured with bolt-type crane fasteners, offering flexible installation and facilitating local repair and replacement. They are recommended for crane rail systems with medium loads (≤30 tonnes) or requiring modular design.

ASAN Steel Sole Plate Materials and Anti-corrosion Treatment

Steel sole plate materials and production process

ASAN's steel crane base plates are primarily made of four materials: forged steel, cast steel, ductile iron, and rolled steel plate. Customers can choose from a variety of materials to suit their budget and application.

• Forged steel: Highest strength, excellent toughness, strong impact resistance, long service life, and a higher budget than other materials.
• Cast steel: High strength, good toughness, and can be cast into complex shapes. Budget is medium to high.
• Ductile cast iron: Excellent casting properties and high mass production efficiency. Budget is low.
• Rolled steel plate: High dimensional accuracy, high production efficiency, and stable quality. Budget is medium.

Anti-corrosion treatment of crane sole plate

To extend the service life of crane sole plates in various environments and ensure the safe operation of the crane rail system, they are typically treated with anti-corrosion treatment. Common anti-corrosion treatments for crane rail tie plates include the following. Customers can choose the appropriate anti-corrosion treatment method based on their needs or consult an expert for recommendations.

• Hot-dip galvanizing: The entire steel sole plate is immersed in a heated galvanizing bath, coating it with a 50-80μm thick zinc layer, creating a corrosion-resistant protective layer.
• Anti-rust spray or powder coating: Anti-rust paint or powder is sprayed onto the steel sole plate surface, creating a protective layer that prevents oxidation and resists some corrosion.
• Galvanizing: Electrogalvanizing the steel sole plate creates a hard, corrosion-resistant zinc layer, providing dual protection against oxidative corrosion.
• Epoxy or other anti-corrosion coating: Spraying epoxy or other types of anti-corrosion coatings is used. This method is primarily suitable for applications requiring high protection against chemical corrosion.