Steel rail, we also called the railway track, it is crucial to the steel railing system. As a rail component of the railway system, steel rail guides the train forward and bears the enormous pressure. Meanwhile, the steel rails convey the pressure to the railway sleepers. So steel rails play a big role in the railway system and the quality of the steel rails is much important.
Steel rail can be divided into three basic types based on the steel rails weight. They are light rails, heavy rails and crane rails.
What is the difference between crane rail and train rail?
Crane rails and train rails differ in design, application, and load focus: Crane rails (like QU series) have wider heads and bases, thicker webs, and lower height for heavy, concentrated, often static loads in factories/ports, focusing on vertical stability and impact resistance; while train rails (like 60kg/m) are designed for long distances, high speed, and smooth, continuous travel, distributing dynamic loads, with a profile optimized for longitudinal bending resistance.
Difference between steel rails and crane rails:
| Feature | Steel Rail | Crane Rail |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For standard railway transport (passenger & freight) | For industrial cranes and overhead systems |
| Material | High-carbon steel, alloyed steel | High-grade alloyed steel with impact resistance |
| Design | Smooth top, standard profiles (e.g., UIC60, UIC54) | Deeper groove, reinforced profile for heavy loads |
| Performance | Load distribution, durability under normal railway use | Impact resistance, shock absorption, high-frequency use |
| Typical Profiles | UIC60/UIC54/QU70/QU100 rail | QU70/A45/A55/A100/UIC60/A65 crane rail |
| Application | Railways, freight systems, passenger transport. | Yard cranes, ASC, STS Cranes, port systems, etc. |
| Standards | AREMA, UIC, JIS, BS, GB, Russian standard, etc. | DIN536 rail, UIC, JIS, BS, GB standard, etc. |
Types of Crane Rail
Crane rails play a key role in crane structures, providing the necessary support and guidance for moving parts of the crane, such as overhead cranes and hoists. An important aspect of these rails is their strength and ability to withstand heavy loads and extreme conditions, which is crucial in heavy industry and construction.
| Crane Rail Type | Standard | Size | Material | Standard Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QU Series | Chinese YB/T 5055-2014 | QU70, QU80, QU100, QU120 | U71Mn, U75V | 12m |
| A Series | German DIN536 | A45, A55, A65, A75, A100, A120, A150 | 50Mn,U71Mn | 10/12/15m |
| ASCE Series | American ASTM, AREMA | ASCE25, ASCE40, ASCE60, ASCE75, ASCE85, ASCE90, ASCE115, ASCE136 | 700/900A/1100 | 6-12m, 12-25m |
| UIC Series | International Union of Railways UIC860-0, EN-13674-1 | UIC50, UIC54, UIC60 | 900A/1100 | 12-25m |
| BS Series | British BS11-1985 | BS50'O',BS60A,BS60R, BS75A,BS75R,BS80A, BS100A,BS113A | 700/900A | 8-25m |
| JIS Series | Japanese JIS E1103/1101 | 15kg, 22kg, 30A, 37A, 50N, CR73, CR100 | According to JIS | 9-10m |
| AS Series | Australian AS 1085 | 31kg, 41kg, 47kg, 50kg, 53kg, 60kg, 66kg, 68kg, 73kg, 86kg, 89kg | 900A/1100 | 8-25m |
| ISCOR Series | South African ISCOR | 15kg, 22kg, 30kg, 40kg, 48kg, 57kg | 700/900A | 9-25m |
Types of Train Rail
Steel rails, also called railroad rails, are primarily used for railway tracks in transportation systems. They are a key component of railway systems, providing a stable and durable track for passenger trains, freight trains, and high-speed rail networks or subways.
| Rail Type | Standard | Size | Material | Standard Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mining Rail | GB /T 11264-2012 | 8kg, 9kg, 12kg, 15kg, 18kg, 22kg, 24kg, 30kg | Q235B, 55Q | 6-24m |
| Heavy Railroad Rails | GB 2585-2007 | 38kg, 43kg, 50kg, 60kg, 75kg | 50Mn,U71Mn | 6-24m |
Since 2008, GNEE RAIL has been supplying steel rails of different grades for more than 18 years, steel rails from GNEE is highly recommened in China and abroad.Wtih cutting edge equipment, GNEE produces high quality steel rails that meet with requirements of most countries. Standard rail, head hardened rail, heavy rail,light rail,crane rail and other types are all available here, as one of the China main rail supplier, GNEE RAIL has been working on supplying economical green railway products all over the world.
