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.
What steel is used for rails?
Steel rails primarily use high-carbon steel, often alloyed with manganese, to achieve the necessary strength, hardness, and wear resistance for heavy loads and friction, with specialized grades (like chromium or vanadium) used for extreme conditions, and heat treatment further enhancing properties. Common types include carbon-manganese steels, while alloy steels with elements like Nb or V, and heat-treated versions (e.g., R350HT) provide superior performance.
| Steel Grade | C (%) | Si | Mn | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U71Mn | 0.65~0.76 | 0.15~0.58 | 0.70~1.40 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.030 |
| 50Mn | 0.47-0.55 | 0.17-0.37 | 0.70-1.00 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
| 60Mn | 0.57–0.65 | ≤ 0.40 | 0.70–1.00 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 |
| R260 | 0.60–0.80 | 0.10–0.50 | 0.80-1.30 | ≤ 0.025 | ≤ 0.020 |
| R350HT | 0.65–0.82 | 0.10–0.50 | 0.80–1.50 | ≤ 0.025 | ≤ 0.020 |
| 1080 | 0.75–0.88 | ≤ 0.40 | 0.60–0.90 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 |
| 1084 | 0.80–0.93 | ≤ 0.40 | 0.60–0.90 | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 |
How to Select Appropriate Rail Steel Materials?
Selecting rail steel involves matching material properties to operating conditions, focusing on high strength, wear resistance, and fatigue strength, achieved through specific alloying (like carbon, manganese, silicon) and precise manufacturing (rolling, heat treatment). Key factors are axle load, train speed, traffic density, and environmental conditions (cold, coastal) to choose the right grade (e.g., U75V for heavy haul), profile (weight/shape), and features (corrosion protection, weldability) for safety and longevity.
Key Selection Factors
- Operating Environment: Consider temperature (low-temp toughness for cold climates), humidity, and corrosivity (coastal/industrial).
- Load & Speed: Higher axle loads and speeds demand heavier rails (e.g., 60+ kg/m) and higher strength/hardness grades (e.g., U75V).
- Traffic Density: High-density lines need more durable, wear-resistant steel.
As a professional rail fastener supplier, GNEE RAIL can provide different standard steel rail such as American, BS, UIC, DIN, JIS, Australian and South Africa which used in railway lines, cranes and coal mining.
| Classification | Height(mm) | Head (mm) | Bottom (mm) | Thick(mm) | Weight (kg/m) | |
| Light Rail | 8 KG/M | 65 | 25 | 54 | 7 | 8.42 |
| 9 KG/M | 63.5 | 32.1 | 63.5 | 5.9 | 8.94 | |
| 12 KG/M | 69.85 | 38.1 | 69.85 | 7.54 | 12.2 | |
| 15 KG/M | 79.37 | 42.86 | 79.37 | 8.33 | 15.2 | |
| 18 KG/M | 80 | 40 | 80 | 10 | 18.06 | |
| 22 KG/M | 93.66 | 50.8 | 93.66 | 10.72 | 22.3 | |
| 24 KG/M | 107 | 51 | 90 | 10.9 | 24.46 | |
| 30 KG/M | 107.95 | 60.33 | 107.95 | 12.3 | 30.1 | |
| Heavy Rail | 38 KG/M | 134 | 68 | 114 | 13 | 38.733 |
| 43 KG/M | 140 | 70 | 114 | 14.5 | 44.653 | |
| 45 KG/M | 145 | 67 | 126 | 14.5 | 45.546 | |
| 50 KG/M | 152 | 70 | 132 | 15.5 | 51.514 | |
| 60 KG/M | 176 | 73 | 150 | 16.5 | 60.64 | |
| Crane Rail | QU 70 | 120 | 70 | 120 | 28 | 52.8 |
| QU 80 | 130 | 80 | 130 | 32 | 63.69 | |
| QU 100 | 150 | 100 | 150 | 38 | 88.96 | |
| QU 120 | 170 | 120 | 170 | 44 | 118.1 | |
Of course, we also provide the others standards steel rails like India standard steel rails. If you are interested in these steel rails, welcome to send your inquiry.
