Steel rail is a type of steel bar that has a long, rectangular cross-section in the shape of an I or U. It is used to install railway tracks, and tracks for specialized vehicles such as cranes, trolleys, and locomotives, etc.They are produced from iron ore, through the processes of metallurgy, hot rolling, cold rolling, and heat treatment, to create different types of steel according to different standards and specifications.

What steel is used for the manufacture of rails?
Rail steel is a specialized category of steel designed primarily for the manufacture of railway tracks and related components. It is classified as a medium-carbon alloy steel, typically containing a balanced mix of carbon, manganese, and other alloying elements that enhance its mechanical properties. The primary alloying elements in rail steel include carbon (C), manganese (Mn), and sometimes small amounts of silicon (Si), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni). These elements contribute to the steel's strength, wear resistance, and overall durability.
| Element (Symbol and Name) | Percentage Range (%) |
|---|---|
| C (Carbon) | 0.60 - 0.80 |
| Mn (Manganese) | 0.70 - 1.20 |
| Si (Silicon) | 0.10 - 0.50 |
| Cr (Chromium) | 0.10 - 0.30 |
| Ni (Nickel) | 0.00 - 0.20 |
| P (Phosphorus) | ≤ 0.05 |
| S (Sulfur) | ≤ 0.05 |
Rail steel is engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of railway operations, including heavy loads, dynamic stresses, and environmental factors. Its most significant characteristics include high tensile strength, excellent wear resistance, and good toughness, which are essential for maintaining structural integrity under heavy traffic.

| Standard Organization | Designation/Grade | Country/Region of Origin | Notes/Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNS | R260 | USA | Closest equivalent to EN 10025 S355 |
| AISI/SAE | 1080 | USA | High carbon content for improved hardness |
| ASTM | A1 | USA | General specification for rail steel |
| EN | 10025 S355 | Europe | Structural steel with similar properties |
| DIN | 536 A | Germany | Minor compositional differences to be aware of |
| JIS | G3101 SS400 | Japan | Comparable but with different mechanical properties |
| GB | Q235 | China | Lower strength compared to typical rail steel |
| ISO | 6301 | International | Standard for railway applications |
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.

| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| EN Series | EN Standard EN 13674-4 |
54E1, 60E1, 39E1, 45E1, 49E1, 49E2, 49E5, 50E1, 50E6, 54E4 | R200, R260, R260MN, R350HT | 6-24m |
| ISCOR Series | South African ISCOR |
15kg, 22kg, 30kg, 40kg, 48kg, 57kg |
700/900A | 9-25m |






