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What is the chemical composition of a standard 60e1 rail?

Mar 30, 2026 Leave a message

The 60E1 rail, also known as UIC60 rail, is a heavy rail widely used in modern railway lines due to its optimized 60e1 rail profile and robust 60e1 rail dimensions. Its nominal 60e1 rail weight kg per meter of 60 kg/m supports high axle loads and ensures stable long-term performance. Beyond physical dimensions, the chemical composition of the steel is critical for achieving mechanical properties such as tensile strength, wear resistance, and fatigue durability.

 

uic60 rail dimensions:

 

uic60 rail

 

UIC860 Standard
Size Dimension Weight (kg/m) Material Length (m)
Head (mm) Height (mm) Base Web
UIC54 70 159 140 16 54.43 900A/1100 12-25
UIC60 72 172 150 16.5 60.21 900A/1100 12-25

 

GNEE RAIL provides rail uic60 / 60e1 rail with strictly controlled chemical composition, ensuring that each rail meets standard specifications and delivers consistent performance under demanding operating conditions.

 

What is the chemical composition of a standard 60e1 rail?

 

The chemical composition of a 60E1 rail (formerly UIC 60) is governed by the European standard EN 13674-1. This rail is typically manufactured from high-strength pearlitic carbon-manganese steel. Because the "60E1" designation refers to the profile (shape and weight of 60.21kg/m), its specific chemistry depends on the selected steel grade. The most common standard grade is R260, while R350HT is used for head-hardened, heavy-wear applications.

 

Standard Chemical Composition (Ladle Analysis)

 

For the most widely used grades, the composition ranges (by mass percentage) are as follows:

 

uic60 rail

 

R200 Mechanical Property Chemical Composition
Yield strength Tensile strength Elongation Hardness C Si Mn S P H ppm O ppm
MPa kg/mm² MPa kg/mm² min HB ≤ ≤ ≤ ≤
    ≥680   14% 200-240 0.40-0.60 0.15-0.58 0.70-1.20 0.025 0.035 3 20

 

R260 Mechanical Property Chemical Composition
Yield strength Tensile strength Elongation Hardness C Si Mn S P H ppm O ppm
MPa kg/mm² MPa kg/mm² min HB ≤ ≤ ≤ ≤
    ≥880   10% 260-300 0.62-0.80 0.15-0.58 0.70-1.20 0.025 0.025 2.5 20

 

R260Mn Mechanical Property Chemical Composition
Yield strength Tensile strength Elongation Hardness C Si Mn S P H ppm O ppm
MPa kg/mm² MPa kg/mm² min HB ≤ ≤ ≤ ≤
    ≥880   10% 260-300 0.55-0.75 0.15-0.60 1.30-1.70 0.025 0.035 2.5 20

 

R350HT Mechanical Property Chemical Composition
Yield strength Tensile strength Elongation Hardness C Si Mn S P H ppm O ppm
MPa kg/mm² MPa kg/mm² min HB ≤ ≤ ≤ ≤
    ≥1175   9% 350-390 0.72-0.80 0.15-0.58 0.70-1.20 0.025 0.020 2.5 20

 

Impact of Chemical Composition on Performance

 

The selected chemical composition directly influences how a rail behaves under heavy loads and repeated stress.

 

  • Carbon content determines hardness and resistance to wear

 

  • Manganese enhances toughness, preventing brittle failure

 

  • Silicon improves fatigue strength for continuous traffic

 

  • Low phosphorus and sulfur reduce risk of cracks during heat treatment and service

 

uic60 rail profile

 

Optimizing these elements ensures that rail 60e1 delivers reliable mechanical performance while maintaining long service life.

 

GNEE RAIL uses precise metallurgical control to maintain consistent hardness, tensile strength, and 60e1 rail profile accuracy, ensuring each rail performs as expected.

 

GNEE RAIL supplies UIC60 and 60e1 rail with precise chemical composition control and mechanical properties according to EN 13674-1 standards. Rails are inspected to ensure uniformity of 60e1 rail dimensions, weight kg per meter, and profile, supporting optimal performance under heavy loads and repeated traffic. Rails can be supplied with cutting, drilling, and matching fastening components to facilitate installation. Contact GNEE RAIL to get support for material selection, chemical specification verification, and tailored rail supply.