Differences Between Heavy Rails Light Rails and Crane Rails

In the GB rail system, heavy rails, light rails, and crane rails form clear classifications due to differences in application scenarios, technical standards, and performance requirements. As a professional rail supplier, GNEE RAIL can provide professional selection advice based on your needs, offering a full range of GB rails and supporting solutions.

I. Application Scenarios and Core Functions

GB Heavy Rails

In accordance with GB/T 2585, they are suitable for high-speed railways (speed ≥200km/h), heavy-haul railways (axle load ≥25 tons), and long-span bridges. For example, GNEE RAIL's 60kg/m and 75kg/m heavy rails adopt U75V vanadium microalloying technology, with a tensile strength of over 980MPa, a rail head quenched layer depth of ≥8mm, and a hardness of 300-380HBW. In heavy-haul lines such as the Daqin Railway, the annual wear is ≤0.1mm, and the service life is increased by 50% compared to ordinary materials.

GB Light Rails

Implementing GB/T 11264, they feature a lightweight design, with specifications such as 18kg/m, 22kg/m, and 30kg/m, suitable for factory transport lines, scenic spot sightseeing tracks, and medium-and small-traffic branch railways. GNEE RAIL's light rails are made of Q235 or 55Q carbon steel, combining economy and corrosion resistance, with a single weight error of ≤±3%. The length can be customized to 6-12m, compatible with concrete or steel structure foundations.

GB Crane Rails

Following GB/T 3426-2015, they mainly include the QU70, QU80, QU100, and QU120 series, specifically designed for port gantry cranes (200-400 ton class) and mine overhead cranes. GNEE RAIL's QU100 crane rails are made of U71Mn and U75V materials, featuring high hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.

II. Performance Indicators and Technical Differences

Materials: Heavy rails and crane rails are mainly made of U71Mn and U75V alloy steels, while light rails mostly use Q235 carbon steel.

Strength: Heavy rails have a tensile strength ≥980MPa, light rails ≥450MPa, and crane rails ≥880MPa.

Wear resistance: Heavy rails have a rail head quenched layer depth ≥8mm; crane rails improve surface hardness through full-length heat treatment; light rails reduce friction coefficient by optimizing the rolling process.

GNEE RAIL can provide a series of products including heavy rails, light rails, and crane rails, and can also offer customization according to customer needs, such as drilling services.

• Heavy rails: Covering 43kg, 45kg, 50kg, 60kg, 75kg/m models, suitable for high-speed railways and heavy-haul railways, with 100m fixed-length 100-meter rails available.

• Light rails: Full specifications of 8Kg, 18kg/m, 22kg/m, 30kg/m, supporting customized hole patterns and lengths.

• Crane rails: Full range from QU70 to QU120.

If you need more detailed product information or prices, please feel free to contact us!