What is the hardness of the UIC 60 rail?

Mar 17, 2026 Leave a message

The UIC 60 rail, also designated as 60E1 under EN 13674-1, is a premium heavy rail profile standardized by the International Union of Railways (UIC), featuring a nominal weight of 60 kilograms per meter with a precise theoretical weight of 60.21 kg/m .

 

uic60 rail specification

 

60e1 rail

 

Size Dimension Weight (kg/m) Material Length (m)
Head (mm) Height (mm) Base Web
UIC60 72 172 150 16.5 60.21 900A/1100 12-25

 

What is the hardness of the UIC 60 rail?

 

The hardness of a UIC 60 (60E1) rail typically ranges from 260 HBW to 440 HBW, depending on the steel grade, with standard rails commonly at 260–300 HBW and heat-treated (HT) grades like R350HT reaching 350 HBW or higher. The rail conforms to EN 13674-1, designed for high-speed and heavy-load applications.

 

uic60 rail material:

 

uic60 rail

Material of uic60 rail

 

If you have special requirements for length or higher strength materials, please contact us for special custom production.

 

How to Choose the Right 60E1 (UIC60) Rail Material?

 

Selecting the correct steel grade for your 60E1 rail depends on your specific load and speed requirements. Your choice must comply with EN 13674-1 standards, and key factors include proper hardness and chemical composition.

 

1. Determine the Required Steel Grade

 

60e1 rail

 

  • For General Mainline & Passenger Use (R260): Choose this standard carbon steel. It offers high toughness and durability, making it ideal for typical high-speed and heavy-load railways.

 

  • For Heavy-Haul & Curves (R350HT/R350LHT): Choose head-hardened (heat-treated) steel. It provides superior wear resistance and a longer fatigue life, which is essential for tracks with high wear.

 

  • For Special Environments (Corrosion-Resistant): Choose copper-containing steels or specific alloys. These are necessary for coastal or industrial areas where severe corrosion is a risk.

 

2. Ensure Technical and Manufacturing Standards

 

uic60 rail

 

  • Compliance: Verify the rail meets EN 13674-1 to ensure European standards for quality, strength, and geometry are met.

 

  • Hardness Levels: Confirm the hardness is within the required range. Standard rail is typically 260–300 HB, while heat-treated rail can reach 350 HB or higher.

 

  • Tensile Strength: Check that the tensile strength meets the project specifications, as this defines the material's strength.

 

GNEE RAIL provides flexible supply for UIC60 Rail. We support standard lengths and custom cuts to match your project demands. Our fast delivery and full quality documentation help you run your project on schedule. Reach us for a quick quote and delivery timeline today.