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What steel grades are used for uic 60 rail?

Mar 30, 2026 Leave a message

What is UIC60 rail?

 

UIC60 rail is a standard heavy rail widely used in mainline railway systems worldwide, designed to carry high axle loads and high-speed traffic. It weighs 60 kg/m, has a head width of 74 mm, a total height of 172 mm, and a base width of 150 mm. These rails are essential for passenger, freight, and mixed traffic lines, providing long-term track stability and smooth operation.

 

60e1 rail dimensions：
 

uic60 rail dimensions

 

Type of Rail Standard Dimensions mm Steel Grade Mass M
Height Base Width Head Width Web Thickness kg/m
UIC60 UIC 172,00 150,00 72,00 16,50 R200, R260, R260MN, R350HT 60,21

 

GNEE RAIL offers complete solutions for UIC60 rails, including steel rails, elastic clips, screw spikes, and base plates, engineered to meet international standards and ensure reliable performance under heavy-duty conditions.

 

What steel grades are used for uic 60 rail?

 

UIC 60 (60E1) rails are manufactured to EN 13674-1 standards, primarily using pearlitic steel grades R260 (standard carbon) and R350HT (head-hardened) for high-speed or heavy-haul traffic. Other grades, such as R200, R260Mn, and R320Cr, are also used for specific durability and hardness requirements.

 

Common UIC 60 Steel Grades (EN 13674-1)

 

uic60 rail

 

 

  • R260 (Standard): The most common, providing a balance of hardness (≥260 HBW) and ductility, suitable for general heavy-duty, mixed-traffic lines.

 

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

 

  • R350HT (Heat-Treated): Head-hardened to achieve ≥350 HBW, offering superior wear resistance and extended service life under heavy axle loads or sharp curves.

 

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

 

  • R200: Generally used in low-speed or lower-traffic applications where high ductility is preferred over high wear resistance.

 

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

 

  • R260Mn / R320Cr: Specific alloy variants used for enhanced wear resistance or specialized applications.

 

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

 

Which material is the most durable for 60e1 rails?

 

The most durable material for 60E1 (UIC 60) rails, particularly for heavy-haul or high-speed traffic, is R350HT grade head-hardened steel. This steel offers maximum durability, with a minimum tensile strength of 1175 MPa and a Brinell hardness of 350 – 390 HB. Other durable, commonly used grades according to EN 13674-1 include R260 (standard) and R320Cr.

 

Factors Affecting Durability:

 

uic60 rail

 

  • Head-Hardening: Heat treatment applied specifically to the rail head significantly increases hardness and lifespan under heavy axle loads.

 

  • Wear and Corrosion Resistance: For coastal or industrial regions, rails can be alloyed with chromium or copper to resist corrosive atmospheres.

 

  • Compliance: Ensuring rails meet EN 13674-1 standards ensures consistent material performance.

 

GNEE RAIL offers UIC60 rails in U71Mn, R260, and high-strength 50Mn steel grades etc, along with compatible elastic clips, screw spikes, and base plates. All components are engineered for long-term stability, reduced maintenance, and smooth installation across high-speed and heavy-duty lines. Contact us to get your customized solution and professional guidance, ensuring precise compatibility with UIC60 rail profiles and reliable operational performance.