38 kg Rail
Manufactured to GB/T 2585-2021 • Tensile strength ≥ 880 MPa • Service life 15＋ years
Product Overview
Cost-efficient: At 38.733 kg/m this rail lowers transport and civil works costs without compromising required load capacity.
Versatile: Ideal for branch lines, temporary construction tracks, tourist railways and a variety of industrial track uses.
Durable: Optimized chemistry and heat treatment improve fatigue resistance and wear life, extending service intervals.
Key Points
Standards & Performance: Produced to GB/T 2585-2021 with a minimum tensile strength of 880 MPa and an expected service life of 15–30 years.
Material Options: Available in 55Q (budget option) and U71Mn (performance-balanced option) to suit light and medium load applications.
Lightweight Design: 38.733 kg/m reduces shipping and installation costs while supporting axle loads up to 25 tonnes.
Proven Manufacturing: Universal rolling mill plus on-line quenching delivers a head hardness of 280–320 HB and tight dimensional control.
Comprehensive Testing: 12 inspection items including ultrasonic and magnetic particle testing; 100% internal defect coverage. ISO 9001 and optional CE certification available.
Fast Response: Stocked items and custom production available — Delivery time subject to availability, with fastest shipment within 3 days.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Model / Marking | 38 kg/m | Industry standard nominal weight |
| Cross-section dimensions | Height 134 mm (5.28 in); Base 114 mm (4.49 in); Head 68 mm (2.68 in); Web thickness 13 mm (0.51 in) | Matches medium-duty rail accessory sizes (e.g., fishplates, fasteners) |
| Material | 55Q carbon steel / U71Mn medium-carbon manganese steel | 55Q: Cost-effective, good ductility; U71Mn: Balanced strength & wear resistance |
| Theoretical weight | 38.733 kg/m (~25.98 lb/ft) | Actual ±0.5% permitted (per GB/T 2585-2021 standard) |
| Standard lengths | 12.5 m / 25 m (custom services available) | Custom lengths available — please confirm at enquiry |
| Execution standard | GB/T 2585-2021 (Hot-rolled Rails for Railway Use) | National standard for medium/heavy-duty rail products |
| Mechanical properties | 55Q: Yield ≥ 300 MPa; Tensile ≥ 600 MPa; U71Mn: Yield ≥ 400 MPa; Tensile ≥ 880 MPa | 55Q: Axle load ≤20 tons; U71Mn: Axle load ≤25 tons |
| Surface treatment | Natural rust / passivation options | Improves corrosion resistance in industrial/mining/damp environments |
Manufacturing & Quality Control
Steelmaking: Converter steelmaking with ladle refining; strict control of chemical composition, S & P ≤ 0.025%.
Rolling: Universal rolling mill ensures dimensional accuracy; head tread flatness within 0.1 mm/m.
Heat treatment: On-line quenching for improved head hardness and wear resistance.
Testing: Ultrasonic and magnetic particle testing, hardness and tensile tests — 100% inspection for internal defects across production.
Applications
Railway
Branch lines: local freight, mine branches — reduced initial investment and operating cost.
Temporary construction tracks: reusable for multiple projects.
Tourist and scenic railways: engineered for lower noise and vibration for small tram or tourist vehicles.
Industrial
Crane rails: suitable for 5–20 tonne overhead cranes when paired with elastic clips and compatible fastenings.
Port yards: container stacking tracks where wear resistance reduces maintenance frequency.
In-plant steel and material handling: performs well under frequent start/stop cycles and tight curves, with up to ~20% longer life versus standard rails.
Supervision Loading Photos
Installation
Base preparation: Fix to concrete or wooden sleepers; maintain gauge tolerance within ±2 mm.
Jointing: Fishplates with high-strength bolts; joint gap ≤2 mm to ensure electrical continuity and strength.
Commissioning checks: Track inspection trolley to verify geometry; vertical profile tolerance ≤5 mm per 10 m.
How to Order
Submit requirements: Use the online inquiry form (Contact Us) or the quote form below. Provide quantity, preferred grade (55Q/U71Mn), single rail length and delivery location.
Proposal & approval: Our technical team will supply a customized solution including drawings and cost estimate.
Contract: Contract will define quality standards, delivery schedule and payment terms (T/T, L/C available).
Production & shipping: Stock rails shipped from inventory; custom orders produced per contract. Domestic delivery by dedicated logistics; international shipment via sea or air.
Maintenance Recommendations
Routine inspection: Check head wear quarterly; replace if side wear >12 mm.
Lubrication: Apply rail lubricant on curves to reduce wheel-rail friction and noise (up to ~30% noise reduction reported).
Repairs: Minor wear can be corrected by milling/grinding; severe damage requires welding or replacement — U71Mn is more weld-friendly.
After‑sales & Warranty
Warranty: 12 months from acceptance. Material defects covered by free replacement within warranty period.
Technical support: 24-hour contact for installation guidance and troubleshooting (remote or on-site as required).
Follow-up: Biannual site visits with an engineer and a written “Track Health Report”.
FAQs
Q:How to choose between 55Q and U71Mn?
A:55Q suits budget-sensitive, light‑load scenarios. U71Mn offers better wear and fatigue resistance and is recommended where loads or operating conditions are more demanding.
Q:How should rust on rails be treated?
A:Light surface rust can be removed by grinding and then coated with an anti-corrosion (rust-preventative) paint. Severe corrosion requires replacement to avoid safety risks.
Q: Can 38 kg rail be used on high-speed lines?
A: Not recommended. High-speed lines typically require rails of 60 kg/m or heavier; 38 kg rails are intended for conventional branch lines.