Rails
Sustainably produced with a low MKI score in mind
At voestalpine, we minimise our impact on the climate with extremely sustainable and low-maintenance products. To encourage and evaluate these developments, we also rely on comprehensive considerations based on environmental product declarations (EPDs) and holistic life cycle analysis (LCA)
With greentec steel towards sustainable CO₂-neutral production. The steel in our products is also becoming green. Under the term greentec, we at voestalpine are transforming our production processes towards CO₂ neutrality while maintaining the highest quality and sustainability.
Profiles and Steel Qualities
As a manufacturer of rail tracks, we possess knowledge about various types of rail track profiles and steel grades. Our customers can rely on us to always have the correct rail track in stock for the desired application. Read more here about the different rail tracks we can supply and where they are used.
54E1
Unique to the Netherlands is the 54E1 in the R260Mn steel grade. This manganese (Mn) steel quality is better suited to withstand wear and tear and is therefore chosen for use with increased axle loads and high frequency train traffic. The 54E1 is now used almost everywhere on the Dutch main railway lines.
We ensure that the 54E1 R260Mn is always well stocked, pre-cut in various standard lengths for immediate availability. Do you need a custom-fitted piece? That is also possible with a short delivery time.
46E3
Although the 46E3 (also known as NP46) is still found on the Dutch railway, this rail cannot be applied in new constructions anymore. When replacing an existing 46E3 rail, 54E1 must be used. Only if this is not possible, because the underlying sleepers are not being replaced, can this rail still be used.
54E5
The 54E5 profile, developed in the Netherlands, is applied in curves, because the head has a better shape to handle the increasing load on the track when a train passes through the curve. The type of steel used, either R260Mn or R370CrHT, depends on the curve's radius, axle load, train length, and speed.
60E1
The 60E1, widely used in Europe, is applied in the Netherlands on the HSL (High-Speed Line) using the R260 steel grade, and on the Betuweroute using the R260Mn steel grade. This enables travel at high speeds and with high axle loads.
60E2
The 60E2 is a variation of the 60E1 head profile. This profile is used in high-speed switches.
The steel quality of a rail is determined by the rolling characteristic. This horizontal 'barcode' is rolled approximately every 3 metres into the web (also known as the web) of the rail. Where the various rail profiles and steel qualities are applied within ProRail tracks is described by ProRail in its design specification.
With the introduction of the European standard, ProRail has chosen to adopt the terminology of the European standard. This standard outlines all the requirements and agreements that the rail mills adhere to. The old rail designations UIC54 90 kg or grade 900B are now referred to as 54E1 R260Mn. In the description of the steel quality, Mn stands for manganese and HT for Heat Treated and LHT for Low alloyed Heat Treated.
The steel quality of a rail is determined by the rolling characteristic. This horizontal 'barcode' is rolled approximately every 3 metres into the web (also known as the web) of the rail. Where the various rail profiles and steel qualities are applied within ProRail tracks is described by ProRail in its design specification.
With the introduction of the European standard, ProRail has chosen to adopt the terminology of the European standard. This standard outlines all the requirements and agreements that the rail mills adhere to. The old rail designations UIC54 90 kg or grade 900B are now referred to as 54E1 R260Mn. In the description of the steel quality, Mn stands for manganese and HT for Heat Treated and LHT for Low alloyed Heat Treated.
| Staalkwaliteit | Oude duiding | Hardheid (HBW) | Omschrijving | Walskenmerk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R200 | 700 | 200-240 | Non alloy Non heat treated |
Geen |
| R220 | 800 | 220-260 | Non alloy Koolstof mangaan (C-Mn) Non heat treated |
▬▬ |
| R260 | 900A | 260-300 | Non alloy Koolstof mangaan (C-Mn) Non heat treated |
▬ ▬▬ |
| R260Mn | 900B (trekvastheid 90 kg) | 260-300 | Non alloy Koolstof mangaan (C-Mn) Non heat treated |
▬▬ ▬▬ |
| R350HT | 900B kopgehard | 350-390 | Koolstof mangaan (C-Mn) heat treated | ▬ ▬▬ ▬▬ |
| R370CrHT (R370LHT) | 54E1AHC R370LHT | 370-410 | Alloy (C-Mn) Heat treated |
▬ ▬▬ ▬▬ ▬▬ |
| R370CrHT (MHH) | 54E1AHC MHH | 370-410 | Alloy (C-Mn) Heat treated |
Available directly from stock
From short match pieces to a maximum of 360 metres and everything in between, we can produce directly and deliver from stock, just-in-time (JIT). That's just the beginning; we saw, mill, weld, blast and coat the rail tracks according to requirements to improve the longevity of the rail tracks and to serve our customers as much as possible.
Our site with its long length and two rail connections puts voestalpine Track Solutions Netherlands in a unique position for the best service. Want to know more about our rail tracks and unique services? Read on.
Transport and Logistics
You might be wondering how we can deliver rail tracks up to 360 metres to your desired location. We do this Just In Time with our unique Robel train. The Robel train can be used to deliver rail tracks of all lengths and efficiently unload them at the desired location.
For lengths up to a maximum of 30 metres, we can also deliver via our road transport. Would you like to know more about our logistics solutions?
Services
voestalpine Track Solutions Netherlands is specialised in diverse services to extend the lifespan of our rails, improve quality, and speed up installation. For instance, we always mill a rail symmetrically (on both sides of the head), so our customers do not need to worry about the face and direction of the rail during installation. Want to know more about our services? Then check out the videos below.
Using our unique milling machine, rails are symmetrically milled under controlled conditions to remove the decarburized surface layer. The milling depth can be tailored to customer requirements, ranging from 2 mm to 8 mm. We also offer the milling of custom rail sections.
Read more about our milling machineAt our welding facility, we can extend rails by means of flash-butt welding to lengths of up to 360 metres. This reduces the amount of welding required on track. Because the welding process takes place under controlled conditions and is fully certified, our flash-butt welds meet the highest quality standards.
Learn more about our service portfolioCoating draagt bij aan een langere levensduur en betrouwbaarheid van spoorstaven, toegepast in o.a. overwegen, overpaden, tunnels, stationsgebieden en op bruggen.
Meer over onze coating serviceWe can cut rails to length for any application.
View our cut-to-length rails
