What are the Key DIN 5901 S20 RAIL Specifications?
Apr 23, 2026
What are the Key DIN 5901 S20 RAIL Specifications?
The key specifications of the DIN 5901 S20 rail include a height of 100 mm, a base width of 82 mm, a head width of 30 mm, and a precise linear mass of 19.80 kg per meter. These standardized dimensions ensure that the rail provides the necessary structural rigidity and stability for light-duty industrial applications, such as crane runways, mining transport, and automated warehouse tracks.

| Size
* |
Rail height(mm)
A |
Bottom Width(mm)
B |
Head Width(mm)
C |
Web Thickness(mm)
t |
Weight(kg/m)
* |
| S14 | 80 | 70 | 38 | 9 | 14 |
| S18 | 93 | 82 | 43 | 10 | 18.3 |
| S20 | 100 | 82 | 44 | 10 | 19.8 |
- Dimensional Accuracy: The S20 rail profile is engineered with a 100 mm height and an 82 mm base, creating a balanced geometry that resists both vertical deflection and lateral tilting.
- Surface Geometry: The 30 mm S20 rail head width is specifically designed for light-duty flanged wheels, ensuring smooth travel and reduced frictional wear on both the rail and the machinery.
- Standardized Weight: With an S20 steel rail weight of 19.80 kg/m, it falls under the 20 kg/m rail specifications, providing an optimal strength-to-weight ratio for mezzanine or elevated installations.
- Material Performance: Built to the DIN 5901 standard, the S20 rail material grade (typically 55Q or Q235B) ensures high tensile strength and the surface hardness required for long-term industrial service.

| Q235B | Mechanical property | Chemical composition(%) | |||||||||
| Yield strength | Tensile strength | Elongation | Hardness | C | Si | Mn | S | P | |||
| MPa | kg/mm² | MPa | kg/mm² | min | HB | ≤ | ≤ | ≤ | |||
| ≥ | ≥ | ||||||||||
| 235 | 24 | 375-460 | 38-47 | 26% | 0.12-0.22 | 0.35 | 0.30-0.70 | 0.045 | 0.045 | ||
| 55Q | Mechanical property | Chemical composition(%) | |||||||||
| Yield strength | Tensile strength | Elongation | Hardness | C | Si | Mn | S | P | |||
| MPa | kg/mm² | MPa | kg/mm² | min | HBW | ≤ | ≤ | ||||
| ≥ | ≥ | ≥ | ≥ | ≥ | |||||||
| 685 | 69 | 197 | 0.50-0.60 | 0.15-0.35 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.04 | 0.04 | ||||
How Does the S20 Rail Material Grade Affect Performance?
The material grade of S20 rail, a 19.8 kg/m DIN 5901 standard light steel rail, directly dictates its wear resistance, load capacity, and suitability for specific environments, typically using Q235B for general, lower-load applications and 55Q for higher-wear, more demanding industrial environments.
Material Grade Effects on Performance:
- Q235B (General Purpose): This steel grade offers excellent weldability and sufficient strength for standard factory floor trolley systems, warehouse logistics, and lightly loaded conveyor lines. It is often preferred for indoor, low-traffic, or less intensive applications where extreme abrasion resistance is not the primary concern.

- 55Q (High Wear Resistance): This grade provides higher hardness and superior wear resistance compared to Q235B, making it ideal for harsh operating conditions. 55Q is generally utilized for high-traffic industrial settings, crane tracks, and outdoor mining logistics where frequent rolling loads would cause premature failure in softer steel.
How Grades Affect Specific Performance Areas:
- Wear Resistance & Lifetime: The 55Q steel grade, featuring higher carbon content, significantly increases the surface hardness and longevity of the rail, extending its service life under continuous operation.
- Load Capacity & Stability: While all S20 rails share the same 19.8 kg/m profile, the material grade affects how well the rail resists deformation (plastic deformation) under localized wheel loads. A higher grade like 55Q reduces the need for maintenance in intensive use scenarios.
- Environmental Suitability: Q235B provides good durability in protected, indoor environments, while 55Q is often better suited for environments requiring more robust structural integrity, such as outdoor construction sites.
- Weldability & Maintenance: Q235B is generally easier to weld, making it suitable for applications requiring extensive site fabrication, whereas 55Q requires stricter welding techniques to prevent brittle fractures.
FAQ
- Can S20 rail handle a 5-ton axle load?
Generally, the S20 rail load capacity is rated for up to 3.5 tons depending on sleeper spacing. If the project requires a 5-ton capacity, the support spacing must be significantly reduced, or a heavier European standard profile should be considered.
- What material is best for S20 rail head hardness?
The S20 rail material grade 55Q is recommended for applications requiring high wear resistance. It provides a harder running surface for the 30 mm head, extending the life of S20 light rail systems.
- What are the standard lengths for S20 light steel rail?
Standard lengths are typically 6, 8, or 10 meters. These lengths are designed to optimize the S20 steel rail weight for transport while minimizing the number of S20 rail joint bar connections needed.
- How do I ensure the S20 rail fishplate fits perfectly?
Always ensure the fishplate is manufactured specifically for the DIN 5901 S20 rail. The dimensions must match the 100 mm height and the specific fishing angle shown on the S20 rail drawing.
GNEE RAIL offers a complete range of steel rails from light-duty tracks to heavy-haul infrastructure, ensuring a perfect match for any industrial requirement. We provide professional customization services, including precision cutting and custom hole drilling to meet the exact specifications of your S20 rail drawing. Our supply includes all necessary matched fasteners and joint bars for a fully compatible system, and we utilize decades of global logistics experience to ensure that your S20 steel rail weight orders are delivered securely and on time to any project site worldwide.







