What is a DIN 5901 S20 rail?

What is a DIN 5901 S20 rail?

 

A DIN 5901 S20 rail is a standard European light steel rail defined by its specific geometric profile and a linear mass of 19.80 kg per meter. As a core component of the DIN 5901 standard, it is primarily used in light-duty industrial applications, such as overhead gantry cranes, mining transport systems, and automated warehouse tracks. It bridges the gap between decorative miniature rails and heavy-haul railway tracks, offering a balance of high vertical rigidity and ease of installation.

 

 

• Geometric Identity: The S20 rail profile is distinguished by a 100 mm height and an 82 mm base width, providing a stable, low-profile footprint.

 

• Mass Specification: While often referred to as a "20 kg rail," the precise S20 steel rail weight is 19.80 kg/m, which is the standard value used for structural load calculations.

 

• Material Grades: It is typically manufactured from high-carbon or manganese steel (such as 55Q or Q235B), ensuring that the S20 rail mechanical properties provide high surface hardness and tensile strength.

 

• System Integration: The rail is designed to work with standardized S20 rail fishplates and clips, allowing for rapid deployment in both temporary and permanent industrial tracks.

 

S20 rail dimensions:

 

 

Size *	Rail height(mm) A	Bottom Width(mm) B	Head Width(mm) C	Web Thickness(mm) t	Weight(kg/m) *
S10	70	58	32	6	10
S14	80	70	38	9	14
S18	93	82	43	10	18.3
S20	100	82	44	10	19.8
S24	115	90	53	10	24.4
S30	108	108	60.3	12.3	30.03

 

What are the commonly used materials for Rail S20?

 

The S20 rail (DIN 5901 light steel rail) is typically manufactured from high-quality carbon steel or low-alloy high-strength steel. The most common materials used for S20 rail are Q235B and 55Q steel grades.

 

 

• Q235B: Used for general, lower-demand indoor applications, offering good ductility and cost-effectiveness.

 

• 55Q: Used for more demanding applications (outdoor environments, high wear) requiring higher tensile strength and superior wear resistance.

 

• Other Materials: Sometimes produced from 700 steel (high-tensile), R0550, or R200 steel.

 

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

 

Can the Light Rail S20 be used for cranes?

 

Yes, the S20 light rail can be used for crane applications, specifically for light-duty, overhead, or gantry crane runways in workshops, warehouses, and logistics centers. It is a medium-weight profile, weighing 19.8 kg per meter, and is defined by the DIN 5901 standard.

 

 

FAQ

 

• Is S20 rail the same as 20 kg rail?

Commercial descriptions often round the weight to 20 kg, but the exact S20 steel rail weight is 19.80 kg per meter according to the DIN 5901 standard.

 

• Can S20 rail be used for heavy freight?

No, S20 is a light rail. For heavy-haul freight, a European standard EN 13674-1 profile (like UIC54 or UIC60) would be required to handle the much higher axle loads.

 

• What is the standard length of an S20 rail?

Common standard lengths are 6 meters, 10 meters, and 12 meters. Custom lengths can be provided based on specific S20 rail drawing requirements for unique layouts.

 

• How is the S20 rail jointed?

Sections are joined using a specific S20 rail fishplate (joint bar) that fits the 100 mm profile height perfectly, secured with high-tensile fishbolts to maintain a level running surface.

 

• Is S20 rail compatible with international fasteners?

Yes, because it follows the DIN 5901 standard, it is fully compatible with standard rail clips, spikes, and bolts used in global S20 light rail systems.

 

GNEE RAIL offers a diverse range of steel rails, from light track profiles to heavy-haul infrastructure, ensuring a precise match for any industrial requirement. We provide professional customization services, including precision cutting to length and custom hole drilling to meet your project's unique technical specifications. Our supply chain includes all necessary matched fasteners and joint bars, and we utilize decades of global logistics experience to ensure that your materials arrive securely and on time at any destination worldwide.

 

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