What is S20 light steel rail?
Apr 24, 2026
What is S20 light steel rail?
A DIN 5901 S20 rail is a standard European light steel rail characterized by its specific geometric profile and a linear mass of 19.80 kg per meter. Governed by the German DIN 5901 standard, it is the preferred choice for light industrial applications such as overhead gantry cranes, mining transport systems, and automated warehouse tracks. It serves as a middle-ground solution, providing higher vertical rigidity than smaller profiles like the S14, while remaining lighter and more cost-effective than heavy-haul railway tracks.
- Geometric Identity: The S20 rail profile is defined by a 100 mm height and an 82 mm base width, offering a stable footprint with a low center of gravity.
- Linear Mass: Although commonly referred to as "20 kg rail," the precise S20 steel rail weight is 19.80 kg/m, a critical figure for structural load-bearing calculations.
- Material Composition: It is typically manufactured from high-performance carbon or manganese steel (such as 55Q or Q235B), ensuring the S20 rail mechanical properties provide the necessary surface hardness.
- System Integration: The profile is specifically engineered to work with standard S20 rail fishplates and clips, facilitating rapid and secure track assembly.
GNEE RAIL utilizes precision rolling technology to ensure that every DIN 5901 S20 rail strictly adheres to these international dimensional tolerances. Our production process emphasizes the integrity of the S20 rail cross section, particularly the 30 mm head width and 100 mm height, which are vital for the smooth travel of industrial machinery.
What Are the Precise S20 Rail Dimensions?
The S20 rail dimensions are the foundation of its structural performance. Every aspect of the profile is designed to optimize the transfer of stress from the wheels to the supporting infrastructure. The 100 mm total height provides a high moment of inertia to resist bending, while the 82 mm base width ensures the rail remains stable and resists tilting under lateral side-thrust forces.
| 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 |
Why Is Material Grade Critical for S20 Light Steel Rail?
While the dimensions are fixed by the standard, the S20 rail mechanical properties are determined by the steel grade. For permanent crane runways, a higher carbon grade like 55Q is often used to maximize surface hardness, preventing the rail head from "mushrooming" or deforming over time. For more flexible applications like temporary mining tracks, a grade like Q235B may be chosen for its superior weldability and impact resistance.
The choice of S20 rail material grade ensures the track can survive the specific environment of the site-whether it is the abrasive dust of a factory or the humid conditions of an underground mine. Following the European standard for chemical composition ensures that the RAIL S20 MATERIAL STRENGTH is predictable, providing a long service life and reducing the frequency of costly track maintenance.
| 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 | ||||
FAQ
- Is S20 rail exactly 20 kg?
Commercial terms often round the weight, but according to the DIN 5901 standard, the precise S20 steel rail weight is 19.80 kg/m.
- Can S20 rail handle heavy freight trains?
No. S20 is a light rail designed for industrial use. Heavy freight requires much larger profiles, such as UIC60 (EN 13674-1).
- What is the standard length?
The most common lengths are 6 meters, 10 meters, and 12 meters. Custom lengths can be produced based on your specific S20 rail drawing needs.
- How are the sections joined?
They are typically joined with a specific S20 rail fishplate that matches the 100 mm profile, secured with high-tensile fishbolts for a level running surface.
- Is it compatible with global fasteners?
Yes. As it follows the DIN 5901 standard, it is compatible with a wide range of international rail clips, spikes, and bolts used in 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.
