What is the exact S20 rail head width?

What is the exact S20 rail head width?

 

The exact head width of an S20 rail is 30.00 mm, as strictly defined by the DIN 5901 standard. This specific dimension is engineered to provide a precise contact surface for light-duty crane wheels and industrial trolleys, ensuring minimal rolling resistance while maintaining structural stability.

 

 

MASS	19.8	[Kg/m]
AREA	25.26	[cm²]
MOMENT OF INERTIA X-X	346	[cm⁴]
MOMENT OF INERTIA Y-Y	–	[cm⁴]
SECTION MODULUS X-X – HEAD	66.8	[cm³]
SECTION MODULUS X-X – BASE	71.8	[cm³]
SECTION MODULUS Y-Y	–	[cm³]

 

• Wheel Compatibility: The 30 mm S20 rail head width is optimized for flanged wheels used in small-scale gantry cranes and warehouse rail systems, preventing excessive lateral movement.

 

• Load Distribution: Despite its narrow profile, the head is designed to work in tandem with the 100 mm height and 82 mm base, ensuring the S20 rail load capacity is distributed evenly through the web to the foundation.

 

• Wear Resistance: By focusing the contact area on a 30 mm surface, the S20 rail material grade (typically high-quality carbon steel) can more effectively resist surface deformation and flange wear over time.

 

• Precision Geometry: The transition from the head to the web in the S20 rail profile is smooth, which is critical for maintaining the mechanical integrity of the S20 rail cross section during high-frequency industrial cycles.

 

Click here for S20 Rail pricing.

 

GNEE RAILWAY RAIL utilizes advanced cold-straightening and precision milling technologies to ensure that the S20 rail head width remains consistent within a tolerance of ±0.5mm across the entire length of the rail.

 

Material Strength and Surface Durability

 

The RAIL S20 MATERIAL STRENGTH is essential for maintaining the 30 mm head profile under heavy compressive loads. If the steel is too soft, the head will undergo "mushrooming," where the metal widens and deforms over the sides. GNEE RAILWAY RAILWAY ensures that the S20 rail material grade is strictly controlled for manganese and carbon content, providing a Brinell hardness that stands up to the repetitive stress of metal wheels.

 

In addition to hardness, the S20 rail technical data must show high tensile strength to handle the tension at the base of the rail. The S20 light steel rail is often used in environments with significant vibration; therefore, the material must also possess enough toughness to avoid fatigue cracking.

 

 

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

 

Key Features of Light Rail S20

 

The S20 light rail is a DIN 5901 compliant, medium-duty rail weighing 19.8 kg/m, designed for industrial, crane, and mining applications. Engineered from durable materials like Q235B or 55Q, it features 100mm height and 82mm base width, offering high wear resistance and stability for factory, warehouse, and construction tracks.

Key Features of S20 Light Rail

 

 

• Standard Compliance: Produced according to DIN 5901 European standards, ensuring consistent dimensions and high-quality material standards.

 

• Dimensions & Weight: The rail has a weight of 19.8 kg/m (approx. 39.8 lb/yd), a height of 100 mm, a base width of 82 mm, and a web thickness of 10 mm.

 

• Material Strength: Common steel grades include Q235B (ductile, cost-effective) and 55Q (high tensile strength MPa), offering excellent durability.

 

 

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

 

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

 

• Applications: Highly versatile for industrial crane systems, factory floors, and mining applications.  

 

• Installation & Compatibility: Compatible with standard rail accessories like fishplates and clips, facilitating easier installation.

 

FAQ

 

• Why is the S20 rail head width exactly 30 mm?

The 30 mm S20 rail head width is a result of the DIN 5901 standard optimization. It provides enough surface area for light-duty wheels while keeping the overall S20 rail cross section light and cost-effective for non-heavy-haul applications.

 

• Does the head width change with different material grades?

No, the S20 rail dimensions are fixed by the standard. Regardless of the S20 rail material grade (such as 55Q or Q235B), the external profile remains the same to ensure compatibility with standardized S20 rail fishplates.

 

• What is the tolerance for the head width?

According to the S20 rail specifications, the typical tolerance is within ±0.5 mm. High-quality S20 light steel rail must stay within these bounds to prevent "hunting" or derailment of the crane wheels.

 

• Can I use S20 rail for a 5-ton crane?

While the S20 rail load capacity is high for its size, a 5-ton crane's suitability depends on the wheel diameter and support spacing. You should consult the S20 rail technical data to ensure the 30 mm head can handle the specific point pressure of your crane wheels.

 

• Is the head of the S20 rail heat-treated?

Depending on the project requirements, the S20 Steel Rail can be supplied in a work-hardened state or with induction-hardened heads to further improve the RAIL S20 MATERIAL STRENGTH and resistance to wear.