R260
Data verifiedR260 is the world’s standard rail steel grade to EN 13674-1, a pearlitic carbon-manganese steel whose as-rolled head hardness of 260–300 HBW balances wear against weldability and cost. Most conventional and mixed-traffic lines outside China are laid in R260.
Chemical composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| C | 0.62–0.80 |
| Si | 0.15–0.58 |
| Mn | 0.65–1.25 |
| P | ≤0.025 |
| S | ≤0.025 |
| Cr | ≤0.15 |
Weight percent, per the governing standard ranges. Actual values per heat are on the mill certificate.
Properties
| Tensile strength | ≥880 MPa (rail, as-rolled) |
| Hardness | 260–300 HBW (rail head) |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
Heat treatment
Supplied as-rolled (pearlitic). No post-treatment — the grade number is the minimum head hardness in HBW.
Equivalent grades
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| din | R260 (EN 13674-1) |
| gb | U71Mn (near, GB/T 2585) |
Compare side by side: R260 vs U71Mn · R260 vs R350HT
Equivalents overlap in chemistry and use but are not always identical — see our equivalents guide before substituting in certified designs.
Applications & Processing
Applications: Railway rails in standard profiles (49E1, 54E1, 60E1/E2), turnouts and crossings (with grade-specific rules).
Processing: Rails are rolled to profile and supplied in long lengths; field joints are aluminothermic or flash-butt welded under rail-specific procedures.
FAQ
- What does R260 stand for?
- R = rail profile steel; 260 = the minimum Brinell hardness (HBW) of the rail head. Higher numbers (R320Cr, R350HT) mark harder, more wear-resistant grades.
Need R260 from stock?
Steel.Wiki is sponsored by Shenzhen NewAsia Special Steel (Nasteel), a special-steel stockholder in Shenzhen stocking mold, tool and alloy steels with EN 10204 3.1 certification.
Ask for a quotationVisit NasteelSource: EN 13674-1 published ranges · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.