JFE Steel Develops High Abrasion-resistant Rail

JFE Steel announced on Tuesday the firm developed high abrasion-resistant and heat treating rail “SP3” for overseas cargo railways. SP3 realizes longer rail life by over 10% than conventional heat treating rail due to SP3’s world top class abrasion-resistance. The first shipment was in February 2010 at about 600 tonnes to BNSF Railway, one of US largest railway companies.

JFE Steel succeeded in miniaturization of metal structure by adjusting chemical contents through utilization of heat treating equipment dedicated to rail production. The process rigidizes rail surface and inside. Consequently, railway companies can reduce maintenance and replacement costs by introduction of the new rails.

JFE Steel carried out verification test on a commercial train line between Idaho and Nebraska in cooperation with BNSF Railway. SP3 and conventional rail were laid alternately and rails’ wearing depth was checked after the cargo train running for more than a year. SP3 showed higher resistance.