The robust, high-end rail 400 UHC® XR HSH® stands for outstanding track performance and efficiency in the track. XR means “eXtra Resistant“. The newest generation of voestalpine´s super premium product line provides highest resistance against all degradation mechanisms prevalent in track.
voestalpine manufactures these rails of the product line through its worldwide patented HSH® process under the brand 400 UHC® HSH® following a special metallurgic approach.
Rails of this steel grade are produced in lengths of up to 120 m and are available in all rail profiles of various standards and specification. The voestalpine 400 UHC® HSH® rail grade is a fine-pearlitic heat-treated rail grade in accordance with EN 13674-1, with a minimum hardness of 400 BHN.
The brand 400 UHC® HSH® forms a product line of different rails steels. Depending on the respective customer needs and on the very special conditions of a certain railway, the best material concept is identified and a optimum solution can be offered.
Based on deep technological knowledge and the full understanding of the interaction between microstructure and maximum rail strains, a special pearlitic microstructural concept has been identified as being the concept of choice. The unique combination of a smart non alloy concept, most modern integrated production processes from raw material to the final rail, leads to a microstructure which exhibits:
This represents a condition of the rail material in the head that is needed for best track performance and that has proven its excellent properties over years. At the same time the soft web and soft foot ensure highest safety in track.
Long-term, worldwide operational experience of heavy haul railways as well as joint track tests with several heavy haul railways underline the outstanding suitability of this rail grade for heavy haul application.
The excellent characteristics have also been confirmed in the international Heavy Haul Benchmark Test at TTCI. The operational performance of this rail grade is characterized by
This results in up to 100% more lifetime in comparison to 370 BHN (AREMA High Strength) and an extension of grinding cycles up to 3 times.
The 400 UHC® HSH® rail grade product line is available in all profiles in accordance with EN, AREMA as well as other common standards and various customer specifications. The rails are available in up to 120 m in weld-free lengths. The rails are characterised by the tightest tolerances of profile, straightness and flatness (e.g. EN 13674-1; tolerance classes A & X) and the best surface quality.
All grades of the product line are variations of the field-proven and widely used rail grade 400 UHC® HSH®, especially developed for individual customer needs and allowing customers to benefit from the outstanding fine pearlitic Super Premium material concept, with best weldability: