HP335 for mixed traffic networks

Where an optimum balance of high wear resistance and excellent rolling contact fatigue resistance is needed, our High-Performance rail HP335 is the perfect choice.

This non-heat-treated rail is designed for curved track and other high duty areas, where it is proven to improve wear resistance, cut life cycle costs, reduce grinding frequency and extend rail life.

HP335 is a microstructurally engineered rail with a uniform through-hardness that provides the best performance and lower life cycle cost for mixed traffic networks.

Suited to a wide range of applications, HP335 (also known as HPrail®) was approved for use by Network Rail in 2012 and is the premium rail of choice in the UK mainline network. Several light rail operators have also adopted HP335 as their premium rail solution for reducing wear, corrugation and grinding requirements to maximise rail life whilst reducing life cycle costs.

Reduced life cycle costs

Our HP335 has been independently verified to deliver lower wear rates than R350HT rails without the need for heat treatment. It also delivers greatly improved rolling contact fatigue (RCF) performance above other 'as-rolled' rails. This reduces the need for rail grinding to control RCF by typically 66%, increasing rail life, improving track availability and reducing maintenance costs. 

The high performance of HP335 rail means reduced life cycle costs for infrastructure owners/operators. Savings of more than 60% have been independently quantified where HP335 has been used as a replacement for R260. 

HP350 for heavy haul track

Our High-Performance rail HP350 is an ideal solution for arduous track conditions, resisting wear, plastic deformation and rolling contact fatigue on tight curves and under heavy axle loads.

This non-heat-treated rail builds on the success of our award-winning HP335 rail and is a high-strength grade with wear-resistance properties equivalent to those usually only found in heat-treated rail. This reduces the rate of rail degradation and therefore increases rail life.

This new grade was developed to provide networks with a microstructurally engineered alternative to thermally hardened rails.

Meeting all the quality, production and dimensional requirements set out in the EN, UIC and AREMA standards, HP350 meets the most demanding requirements, including those of the Class A straightness and Class X profile.

HP350 is readily weldable and can be both aluminothermically and flash butt welded.

As its properties are not achieved through heat treatment, there is no need for a post-weld heat treatment process.