Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Combine (PJSC CHMK, part of the Mechel Group) has mastered the production and certified a new type of differentially heat-strengthened railway rails R50 DT350 with a length of up to 100 meters according to GOST 51685-2022. The first batch of new products will be shipped to Russian customers in August 2026, the company's press service said.
PHOTO SOURCE: Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant.
The R50 DT350 rails are a more durable alternative to the non—thermally reinforced R50 NT260 rails. Thermal reinforcement technology reduces vertical and lateral wear of rails, increases the product lifecycle, and ensures higher profile accuracy and straightness.
The tests of the new rails were carried out in full compliance with the requirements of current standards and included a complex of laboratory and field studies. The specialists carried out a chemical analysis of the metal, checking the content of dissolved gases — oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen, and also measured the geometric parameters and checked the straightness of the profile. To assess the strength characteristics, hardness values were determined, metallographic studies of the internal structure of the rail were performed, and shock resistance tests were performed under different temperature conditions.
The quality of the products was checked not only in the company's own laboratories, but also in external independent accredited centers.
New rails are in demand by industrial enterprises, including those from the chemical, non-ferrous and ferrous metallurgy industries, as well as public transport and subway enterprises. Currently, PJSC CHMK produces twelve certified types of rails.
"We closely monitor the dynamics of the market and take into account the needs of customers, which is why the plant is constantly working to improve its products and expand its product range. At the same time, quality remains an absolute priority for us: uniform high standards apply not only to rails, but also to all CHMK products," said Vladimir Kapnin, General Director of PJSC CHMK.