We often refer to train tracks as rail tracks, but they are actually made of high-manganese steel, with a manganese content of over 13%. This makes their toughness 1.8 times higher than that of ordinary steel. The "soft noodle" form we see when laying the tracks is because their flexibility is at its peak when they just leave the factory, thus appearing particularly soft. Once the rails are installed, they will become "extremely hard" and this does not affect their performance.

Why isn't stainless steel used for steel rails?

There are, of course, reasons for not choosing stainless steel. First of all, it is not durable. Although stainless steel has good ductility and resilience, these properties affect its stamping performance and resistance. This is completely impractical for steel rails that need to be exposed to wind and rain and high friction for a long time. Not to mention that the surface of stainless steel products is smooth and bright. For high-speed railways and trains with heavy loads and high speeds, the reflected light is a huge safety hazard. There are, of course, reasons for not choosing stainless steel. First of all, it is not durable. Although stainless steel has good ductility and resilience, these properties affect its stamping performance and resistance. This is completely impractical for steel rails that need to be exposed to wind and rain and high friction for a long time. Not to mention that the surface of stainless steel products is smooth and bright. For high-speed railways and trains with heavy loads and high speeds, the reflected light is a huge safety hazard.

Secondly, production is difficult and the price is high. The reason why stainless steel is not easy to rust is that it contains scarce minerals nickel and chromium, especially nickel supply is quite tight. This has also led to high prices and low output of stainless steel in China. Data shows that China's crude stainless steel output in 2024 was only 39.44 million tons, nearly 20 million tons less than 58.44 million tons in 2023, and the price per ton is even between 13,000 and 14,000 yuan.

And with the vigorous construction of railways in China, the total demand for railway steel is about to exceed 23 million tons, which is simply unable to meet the needs. Let's look at manganese steel again. Its price is only about 3,500 to 4,000 yuan per ton, and the price difference is nearly three times. Considering China's "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed rail network plan, it goes without saying which one is more suitable.