H36 rail wheels refer to a specific type of forged or cast steel railway wheel designed for heavy-duty applications, commonly used on freight cars, passenger coaches, and sometimes metro or light rail vehicles, depending on regional standards. "H36" typically designates a mechanical specification or hardness class, often referencing the Brinell Hardness scale (HBW) or a standardized wheel profile or steel grade used in rail transport.
2. Design and Performance Benefits
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High Wear Resistance: The H36 hardness range provides excellent resistance to tread and flange wear, extending service life in abrasive rail environments.
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Thermal Resistance: Designed to handle thermal loads from tread braking without cracking or deformation.
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Low Residual Stress: Precision forging and heat treatment reduce internal stress, minimizing risk of fatigue failure.
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Compatibility: Often interchangeable within standard axle and bogie designs (AAR or UIC compliant).
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3. Common Applications
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Heavy freight railcars operating in high-load, long-haul scenarios.
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Passenger trains in regions using high-hardness tread-braked wheels.
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Metro or light rail vehicles, particularly in emerging economies where mixed-fleet designs are common.
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Railways with high axle loads (>22.5 tons) that require durable wheelsets for minimal maintenance.
- Wheels Kingrail supplied:
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Standards often followed:
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EN 13262 – European standard for railway wheels
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AAR M-107/M-208 – American Association of Railroads standard
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TB/T 2817 – Chinese standard for forged railway wheels
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H36 wheels are a robust, high-hardness class of rail wheels ideal for heavy-duty operations with high performance in wear, thermal resistance, and fatigue life. They balance cost and durability and are widely used in standard and demanding rail applications around the world.
If you're sourcing, designing for, or replacing H36 wheels, ensure compatibility with axle load ratings, braking systems (disc vs tread), and applicable national standards (EN, AAR, TB/T).
Kingrail always is the best option for your wheels!