From their weight and cost to the manufacturing process, train wheels play a crucial role in the efficiency and safety of railway systems worldwide. If you're considering purchasing train wheels for your project or business, you've come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the essential questions surrounding train wheels, providing you with valuable insights to inform your decision-making process.

The Most Common Questions People Ask before Investing in Train Wheels

Do you happen to have any of these questions?Check out the answers to help you decide how to choose railroad wheels for your project.

What are train wheels made of

Train wheels are generally made of steel materials, commonly including high-quality carbon steel, low-alloy steel, and alloy cast iron. These materials possess advantages such as high strength, wear resistance, and fatigue fracture resistance, enabling them to withstand the weight and power transmission of train vehicles. Below are some commonly used material codes for train wheel steel.Select specific wheel materials based on different customization needs.

ER6,ER7,ER8,ER9,R7T,R8T,R9T,CL60,AAR-B, B4N,B7T,AAR-C

Are train wheels cast or forged

1. Casting

Train wheels are typically produced using sand casting or gravity casting processes. Among them, sand casting is the most widely used production method, characterized by its simple process, low cost, and high production efficiency. In sand casting, the first step involves preparing the casting mold, pouring the liquid metal into the mold for cooling and solidification. After the wheel has completely cooled, it is removed from the mold for subsequent processing.

2. Forging

The forging process of train wheels is characterized by high material yield and excellent material properties. Before forging, suitable steel ingots need to be preheated, and then shaping is achieved through hammering or pressure deformation. After forging, subsequent processing and machining are required to achieve the required dimensions and precision.

Forged train wheels are commonly used in high-speed trains or some heavy-duty trains. Currently, forged wheels are more commonly used than cast wheels.

Train wheel manufacturing process

How much does train wheel weigh?

Train wheels are also divided into different types, and different types of wheels have different qualities.

HDZA type: 371kg;

HDZB type: 330kg;

HDZC type: 310kg;

HDS type: 348kg;

HDSA type: 306kg;

HEZB type: 322kg. 

How much does a train wheel cost

Conventional rail wheels cost about 700-800 US dollars each, and the price of high-speed train wheels is twice that of conventional wheels.