Abstract: A rough beam (4) is formed on a universal stand (11), and a two high stand starting with an initial section (1) of rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section, in two series of passes in the universal stand. During the first series reduction of the web forming portion is effected by horizontal rolls (5, 6) acting on the central portion of the initial section (1) and during the second series of passes both the horizontal rolls (5, 6) and the vertical rolls (7, 8) of the universal stand (11) simultaneously reduce the web and flanges, respectively. The rough-beam being formed during the second series of passes is also rolled in the open grooves of a two high stand.

Abstract: The system according to the invention comprises: stand-bearing trolleys capable of independent displacements in the longitudinal and transverse directions, each constituted by two longitudinal members on which the stand is fixed and supported by axle-less wheels driven by on-board motors and by two transverse members supported by axle-less wheels driven by on-board motors; longitudinal and transverse tracks connecting the rolling sites, the siding sites and the pre-assembly sites; intersections of tracks; counter-rails disposed vertically on either side of the tracks; hydraulic jacks serving to fix the stands on the trolleys and for lifting the stands for adjusting the level of the rolling plane; bed plates upstream and downstream of the rolling sites serving to lock the stands in rolling position; on the rolling sites, coupling hooks serving for the precise positioning of the stands in rolling position and where necessary for the displacements of the stands during rolling, to bring different passes into the

Abstract: A process for forming a rail blank in a universal stand, starting with an initial section (1) of rectangular cross-section comprising a first series of passes for cutting into the web forming portion by way of horizontal rolls (2, 3) accompanied by reduction of the head by way of one of the vertical roll (5), and a second series of passes for simultaneously reducing the head flank forming portions by the horizontal rolls (2, 3) and the base forming portions by one of the vertical roll (4) of the universal stand, the other roll (5) remaining non-active.

Abstract: The primary blank 1, which is to be transformed into a finished rail by means of universal passes, edging passes and a finishing pass, is characterized by a symmetric `.UPSILON.` section the thickness of which always varies in the same way. It is designed to be shaped exclusively in open grooves.This primary blank 1 is roughed in a specific manner in a universal stand and undergoes a strong forging which improves the quality of the finished rail. A secondary blank is then formed which has a special shape allowing the production by universal rolling of a very accurate profile of the finished rail.