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Types of Steel Channels

A popular, versatile piece in construction and industrial applications, steel channels are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. Gain a better understanding of these important steel profiles and find out how you can use them in your projects.





 

What is a steel channel?

A steel channel is a profile formed from hot-rolled high quality mild carbon steel and shaped with two parallel or tapered horizontal flanges joined by a wide vertical web. Whatever their shape, these channels boast robust strength and durability, as well as a thickness and density which allow them to muffle vibrations and absorb sound. This makes rolled and pressed steel channels ideal for building frames, braces, other steel structures, and heavy equipment and machinery.

 

 


How are steel channels made?

Steel channels are manufactured by passing a strip of hot mild steel through a series of rollers known as supports. The process forms the steel into the desired shape. Once the shaping process is complete, the channel is cut to the required length.

Thanks to the hot rolling process, no additional processing or finishing steps are required. However, it’s possible to take extra steps after hot rolling channels to create galvanised steel channels of various sizes. It’s also possible to drill, machine, or weld channels to fit precise project specifications or to create custom or larger forms.

 

How are steel channels made?

Steel channels are manufactured by passing a strip of hot mild steel through a series of rollers known as supports. The process forms the steel into the desired shape. Once the shaping process is complete, the channel is cut to the required length.

Thanks to the hot rolling process, no additional processing or finishing steps are required. However, it’s possible to take extra steps after hot rolling channels to create galvanised steel channels of various sizes. It’s also possible to drill, machine, or weld channels to fit precise project specifications or to create custom or larger forms.

 



Types of steel channels and their uses

The roll forming process allows us to manufacture steel channels in a variety of shapes and dimensions. At BM Steel, you can choose from a selection of popular shapes such as parallel flange channels, and popular lengths and thicknesses, and you can place bespoke orders for the mild steel channel sizes and thicknesses you need for your project.

Types of steel channels and their uses

The roll forming process allows us to manufacture steel channels in a variety of shapes and dimensions. At BM Steel, you can choose from a selection of popular shapes such as parallel flange channels, and popular lengths and thicknesses, and you can place bespoke orders for the mild steel channel sizes and thicknesses you need for your project.





Hat steel channels

Hat steel channels have a cross-section that resembles a hat seen in profile. Two horizontal outward flanges and two vertical flanges create this unique shape. These channels are commonly used for roof framing.

Z-channels

U-channels have a U-shaped cross-section throughout their length. They are characterised by two tapered flanges and a wide vertical web. U-channels of steel are commonly used for architectural and structural metal channels.

U-channels

U-channels have a U-shaped cross-section throughout their length. They are characterised by two tapered flanges and a wide vertical web. U-channels of steel are commonly used for architectural and structural metal channels.

C-channels

C-channels have a C-shaped cross-section throughout their length. Similar in shape to U-channels, C-channels have parallel flanges instead of tapered ones. The most common use of C-channels is as support for buildings, ceilings, roofs, and walls.



Top quality steel channels at BM Steel

Steel channels play an important role in a mind-boggling range of settings. Make sure you choose mild steel channels that you can trust. Order the channels you need for your project from BM Steel.


Posted by Verkeer
26th October 2023

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