What is steel channel?

Steel channel is a versatile product, and can be used as the rafters in a light-duty roof, as studs or purlins in metal buildings, or as cross-bracing for walls or roofs. It can be used as the main frame supports in light-duty trailers, or as cross-members on heavy-duty trailers. It is both versatile and affordable. It is often used to build custom vehicle frames, or as supports for other steel products. Other uses include fencing, furniture, frames, trailer tongues, bumpers, grill guards, gates and tracks for wheeled devices, like rolling gates. It is available in a variety of heights, widths and thicknesses, and is typically welded together or to other steel surfaces during assembly.

It is a structural steel product that features a C-shaped cross section, with a vertical back called a web and two horizontal extensions called flanges at the top and bottom. It is light compared to products like I-beams, and weaker, though it offers more support than angle iron or flat bars, without much of an increase in weight.

Like other hollow sections, steel channel is rolled from steel sheet into C or U shapes. It consists of a wide "web" and two "flanges". The flanges could be parallel or tapered.

Steel channels are extensively used in a lot of applications. There are mainly three types of surface treatments to code with the conditions. Black or non-treatment is not frequently used for the steel will rust easily without any protective layers. Hot-dip galvanization and primer is the common treatments. Zinc coating resists environmental and weather corrosion, while primer does better. You can choose any kind according to your own application.

Channel steel is a conventional production component that is generally manufactured from hot-rolled steel. It has a wide and flat surface and also has flanges at right angles on both sides. The outer edge of C channel steel is clearly angled and has radius corners. The channel steel offers durability, and its broad and flat surface is perfect for attaching items and offering support. In its most widespread form, C channel steel is used to hold bridge decks and other heavy gadgets. This steel can absorb flex and other forces that can break more rigid I-beams and H-beams. Steel channel is a versatile product that is obtainable in various sizes and widths. Its cross-section is formed similar to a squared-off C, which has a straight back and two vertical branches on the top and bottom. Some varieties of C channel steel have short inward-facing edges to the end of the extensions, which makes the structure more tough. Other types of the channel have holes for bolting purposes. Compared to other structural steel products, C channel steel is thinner and insignificantly flexible.

Where will the channel steel be used?

Tracks & sliders for machines, doorways, etc..

Posts and supports for building corners, walls & railings.

Protective edges for walls.

Decorative elements for constructions like ceiling channel system.

Frames or framing material for construction, machines.

8 WAYS THAT STEEL CHANNEL IS OFTEN USED

Steel channel is a versatile product that is available in many sizes and thicknesses. Its cross-section is shaped like a squared-off C, with a straight back and two perpendicular extensions on the top and bottom. Some types of steel channel (C Purlin) add short inward-facing lips to the end of the extensions, parallel to the back, which makes the structure more rigid, similar to rectangular steel tubing. Other types of channel (Unistrut) have holes or perforations for bolting purposes, and others may add a slight ridge to the back to further increase rigidity.

Compared to other structural steel products, such as I-beams, steel channel is lighter and slightly more flexible, though it offers less torsional strength, making it prone to twisting under certain conditions. It offers improved rigidity over flat steel stock, and is slightly stronger when used lengthwise than the equivalent thickness of angle iron.

Steel channel has many uses, mostly structural, and here are a few common examples:

WALLS

Steel channel is often used to build walls for things like garages, warehouses, workshops, and other metal buildings, where they are used like studs in conventional wood framing. The studs run vertically from the bottom plate of the wall to the top plate, and the bear the vertical load of the building. Compared to a wood stud, steel channel can support a much greater amount of weight and it is much more rigid, while the weight difference between wood studs and the steel channel is negligible. Of course, the steel channel is more difficult to install, as it requires welding, bolting or riveting, rather than simply driving nails.

 POLE BARN WALLS

Steel channel can be used in pole barns to form the walls, where it is run horizontally from pole to pole to provide an attachment point for the siding on the exterior, which is often sheet metal. It can also be run along the interior to provide support for drywall or other interior wall finishes. By using steel channel instead of wood slats or other products, the distance between the poles can be increased without compromising the integrity of the wall. Over longer lengths, wood can easily warp or twist, making the finished wall appear wavy or uneven, and reducing its rigidity and load-bearing ability.

 ROOFS

On light-duty roofs, steel channel can be used as rafters, running from the eaves of the roof to the ridge, where they provide support for the roof deck. By using steel channel instead of wood rafters, the rafters can be smaller and lighter, while still supporting the same amount of weight. Compared to wood, the steel channel is stronger and longer-lasting, and it will not be damaged by rot, fungal decay or moisture, On heavy-duty roofs, I-beams are often used as the rafters and the ridge, and steel channel is placed perpendicularly on top of the rafters every few feet, from the ridge down to the eave. This allows the steel channel to bridge the gaps between the rafters, allowing them to be further apart, and provides an attachment point for the steel deck.

WINDOW AND DOOR FRAMES

Steel channel can be used to create secure frames for windows and doors in both metal and wood-framed buildings. Four pieces are cut with miter joints on each end, and the channel slides over the wall in the window or door opening. This leaves a flat surface in the opening to mount a door or window to, and it is much more secure than frames made from wood. Steel channel is often used to create the frames for commercial fire doors, as well as sub-grade basement doors.

WOOD BEAM SUPPORTS

When extra strength is needed in a wood-framed building, steel channel can be used to increase the rigidity and strength of wooden beams. Wood beams can be placed inside a large steel channel, providing extra strength, while still allowing easy attachment of joists and other components to the wood beam. Alternatively, smaller steel channel can be placed at the bottom of the beam, and supported by posts, to increase the strength of an existing beam during a remodel. It could also be placed on top of the beam as a cap, to provide extra strength during the construction of a home.

VEHICLE FRAMES

Steel channel is often used to construct the frames of vehicles, and is often specially-formed for that particular function. Heavy-duty steel channel is typically used to create the main frame rails, running from the front of the vehicle to the back. Lighter steel channel can also be used to create cross members, braces or for structural components such as radiator supports. When used in a vehicle, steel channel provides enough strength and rigidity to prevent the vehicle from flexing too much, while still allowing a bit of movement to compensate for the torque produced by the engine.

 TRAILERS

Steel channel is often used for the construction of trailers, including flatbed trailers, box trailers, and even travel trailers and RVs. Heavy-duty steel channel can be used to create the main frame rails and the tongue, where it attaches to the towing vehicle. It can also be used as joists running perpendicularly to the frame rails to build the structure of the floor, as well as for the outer edges of the trailer. Flooring, made from wood or metal, would then be attached to the joists to finish the deck of the trailer. Steel channel can also be used to create rails to secure the load, or as studs to create the walls and roof of an enclosed trailer, such as a box trailer or a travel trailer.

METAL BUILDINGS

Steel channel is often used in conjunction with I-beams and other steel products to build commercial and industrial buildings, such as warehouses. It can act as girts, studs, braces, joists or other structural components where the added strength of an I-beam is not necessary. It is often welded, bolted or riveted into place, and provides plenty of strength and rigidity for its weight.

Steel channel can be used for many other structures as well, such as railings, stair stringers, bridge trusses or guard rails. It is a versatile product that is strong, light, and relatively maintenance-free.