A stainless steel channel beam is a strong, corrosion resistant product that features corners that have an inside radius, which are perfect for numerous types of structural applications and can be sanitized for use in hygienic conditions. Stainless steel beams are utilized in food service, chemical, pharmaceutical and structural framing.

Channels are standardized channel section. The hot rolled execution has conical flanges, while the laser fused has parallel ones. Both their tolerances are defined by ASTM A 484, the laser fused execution has additionally the product standard defined by ASTM A1069.

C-Channels in stainless steel are used in commerce and industry but also in machinery and equipment building. The use of stainless steel profiles is characterized by a high flexibility of composition and a fast and cost reduced construction (through the possibility of prefabrication in the steel production). Stainless steel profiles are produced mainly from scrap and can be recycled again after utilization so new resources can be conserved.

General

316 Grade Stainless Steel Channel profile is a "C" shaped bar used in fabrication and construction applications for making frames or racks.    Sometimes referred to a "C" channel due to the profile looking like the letter C.  316 Grade Stainless Steel Channel bars are commonly used in high corrosion or marine environments.  Limited Sizes and thickness of 316 Stainless Channel are manufactured.

Characteristics

The majority of 316 Grade Stainless Steel channels will be hot rolled mill finish, this is a relatively low tolerance coarse finish bar with a dull sometimes dimpled finish.     Can be used as a substitute for Mild Steel Channel, but with vastly improved corrosion protection performance.

Common Applications

316 Grade Stainless Steel Channel have a range of applications, they can be cut, rolled, threaded, drilled and welded for use in :

Frames

Lintel Beams

Trailers and Truck bodies

High Corrosion Situations

Marine Engineering

 

You Need Tips

All 316 Grade Stainless Steel Channels lengths can be cut to your sizes and delivered to your site (subject to our delivery options).  

Please review our sizes here and all items can be customised and quoted online 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Many applications for 316 Grade Stainless Steel Channels call for sizes other than those manufactured commonly .  Especially in thinner and shorter pieces, in these applications clients should consider folding a custom made C Channel from plate or sheet.

Surface Preparation and Coatings

Unlike mild steel the chemistry of stainless steels means the processes and methods for protecting and finishing 316 Grade Stainless Steel are vastly different to mild steels.  Most surface finishes for stainless steel will be mechanically (Polishing) or chemically (Passivating) applied. The correct surface finish will have substantial impacts on the performance and appearance of your stainless steel.   

One of the most important considerations for the performance and appearance Stainless Steels is cleanliness.  Surfaces need to be kept free from particles of other metals especially alloy or carbon steels.  Timber also has contaminants that will leech and stain stainless steels.

Due to the variety of finishes available in stainless steels, we are strongly recommends you discuss your requirements with your designer or fabricator.

As fabricators, we do a lot of work with structural steel and aluminum. It’s used extensively in trailers and also makes a great wood substitute for construction. The I-beam is about the most recognizable structural shape, but we’d argue that there are times when you’re better off with a ”C”. Here’s why we think C-channel (or alternatively, C-beam or C-section) is worth considering.

Although lighter and more flexible than I-beams and other structural steel materials, C channels offer greater rigidity than flat steel and higher strength than angle iron. They typically find use in construction and civil engineering projects as supporting structures for walls, roofs, window and door frames, automotive frames, and trailers.

In the here ., we offer a broad selection of stainless steel channels. Available in 304, 316, and 2205 duplex stainless steel for greater tensile strength and resistance to corrosion, our channels come in an assortment of sizes to meet the specifications of a wide range of customer projects.

Stainless Steel Channel From Stainless Shapes

Our stainless steel C channels feature a symmetrical design and demonstrate superior durability and reliability in structural applications. Regardless of whether they are hot rolled or laser fused, they are available with the following specifications:

Channel Materials

We offer C channels in 304/304L, 316/316L, and 2205 duplex stainless steel grades.

304/304L Duplex Grade Stainless Steel

Due to its high formability, strength, and corrosion resistance, 304 grade stainless steel is the most commonly used stainless steel on the market. Both 304 and 304L (the low carbon variation) are austenitic alloys, meaning they have higher chromium and nickel contents than other stainless steel alloys. The higher chromium content increases the material’s corrosion resistance, making it particularly suitable for use in food and beverage production, medical and pharmaceutical industries, and chemical manufacturing and transport.

The qualities of 304 and 304L stainless steel—i.e., strength and corrosion resistance—make them excellent options for the manufacture of channels for structural supports. In addition, 304L’s low carbon content increases its weldability, making it easier to form into C channels and, later, I-beams.

316/316L Duplex Grade Stainless Steel

Although less frequently than 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel still finds use in many

structural and industrial applications. In addition to the standard iron and chromium contents, 316 also contains molybdenum. These additional elements reduce the material’s susceptibility to corrosion from salt and other chlorides, making it an ideal choice for use in supports for offshore facilities and marine applications, as well as food processing, pharmaceutical, textile manufacturing, and other corrosive environments. Similar to 304L, 316L (its low carbon variation) is easier to weld.

2205 Duplex Grade Stainless Steel

2205 stainless steel is a steel alloy that demonstrates both ferritic and austenitic characteristics. This combination of qualities results in a material with greater strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion and stress cracking than standard austenitic grades. Additionally, for thicker workpieces, it maintains good weldability. Available in a variety of forms—including bar, plate, sheet, and tube—it suits use in chemical processing, pulp and paper manufacturing, marine, mining, oil and gas, and heat exchange applications.

In addition to these three grades, we also use customer grades upon request if the project meets a set minimum mill order.

Channel Sizes

Our C channels range in size from C3 x 4.1 to C15 x 50.

Channel Industry Standards

Our stainless steel channels meet all applicable industry standards, including:

·For hot rolled channels: ASME SA479, ASTM A276, ASTM A484, and ASTM A479 (dimensional tolerances)

·For laser fused channels: ASTM A1069 and ASTM A1069M – 11 (production) and ASTM A276, ASTM A484, and ASTM A479/A479M (dimensional tolerances and grades)