Steel Channel: A Versatile Material for Construction and Machinery

Steel channels, also known as C-channels or U-channels, are long, strip-shaped Steel Bars with a concave cross-section, made from ordinary carbon steel or low-alloy steel.They are widely used in steel Structures, curtain walls, mechanical equipment, vehicle manufacturing, and support frameworks.

Classification and Specifications

Steel channels are categorized into standard channels and lightweight channels, which share the same shape but differ in thickness and weight—lightweight channels have thinner webs and flanges, reducing their overall weight.

Specifications are denoted by web height × flange width × web thickness (in millimeters). Common classifications use numbers such as (web height/10)# (e.g., 20# for a 200mm web height).

Types of Steel Channels

1. Cold-formed equal-leg channels

2. Cold-formed unequal-leg channels

3. Cold-formed inward-curved edge channels

4. Cold-formed outward-curved edge channels

Applications

Steel channels are essential in:

• Construction (beams, columns, and frameworks)

• Machinery and vehicle manufacturing (structural supports)

• Infrastructure (bridges, highways, and oil drilling platforms)

• Industrial equipment (racks, brackets, and platforms)

They are often used alongside I-beams for enhanced structural stability.

Technical Features

• High strength-to-weight ratio – Lighter than traditional steel structures while maintaining durability.

• Ease of fabrication – Can be welded, bolted, or riveted efficiently.

• Cost-effective – Reduces construction costs by 30% compared to welded alternatives.

• Eco-friendly – Minimizes material waste and energy consumption.

Sizes and Standards

• Domestic production (China): Ranges from 5# to 40# (50mm–400mm web height).

  • Medium channels: 5#–16#

  • Large channels: 18#–40#

• International standards: Vary by region, typically 6m–15m in length.

Market Demand

With rapid industrialization and urbanization, steel channels remain crucial in construction, machinery, and transportation sectors, offering superior mechanical properties, stability, and sustainability.