Steel Channel (Hot-Rolled Structural Channel)
Steel channel is a hot-rolled long product with a ‘C’-shaped cross-section, consisting of a vertical web and two horizontal flanges, used primarily for structural framing, bracing, and edge reinforcement.
Material
Structural Carbon Steel. Common grades include ASTM A36, EN 10025-2 S235JR/S275JR/S355JR, JIS G3101 SS400, GB/T 706 Q235B.
Model
UPN (European Standard Channel), UPE (European Parallel Flange Channel), C (American Standard Channel), UNP (Unequal Flange Channel in some regions).
Size
Standard sizes cover a wide range. Typical web heights (depth) range from 30 mm to 400 mm, with flange widths from 30 mm to 100+ mm.
Thickness
Web and flange thickness vary by size, typically ranging from 3 mm to 20 mm.
Standard
EN 10279 (UPN, UPE series), ASTM A6/A6M (C channels), JIS G3192 (channel steel), GB/T 706 (channel steel).
MOQ
15 Metric Tons.
Delivery Time
Standard lead time is 4 to 7 weeks for mill production; common sizes may be available from stock with 2-3 week delivery.
Long Description
Steel channel, also known as C-channel or U-channel, is a standard structural steel section produced by hot rolling steel billets into a profile featuring a single vertical web with two perpendicular flanges extending in one direction. This shape provides good bending strength about its major axis (parallel to the web) and is commonly used where one face needs to remain flush for mounting or finishing. Channels are categorized into series such as American Standard channels, European UPN (parallel flange) and UPE (parallel wide flange) channels, and other regional standards. They serve as versatile components in construction and manufacturing, offering an efficient shape for loads that are not symmetrical or where attachment along one side is required. Channels are supplied in random mill lengths or cut-to-size, and can be further processed by punching, drilling, or welding.
Key Product Highlights
The channel section provides strong unidirectional load-bearing capacity with a flat mounting surface on one side.
It is produced in a wide array of standardized sizes with varying web heights, flange widths, and thicknesses.
The product is highly versatile, suitable for use as purlins, girts, frame components, machinery rails, and reinforcement.
Hot-rolled manufacturing ensures consistent material properties and dimensional accuracy throughout the length.
Channels are easy to fabricate, cut, weld, and bolt, making them ideal for both prefabricated and on-site construction.
Product Advantages
Standardized dimensions across global specifications facilitate easy integration into engineering designs and Bill of Materials.
The shape offers an economical solution for many framing and support applications compared to box or tubular sections.
Full material traceability is provided with mill test certificates conforming to international structural steel standards.
Availability from stock in common sizes ensures rapid procurement for maintenance, repair, and small-scale projects.
The section can be used in combination with other structural members like I-beams and angles to create complex frames.
Industry Application
This section is used for wall and roof purlins, door and window framing, conveyor support frames, equipment skids, truck bed rails, stair stringers, bridge railings, and as stiffeners for plates and panels.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Unit | Standard Channel (e.g., UPN 120) | Parallel Flange Channel (e.g., UPE 200) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Content (C) | % | ≤ 0.17 (S235JR) | ≤ 0.20 (S355JR) | Grade dependent. Example values for common grades. |
| Manganese (Mn) | % | ≤ 1.40 | ≤ 1.60 | Varies by steel grade specification. |
| Phosphorus (P) | % | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.045 | Maximum per common structural grade specs. |
| Sulfur (S) | % | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.045 | Maximum per common structural grade specs. |
| Tensile Strength | MPa | 360 – 510 (S235JR) | 470 – 630 (S355JR) | Grade dependent range. |
| Yield Strength | MPa | ≥ 235 (S235JR) | ≥ 355 (S355JR) | Minimum ReH value for the grade. |
| Elongation | % | ≥ 26 (S235JR) | ≥ 22 (S355JR) | Minimum longitudinal value for the grade. |
| Hardness | HB | N/A | N/A | Not a standard specified property for structural channels. |
| Web Thickness | mm | 5.5 (for UPN 120) | 6.0 (for UPE 200) | Specific to the section designation. |
| Flange Width | mm | 55 (for UPN 120) | 80 (for UPE 200) | Key dimension defining the channel series. |
| Section Depth | mm | 120 (for UPN 120) | 200 (for UPE 200) | Nominal height of the channel. |
| Surface Treatment | – | As-Rolled (mill scale) | As-Rolled (mill scale) | Standard delivery condition from the mill. |
| Coating / Finish | – | None (mill scale), Primed | None (mill scale), Primed | Can be supplied blast-cleaned and primed. |
| Rolling Type | – | Hot Rolling | Hot Rolling | Structural channels are produced by hot rolling. |
| Standard Example | – | EN 10279 UPN 120 S235JR | EN 10279 UPE 200 S355JR | Representative section designation and material standard. |
Packaging & Surface Treatment
Channels are bundled by size and grade using heavy-duty steel strapping. To prevent twisting and deformation, straps are placed at multiple points along the length. Bundles are typically loaded onto flat racks or placed on wooden dunnage for sea or land transport. The standard surface condition is as-rolled with mill scale. Upon request, channels can be supplied shot or grit blasted and coated with a shop primer for corrosion protection prior to fabrication.
Aliases Names
C Channel, U Channel, Structural Channel, UNP Channel, UPN Channel, Rolled Steel Channel, Jumbo Channel.
