How to choose the right channel dimensions

The characteristic form of this metal rolling and its strength characteristics made it relevant to use it in various branches of the national economy. Depending on the scope of application, different types and sizes of channels are chosen. They are used in housing and industrial construction, mechanical engineering, car building, in carrying out various repair works, for manufacturing racks and reinforcement of floors, in outdoor advertising and for the construction of ramps.

The channel is actively used as a structural element in the manufacture of cranes, bridges, supports of high-voltage power lines, oil rigs, any building frames and for closing communications. Wherever an important role is played by the serious strength of the material with a relatively low weight.

Types of channels

The main material for the production of these products is steel (structural carbon, low-alloy, hot-rolled and cold-rolled). Distinguish hot-rolled (with ordinary and increased precision rolling) and the bent channel.

Hot-rolled steel is characterized by the parallelism of the shelves, but they can be made with a slope (not more than 10%). The dimensions of the channels of general or special purpose (in particular, for the automotive industry) differ in the width and height of the shelves (dimensions are given in GOST 8240-89 and 19425-74). A separate GOST exists on profiles for car building (GOST 5267.1-90).

The bent product is visually distinguished by the presence of a rounded inner corner of the shelves and is equal and unequal. It has such a channel (GOST 8278-75) in length up to 12 meters, however longer profiles are also available on request.

Dimensions of channels

When choosing a profile, they are guided by its basic parameters, which determine the height, width and thickness of the shelf, the wall thickness, the radius of the inner rounding or rounding of the shelves.

There are many varieties, sizes and characteristics that are regulated by the standards. Therefore, the quality of the product can be easily determined by comparing the actual dimensions of the channels with those specified in the GOST.

Subtlety of marking

When marking a profile, the dimensions are usually indicated in centimeters and the letter designates an individual parameter. For example, channel 8P, the dimensions of which are standard, indicates that its height is 8 centimeters, and the shelves are parallel. By the way, products with this type of size are mainly used for reinforcing buildings, since they are easily welded, but made from a calm and calm carbon steel.

To reduce the metal consumption of construction, a 12P channel is also used, which has higher strength characteristics. But the most popular is the hot-rolled 16P profile.

The specificity of the use of rolled metal often depends on the grade of steel used for its production. For example, for applications in extreme north conditions where low temperatures are the norm, channel bars made of low-carbon structural steel 09G2S are used. This is due to the high mechanical strength of this steel grade, ease of welding, resistance to low temperatures.