Stainless Steel Channel
Stainless steel channels, available in a wide range of thicknesses and sizes, demonstrates extreme versatility.
What is Stainless Steel Channel? Creating stainless steel channels involves rolling a steel sheet into a “C” or “U” shape. The channel consists of either tapered or parallel flanges and a “web” section that connects the two flanges. C-shaped channel, also called UPE channel, has parallel flanges while U-shaped channel, or UPN channel, has tapered flanges. Stainless steel channels can have a few different surface treatments applied. Primer and hot-dip galvanization treatments are the most common, while zinc coating makes the channel resistant to corrosion. How the channel will be used determines its treatment. How are Steel Channels Used? Stainless steel channel is a popular item in commercial, architectural, and industrial construction. They are lighter than other construction material options, such as I-beams, and offer greater rigidity than materials like flat steel stock. Stainless steel channels are used in a wide range of places, including: Pole Barns Pole barns are often constructed using sheet metal walls. Stainless steel channels help form these walls by running horizontally between the polls as an attachment point for the sheet metal. Stainless steel channels are stronger and more rigid than wood beams, which allows them to be placed farther apart without weakening the wall. Roofing Stainless steel channels can provide roof deck support when used as rafters, running from the roof ridge to the eaves. Stainless steel rafters are lighter and take up less space than wood rafters while carrying the same load. Stainless steel channels also last longer than wood rafters. Walls Stainless steel channel is a popular choice for the construction of walls in places like warehouses, workshops, garages, and other metal buildings. They are used in place of traditional wood studs and bear the building’s vertical load. Steel channels can support more weight and are more rigid than wood studs, though they are more challenging to install. Supports for Wood Beams Rather than replacing wood studs and beams, steel channels can be used to provide extra support. This is done by placing the wood beam inside a steel channel. This allows builders to combine the ease of installation that comes with wood studs and the extra strength provided by stainless steel channels. Door and Window Frames Stainless steel channels are often used to create frames for doors and windows in both wood- and metal-framed buildings. The channels are placed over the edge of the wall where the hole for a window or door has been cut. This gives the builder a strong and flat surface to which they can attach the window or door. Trailers Stainless steel channels are frequently used to construct a wide range of trailers, including box, flatbed, and travel trailers. Heavy-duty stainless steel channels are used to make the main frame on which the rest of the trailer is constructed. The Bottom Line Stainless steel channels have many more uses than are listed here. They are often seen in everyday life, even if they go unnoticed. |
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