Carbon Steel Angle Steel – A Versatile Workhorse For Fabrication Projects

Carbon steel angle steel is a versatile workhorse for fabrication projects. Its dependable 90 degree L shape adds strength and rigidity at a lower price than other shapes and types of metal. It’s also easy to weld, form, and machine.

Also known as angle iron, steel angles come in equal or unequal leg variations and can be hot-dip galvanized for use in corrosive environments. Their dimensions and sizing can vary widely, but the standard sizing format is simple to read: legs and thickness.

Hot Rolled

Steel is available in a vast array of grades, specifications, shapes, and finishes. Although these attributes can vary by metallurgical composition, manufacturing processing can have significant implications on the performance of pre-fabricated steel components. These differences can make a significant difference in whether a specific material is ideal for a project, or not.

Hot rolled angle steel is a commonly used construction material due to its strong, rigidity and versatility. It is easily welded and machined, and its 90-degree angled shape offers enhanced strength and stability to structures and connections. This makes it an excellent choice for construction projects where load-bearing capabilities are a concern, such as railroad tracks or buildings.

To produce hot rolled angle steel, manufacturers start with a large rectangular piece of metal known as a Carbon steel angle steel billet. The billet is heated to a temperature above its recrystallization point, which allows it to be easily shaped and formed into other products. The hot rolled product is allowed to cool gradually, which essentially normalizes the structure and frees it from internal stresses that could cause warping.

This cooling process also means that hot rolled angle steel can be readily worked and welded to create custom structural configurations for any project. However, it is important to note that the higher levels of hardness and strength introduced by this forming method come with increased internal stress that must be relieved before any cutting, machining, or welding can take place.

Cold Drawn

Cold drawn steel is produced through a process that reduces the cross-sectional size of pre-rolled metal bars by pulling them through a die at ambient temperatures. This process refines the steel for superior dimensional accuracy and surface finish, which make it ideal for applications that require precise specifications and enhanced mechanical properties.

Drawing steel is typically made with lower carbon content than commercial grades, allowing it to be easily welded and formed. Often utilized in applications requiring excellent surface finish, including car bodies and metal furniture, cold drawn steel is also used for structural applications where strength and malleability are equally important.

Kloeckner stocks metric and standard grades of cold drawn steel angle, bar, flats, and key stock. The as-received surface of cold drawn metal is bright and smooth, with the exception of any seams, which can be improved by resulfurizing. This process reduces the chance of corrosion and improves machinability by removing hard abrasive oxide scale on the surface.

Cold drawn carbon steel is also superior in terms of strength, ductility, and toughness compared to its hot-rolled counterparts. These qualities make it an ideal choice for applications involving welding, forming, and machining. The tight tolerances and surface quality of cold drawn steel minimize the amount of grinding and prep work required, lowering production costs and increasing efficiency.

Galvanized

Typically used in general construction and framing projects, galvanized angle steel blends the robustness of steel with the corrosion resistance of zinc. Galvanized metal angles are made by immersing them in molten zinc to protect the steel underneath from rust and oxidation. They’re also easy to weld, cut, form and machinate.

Equal leg angle steel has legs that are symmetrical, creating the same side lengths on both sides. This makes it ideal for use in applications where the angle’s dimensions must remain consistent throughout the structure. Unequal leg angle steel, on the other hand, has one leg that’s longer than the other, which allows it to be configured for specific structural applications.

The wing-shaped legs of these structural components allow them to be folded for reinforcement and bracing, adding strength to structures. This is particularly useful in metal framing for walls, partitions and ceilings. They can also be used as supports for shelving and racking systems, which need to withstand heavy loads and frequent placements.

Galvanized metal angle is also used to make street light poles, traffic signs and billboards, as they require a sturdy frame that can withstand exposure to the elements for long periods of time. It’s also commonly used in medical facilities to make surgical and dental instruments, as it meets high hygienic standards and needs to be sterilized.

Metric

A carbon steel angle, also called angle iron, is a versatile structural workhorse used in projects across many industries and applications. Favoured as braces and corners in support structures, their sturdy 90-degree L-shape makes them easy to weld and form to accommodate specific designs. Often weighing less than a standard galvanized steel coil manufacturers beam or channel, they can be used in a wide range of projects for added strength and rigidity.

Metric carbon steel angle stock can be found in a number of different material grades and finishes for maximum versatility. This type of steel angle has a higher strength to weight ratio than other types and is ideal for projects that require high-strength, low-weight components. Metric carbon angles can be found in both cold drawn and hot rolled forms, and they typically feature tight tolerances to minimize the amount of prep work needed for welding.

Metric steel angles can be either equal or unequal, and their sizing format includes the legs and thickness to make them easy to identify and read. The standard sizing format for a carbon steel angle is the legs and thickness, which are indicated by the leg measurement and the size of the overall section. This enables customers to easily compare sizes to find the right option for their project. In addition to our standard stock sizes, we also offer metric carbon steel angle that can be custom cut to your required length.