Steel Channels
Steel channels are roll-formed products, generally used for supports and guide rails. Steel is one of the most common metals used for channels, along with aluminum.
Steel channels can be described as U channels, J channels, C channels, hat channels, and hemmed channels, based on their shape.
U channels are the most basic type of steel channel. They consist of a base, called a web, and two legs of equal length. A J channel also has a web and two legs, but one leg is longer, like the letter J. In a C channel, the legs fold back in on the channel so that it resembles the letter C. The top-folded ends in a C channel are known as rets. In a hat channel, the legs are also folded, but outward, as in an old-fashioned men's hat. A hemmed channel, on the other hand, is a type of channel in which the top of the leg is folded back to form a double thickness. More types of channels are also available to meet individual applications.
Steel channels are used in construction, transportation, appliances, and many other industries. They are also common in signposts and deck rails along highways, in constructing wood flooring for athletic facilities, in making and installing windows and doors, and for many other purposes.