Many thousands of different sections are available, this guide concentrates only on the sections readily available.
FLATS.
Flats are strips or bars of steel that are rectangular in cross section, e.g. 40 x 10 mm. Standard lengths are 3 or 4m for small flats ( e.g. 16 x 3 mm) or 6m for larger flats (25 x 6 mm for example)
SQUARES.
A solid square box, flat with equal dimensions i.e. a square. Standard length is 6m for all sizes.
EQUAL ANGLES
Angles look like a capital L shape in cross section. They are described using height, width and thickness. E.g. 100 x 100 x 8 m. Standard lengths are 6m for most sizes and only the largest few are available in bars up to 12m. .
UNEQUAL ANGLES.
One leg is longer than the other, e.g. 100 x 75 x 8 mm angle. Lengths as angles above
HOLLOW SECTIONS.
There are 3 main shapes available, round, square and rectangular. Square hollow section (a.k.a. box section) has 3 dimensions, height, width, thickness e.g. 40 x 40 x 3 mm. Rectangular hollow section is the same e.g. 80 x 40 x 3 mm. Standard lengths are 7.5m. Circular hollow section (a.k.a. tube) is described using the external diameter and the thickness e.g. 48.3 x 3 mm.
ROUND BAR.
Round bar are solid and round in cross section. They are described by their diameter. e.g. 50 mm. Standard lengths are 6m.
UNIVERSAL BEAMS & COLUMNS.
(Known as RSJ’s, Steels, etc) These are the things that do all of the supporting work in a building. They look like a capital H and have many names such as “steels”, “rsj’s” or “beams”. They are described using their height, width and weight per metre of length. These are usually sold cut to length as required, but standard lengths vary from 6 up to 18.2m.
CHANNELS.
Channels are shaped like a U and are described using width and height. e.g. 100 x 50 mm. Standard lengths vary from 6m up to 18m.
Mild steel sheets and plates are essentially flat material rolled into specific sizes and thickness. We can cut these materials to size for you. They come in a few differing qualities, these include…
COLD REDUCED.
These are the high end of the quality range and are available up to 3mm thick. They have a bright oiled finish and the surface is very smooth.
HOT ROLLED.
This is standard sheet steel, dry finished (no oil) and are quite rough to the touch. They are available in thicknesses from 1.5 mm to 25mm Ex Stock larger on request (150mm).
PICKLED & OILED.
These sheets and plates are essentially hot rolled material that has been dipped in acid and then oiled, resulting in a finish similar to the cold reduced material at a slightly lower cost. They are available in thicknesses the same as hot rolled.
GALVANISED.
These are sheets that have been galvanised (i.e. dipped in a zinc alloy to make them resist corrosion.) although expensive in comparison, they will last outdoors for quite some time. The thicknesses available are the same as cold reduced above.
ZINC COATED.
Similar to Galvanised, but with a thiner coating which is easier to apply paint to.
WELDED MESH.
These are sheets that are made up of wire interwoven into a mesh. They are available in either a copper washed or galvanised finish in various sized sheets and in rolls. Sadly we cannot offer a cutting service for mesh. We also supply aluminium, copper, brass and stainless steel sheets and plates, please call or email us to discuss your requirements.
