Combining strength with weldability and formability, A572 alloy steel is an economical choice for structural components, such as channels, beams, and framing. It has a low carbon content, making it easy to weld with a variety of welding methods. Stronger than other low-carbon steels, such as A36 steel, it handles heavy loads without fracturing.

The same steel used in automobile bodies, this AHSS (advanced high-strength steel) allows you to fabricate high-strength parts using thinner material than you could with other types of steel. It is formable, weldable, and more economical than alloy steel. It's sometimes called HSLA (high-strength low-alloy) steel.

Heat treated to increase hardness and strength, A514 alloy steel is ideal for use in structures and supporting heavy loads, such as frames and machine bases. Also known as high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel, its low carbon content makes it easy to weld.

When it’s exposed to the elements, this steel forms a thin shell of rust that shields the interior from corrosion. It’s also known as weathering steel. Low carbon content makes it very weldable. Since you don’t need to paint this steel to prevent corrosion, it requires less maintenance than other types of steel—it’s commonly used in bridges, buildings, and fencing. It’s comparable to Corten steel. With a yield strength of 50,000 psi, this steel is stronger than A36 and other low-carbon steels. It can also be surface hardened with heat treating for added wear resistance.

Made of stiff alloy steel, these I-beams are often used in construction, framing, lifting, and hoisting applications. Alloy steel contains silicon and vanadium to boost strength and hardness, so it bends less under load than carbon steel. For added wear resistance, they can be surface hardened with heat treating. Also known as American Standard I-beams, these I-beams have rounded corners.

The beam trade number indicates the I-beam's outside height and weight in pounds per foot. This provides an easy reference to help you select the right size and strength for your application.

Also known as W- and WF-beams, H-bars have wide flanges for strength. Made of alloy steel, they're often used in machine bases, platforms, and frames. Alloy steel contains silicon and vanadium to boost strength and hardness, so it bends less under load than carbon steel. Surface harden it for added wear resistance.

H-bars have wider flanges than I-beams, making them stronger but also heavier. They’re easier to weld as their straight flanges offer more surface area than I-beams’ tapered flanges.

The beam trade number indicates the channel’s outside width and weight in lbs./ft. This gives you an easy reference for selecting the right size and strength for your needs.