Stainless steel angles are the most simple, yet recognizable stainless steel profiles. But do not be fooled by their simplicity. This profile has many distinct benefits for a variety of usages.
Stainless Steel Angles – More than a Common Profile
Steel angles are one of the most common structural shapes in building and construction. In its simplest form a stainless steel angle has the shape of an L with flat surfaces that extend both horizontally and vertically that meet at a 90 degree angle. This horizontal and vertical extension gives stainless steel angles strength in both directions. Steel angles can also come in both equal leg and unequal leg dimensions giving engineers the ability to design around the strength distribution of each leg that is required. This is a major benefit of stainless steel angles and why they are used as supports for structures and framing.
Along with strength there are several other benefits of using stainless steel angles. Generally speaking, steel angles are light and compact making them very easy to work with, no matter the application. Stainless steel angles are very versatile because they come in a variety of sizes and alloys. Stainless Structurals can produce angles in the most common stainless steel alloys like 304/L, 316/L and other grades like Duplex stainless steel and Nickel alloys. Like other stainless steel profiles, very little maintenance is required when using this material. The corrosion resistance and durability of stainless steel is much greater than other metals. By using stainless steel angles in your design, you will eliminate replacement costs and increase the life cycle of the structure.
Production of Stainless Steel Angles
There are three common production methods of stainless steel angles and Stainless Structurals can produce and has stock in all three. These include laser fusion, hot rolling, and cold drawn. Laser fused and hot rolled steel angles are the two most common methods.
Hot Rolled Stainless Steel Angles
Hot rolling is very popular for the smaller leg angle sizes ranging from one inch up to six inch. Both equal and unequal leg angles are available as hot rolled profiles. The standard length of these angles are 20 feet. Hot rolled angles will have a tapered corner in the inside edge giving them a rounded look. This radius corner makes it difficult to work with these angles if the job requires a flush connection or tight seal at the corner with no gaps. But for other applications like structural supports or framing, the tapered corner is not an issue.
Cold Drawn Profiles
The cold drawing process to produce angles has an even smaller size range than hot rolling. Generally, the size range is two inches and under and lighter gage material. Our stock in cold drawn angles has equal legs only, but the production of unequal leg sizes with this method is possible as well. Cold drawn angles come in metric sizes as well. Also known as architectural angles, this cold drawn profiles have a very sharp, square corner inside radius. This makes cold drawn stainless steel angles great for trim work and other interior design applications and less desirable for applications that require strength.
Stainless Steel Angles are often Laser Fused
Laser fusion technology is our most popular production method for stainless steel angles. The biggest benefit of laser fusion is the possibility to produce a very large size range, as well as full customization of dimensions, alloys, lengths, and more. With this production method, we can produce stainless steel angles from one inch up to 20 inches and lengths up to 40 feet. The ability to offer angles in alternate stainless steel alloys like duplex gives designers the ability to choose smaller angles without decreasing the strength thus providing a cost savings. The other major benefit of laser fusion is that the angles will have sharp, square corners without tapers. This is huge favorite of architects that like that crisp clean lines and sharp edge appearance. This benefit also allows the usage of angles in designs that need the square edges or that may need a tight fit between objects.
Stainless Structurals also has the in-house capability to process angle legs to your required size. If you need a 4×3-1/2×1/2 angle, we can process this for you from a 4x4x1/2 angle. Angle processing is beneficial when you only require a few pieces of a certain size that isn’t a common size amongst metal distributors. This method also prevents you from having to pay for minimum mill quantities and wait for mill lead times. Both equal and unequal leg angles are available to be processed.
Common Uses for Stainless Steel Angles
Similar to carbon steel angles, stainless steel angles are used in a large variety of applications and industries. The majority of uses for steel angles revolve around construction, supports, bridges, equipment, framing, shelving, and even furniture. Stainless steel angles are used in the more corrosive environments like chemical plants, food and beverage processing plants, marine applications. But it doesn’t have to be a corrosive environment to use stainless steel. Many architects design with stainless because of its aesthetic and visually appealing properties. Over the past several years, interior designers are using stainless steel for its modern and clean look. Artists and sculptors are also using stainless not only for its appearance but for its durability. The use of stainless steel angles is growing in popularity. So one can find it across numerous industries. Have a look at these articles for more details of the usage and applications:
Available Today for Your Application
As you can see, there are numerous applications for stainless steel angles. The good news is that there are numerous sizes and alloys available of both equal and unequal leg angles. Whether or not you require a laser fused, hot rolled, or cold drawn angle, we have the material to meet your project requirement for any industry. If we don’t stock it, we can produce it. Stainless Structurals is ready to help you with your next design. Contact us today for your stainless steel angle requirements.
