Steel Angles

General information on steel angles

Steel angles also referred to as angle iron, metal angle and steel angle bar are long products that fall within the category of steel sections. Angles are generally available in variety of different metals. Kloeckner offers standard hot rolled angles also called rolled steel angle (RSA). Due to their versatile nature steel angles are popular throughout multiple industries. To suit different industry specific needs, the Kloeckner Online Shop stocks equal angles in various dimensions, finishes and cut to length.

How are steel angles manufactured?

The general production of steel sections including angles always starts off the same way. First, primary steel products such as blooms and billets are heated to approximately 1100°C using a billet heating furnace. This process is called hot rolling. Subjecting steel to ambient temperature allows drastic reshaping using only a few rolling cycles. Rolling helps reduce the cross-sectional area, elongate and generally define the shape and specific dimension of the angle. Exposure to ambient temperature also creates blue/grey mill scale at the material surface which can be removed at a later stage using pickling, oiling or shot blasting. A descaled steel product has a smooth finish with greater design appeal.

Steel angles can be manufactured with equal or unequal sides, both of which are characterised by a 90degree bend where the sides are either of equal or unequal length. The latter of which resembles an “L” shape.

Subsequent cold rolling can be applied depending on specific mechanical properties desired in the end product. Hence a conscious choice regarding rolling temperature is crucial when manufacturing steel sections as it influences characteristics required to suit specific applications and industries.

Which industries utilise steel angles in their manufacture?

Hot rolled angles are typically used in heavy industries where precise measurements and a smooth surface finish are deemed less important. Common industries therefore range from construction & engineering, fencing, security, storage & packing to transport and telecommunication infrastructure. Angles are used extensively in load bearing structures, where two angles can be welded together to form a tee shape. Both t sections and angles showcase good resistance to bending, should however not be subjected to twisting. Due to their more polished finish cold rolled steel sections can be applied in the manufacturing of furniture, handrails, braces & shafts.

What are the benefits of utilizing steel angles?

Like most steel sections, angles are universally available. Large quantities of angles can be produced quickly and at a low cost. Angle irons are known for their versatility and therewith suitability for a wide variety of applications. Due to their low carbon content angles can easily be manipulated and connected to other materials, reinforcing their popularity by broadening opportunities for application. Steel angle bar can furthermore be manipulated without the need of heavy machinery or specialist (high performance) tooling. Rolled steel angles (RSA) have a long lifecycle and are at the same time uniquely sustainable for the fact that they are fully recyclable.