SS400 Channel steel is a widely used structural carbon steel product, recognized for its excellent strength, formability, and cost-effectiveness. The "SS400" designation is a Japanese Industrial

Key Characteristics & Properties

Mechanical Properties:

Tensile Strength: Minimum 400 MPa (58,000 psi)

Yield Strength: Minimum 245 MPa (35,500 psi) for thicknesses ≤16mm. The yield strength decreases slightly for thicker sections.

Elongation: Typically 17-21%, indicating good ductility and the ability to be formed and bent without fracturing.

Chemical Composition:

SS400 is not defined by a strict chemical composition but by its mechanical properties. However, its typical chemical makeup includes:

Carbon (C): ≤ 0.29%

Manganese (Mn): ≤ 1.60%

Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.050%

Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.050%

This relatively low carbon content contributes to its good weldability and formability compared to higher-carbon steels.

Weldability and Machinability:

SS400 exhibits good weldability through common methods like arc welding, MIG, and TIG. Its good machinability allows it to be easily cut, drilled, and shaped with standard machine tools.

Standard Specifications & Sizes

Standard: JIS G 3101 (General structure hot-rolled steel)

Channel Designation: Often follows JIS C, U, or NP shapes (e.g., 100x50x5mm, where the numbers represent depth, flange width, and web thickness in millimeters).

Equivalent Grades:

China: Q235B

Europe: S235JR (EN 10025-2)

USA: ASTM A36 (Note: While similar, A36 has slightly different chemical and mechanical properties and is not a direct equivalent).

Common Applications

SS400 channel steel is a versatile material used in a vast array of industries:

Construction & Building Frames: As primary beams, columns, purlins, and bracings in industrial buildings, warehouses, and residential structures.

Heavy Equipment & Machinery: For fabricating frames, bases, and supports for industrial machines and vehicles.

Infrastructure Projects: In bridges, guardrails, transmission towers, and scaffolding.

Transportation & Automotive: For constructing truck trailers, chassis frames, and shipping containers.

General Fabrication: Used to create frames for shelves, workbenches, gates, and various custom metal fabrications.

Advantages of SS400 Channel Steel

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Provides significant structural support without excessive weight.

Excellent Cost-Efficiency: Offers a reliable and affordable solution for a multitude of structural applications.

Ease of Fabrication: Can be easily welded, cut, drilled, and formed, simplifying the construction process.

Good Durability: Suitable for use in various environments when appropriate surface treatments (like painting or galvanizing) are applied to prevent corrosion.