Carbon Steel Angle Bar: Durable Structural Support for Construction

Carbon steel angle bar is the most widely used variant, prized for its balance of strength, affordability, and workability. Composed primarily of iron with 0.12–0.29% carbon (low carbon) or 0.30–0.60% carbon (medium carbon), these bars exhibit tensile strengths from 400 to 700 MPa depending on heat treatment. Low carbon grades (ASTM A36, EN S235) are preferred for general construction due to excellent weldability and formability, while medium carbon grades (ASTM A108) offer higher hardness for wear resistant applications like machinery guides. The hot rolled process dominates production, though cold rolled variants provide tighter tolerances for precision components. Surface protection methods include hot dip galvanizing (80–275 g/m² zinc coating), electroplating, or powder coating, with uncoated bars suitable for painted interiors. Carbon steel angle bars are integral in automotive frames, agricultural equipment, and storage racking, where their L shape allows for efficient load transfer. Fabrication considerations include matching welding electrodes to carbon content (e.g., E6013 for low carbon, E7018 for medium carbon) and using anti spatter compounds to maintain surface quality. As recycling initiatives grow, carbon steel angle bars made from scrap steel with minimal alloy content are gaining traction, balancing performance with environmental sustainability.