Selecting the Correct Iron Angle for Your Project

Structural steel is available in several shapes, including angle, beam, tee, and channel. Steel angle (also known as angle iron) is one of the world's most-used steel structural shapes due to its 90° L-shape and functional mechanical properties. Angle iron can be manufactured in steel and metal alloys in smaller bar and larger L-shape sizes.

How to Calculate the Weight of Iron Angle

How much weight can iron support? There is a simple way to calculate the weight of angle bar. Correctly calculating the weight of angle iron is vital since project parameters and specifications will dictate which steel alloy will provide the best overall advantages. In basic terms, the weight of the steel angle bar can be determined by the angle’s dimensions and density.
The steel angle weight can be determined by utilizing the dimensions of the angle iron, including the width, length, and height. Simply multiply the angle iron’s width and height and multiply that result by the iron density of 0.259. Next, take the dimensions of the tall portion of the length, multiply the width times the length time the height, and then multiply the results by iron density of 0.259. The two total weights should then be added to get the angle bar's total weight.

Steel Angle Alloy Options

Angle iron is available in several unique alloys. Each alloy provides its own quality features to deliver your project's specifications. Steel angle increases strength, weldability, and durability for construction and architectural applications. The different types of angle iron include:

ASTM-A36

• Tensile strength: 58,000-80,000 psi
• Yield strength: 36,000 psi
• Modulus of elasticity: 29,000 ksi

A1008

• Tensile strength: 49,000 psi
• Yield strength: 41,000 psi
• Modulus of elasticity: 27,000-30,000 ksi

Hot-Rolled Steel

Hot-rolled angle iron works well for applications requiring larger L-shaped sizes, where surface finishes and precision are unnecessary.

Cold-Rolled Steel

Cold-rolled angle iron is well-suited for applications that require tight dimensional tolerances and smooth surface finishes.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized angle bar provides a lower-cost alternative to stainless steel, offering rust-free protection for several decades. Galvanized steel provides comparable strength and durability to that of stainless steel alloys at a fraction of the cost.

Steel Angle Shape, Thickness, and Strength Considerations

Project requirements will dictate the angle iron thickness needed for your job. The weight, force, and torsion required should be considered when determining angle iron thickness. It is essential to remember that the structural steel angle is strongest above the vertical section of the structural shape and the strength of the angle iron comes from the length of the L-shape.

Angle Iron Applications

Applications that benefit from steel angle include:

• Masonry
• Bridgework
• Construction
• Warehousing
• Shelving
• Communication towers
• Furniture frames
• Fencing
• Small project structural repairs

The IMS Difference

What separates IMS from other metals companies? With an abundance of metal options and customer service that is second to none, IMS has you covered with the following advantages: