I-Beam: Its cross-section resembles the Chinese character “工” (gōng). The upper and lower flanges are thicker on the inside and thinner on the outside, featuring an approximately 14% slope (similar to a trapezoid). The web is thick, the flanges are narrow, and the edges transition smoothly with rounded corners.
I beams are designated by their web height (in centimeters), e.g., “16#” denotes a web height of 16 cm.
Production Process: Typically manufactured via hot-rolling in a single forming operation, offering simplicity and lower costs. A very small number of I beams are produced using welding processes.
I beams are commonly used as beam components in steel structures. Due to their relatively smaller cross-sectional dimensions, they are suitable for applications with shorter spans and lighter loads.
H Beams:
H-Beams: Resemble the letter “H,” featuring equal-thickness flanges that run parallel. The section height and flange width maintain a balanced proportion, with right-angled edges and enhanced overall symmetry. H-beam designation is more complex: e.g., H300×200×8×12 denotes height, width, web thickness, and flange thickness respectively.
Production Process: Primarily manufactured via hot-rolling. Some H-beams are also produced by welding three steel plates together. Hot-rolling H-beams involves a relatively complex process requiring specialized rolling mills, resulting in higher costs—approximately 20%-30% more than I-beams.
H-beam are commonly used in structural steel applications such as load-bearing columns. Due to their large cross-sectional dimensions, they are widely employed in scenarios involving long spans and heavy loads.
Performance Comparison
| Indicator | I-beam | H-beam |
|---|---|---|
| Bending resistance | Weak (narrow flange, stress concentration) | Strong (wide flange, uniform force) |
| Torsion resistance | Poor (easy to deform) | Excellent (high section symmetry) |
| Lateral stability | Requires additional support | Built-in "anti-shake" property |
| Material utilization | Low (flange slope causes steel waste) | Saves 10%-15% steel |
How do I order our products?
Ordering our steel products is very simple. You just need to follow the steps below:
1. Browse our website to find the right product for your needs. You can also contact us through website message, email, WhatsApp, etc. to tell us your requirements.
2. When we receive your quote request, we will reply you within 12 hours (if it is a weekend, we will reply you as soon as possible on Monday). If you are in a hurry to get a quote, you can call us or chat with us online and we will answer your questions and provide you with more information.
3.Confirm the details of the order, such as product model, quantity (usually starting from one container, about 28tons), price, delivery time, payment terms, etc. We will send you a proforma invoice for your confirmation.
4.Make the payment, we will start the production as soon as possible, we accept all kinds of payment methods, such as: telegraphic transfer, letter of credit, etc.
5.Receive the goods and check the quality and quantity. Packing and shipping to you according to your requirement. We will also provide after-sale service for you.
Post time: Oct-28-2025
