Angle iron is a rectangular metal piece bent at a 90-degree angle, used in construction as structural, reinforcing, or support elements. It can be made of various metals, with different shapes, finishes, and coatings. Steel and aluminum are the most common materials, but other metals like brass can be used. The shape of angle iron can be customized, with holes, cutouts, and perforations for hardware or fitting with other workpieces. Various finishes are possible, including buffing, polishing, and coatings like powder coating and electroplating.
Angle iron is a general term used to describe a long, rectangular piece of sheet metal or flat bar bent at a 90-degree angle along its long axis, forming an L shape. There are many variations on this type of base. Most often used in construction as structural, reinforcing, or support elements, these pieces can be decorative as well as functional, and many different metals are used to make them. The term “angle iron” is used to refer to the shape of the piece rather than the material it is made from and is a holdover from earlier times when they were made almost exclusively of iron. Today, steel and aluminum angle iron is the most common, although other metals, such as brass, are sometimes used.
Variation in angle iron types can occur in a number of areas. Shape and material are the two main variants. Holes, perforations or cutouts, finishes and coatings are others. All these possibilities create a very large number of possible styles.
While steel is the most common metal for angle pieces, many other metals can be used. Aluminum angles are very common and are popular for many uses due to their strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Titanium, bronze, copper and brass are just a few other metals that are sometimes used. Stainless steel is another popular material.
The number of shape variations for angles is almost unlimited and some manufacturers will make a specific shape based on customer requirements. Blunt edges, curves, legs of unequal length, hemmed edges, and other shapes are common. The angle, which is set at 90 degrees on a standard angle iron, can also be varied. Even complex shapes with multiple angles and asymmetrical designs are possible. Holes, cutouts, and perforations can also be made in the surface of a workpiece for use with hardware such as screws, bolts, or hooks, or to fit the shapes of other workpieces.
A large number of finishes are possible for all types of angles. The finishes can be of two types, those that prepare the material itself and those that are applied. The first type of finishing consists of techniques such as buffing and polishing. The latter includes coatings of all types, such as powder coating, zinc plating, electroplating and durable vinyl coatings.
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