Huaxia-Steel is a trusted factory-direct exporter of carbon steel I-beams and H-beams for construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects worldwide. Our beams conform to ASTM A36, ASTM A572, JIS G3192, EN 10025, and GB/T 706 standards. With annual production capacity exceeding 500,000 metric tons, we supply structural steel beams to importers, fabricators, and EPC contractors across global markets.
Product Overview
I-beams (also called H-beams, universal beams, or wide flange beams) are structural steel sections characterized by their I-shaped cross-section with two horizontal flanges connected by a vertical web. The design provides excellent load-bearing capacity along the flange axis, making I-beams the backbone of modern steel-frame construction. Carbon steel I-beams offer an unmatched combination of strength, cost-effectiveness, and fabrication versatility for structural applications.
I-Beam vs H-Beam: Key Differences
| Characteristic | I-Beam (S-shape) | H-Beam (W-shape / Wide Flange) |
|---|---|---|
| Flange Width | Narrower than web depth | Flange width ≈ web depth |
| Flange Surface | Tapered (1:6 slope on inner face) | Parallel (flat inner face) |
| Section Profile | S-shape (S3-S24 per ASTM A6) | W-shape (W4-W44 per ASTM A6) |
| Weight Range | 5-121 kg/m | 13-634 kg/m |
| Best Application | Bending about major axis, shorter spans | Column, compression members, long spans |
| Bolted Connection | Tapered washers required | Standard flat washers |
Available Profiles & Dimensions
| Profile Series | Height Range | Flange Width | Weight Range | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPE (European) | 80-600mm | 46-220mm | 6.0-122 kg/m | EN 10365 |
| HEA (Wide Flange Light) | 100-1000mm | 100-300mm | 16.7-272 kg/m | EN 10365 |
| HEB (Wide Flange Medium) | 100-1000mm | 100-300mm | 20.4-314 kg/m | EN 10365 |
| HEM (Wide Flange Heavy) | 100-1000mm | 106-310mm | 41.8-635 kg/m | EN 10365 |
| W-Shape (US) | 4-44 inch | 4-16 inch | 8.9-634 kg/m | ASTM A6 |
| H-Shape (JIS) | 100-918mm | 100-308mm | 17.2-417 kg/m | JIS G3192 |
| HW/HM/HN (China GB) | 100-502mm | 100-470mm | 17.2-261 kg/m | GB/T 11263 |
Available Grades & Standards
| Standard | Grade | Yield Strength (min) | Tensile Strength | Impact Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A36 | A36 | 250 MPa (36 ksi) | 400-550 MPa | Not required (optional) |
| ASTM A572 | Gr.50 | 345 MPa (50 ksi) | 450 MPa min | Optional per Suppl. S5 |
| ASTM A992 | A992 | 345-450 MPa | 450 MPa min | Available |
| JIS G3101 | SS400 | 245 MPa (t≤16mm) | 400-510 MPa | Not specified |
| JIS G3106 | SM490A | 325 MPa (t≤16mm) | 490-610 MPa | 0°C, ≥27J |
| EN 10025-2 | S235JR / S355JR | 235 / 355 MPa | 360-510 / 470-630 MPa | 20°C / 20°C, ≥27J |
| EN 10025-2 | S355J2 | 355 MPa | 470-630 MPa | -20°C, ≥27J |
Quality Assurance
- Chemical Analysis: Every heat is analyzed by Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) for C, Mn, Si, P, S, and trace elements. Results reported on the Mill Test Certificate.
- Mechanical Testing: Tensile test per ASTM A370/ISO 6892-1. Charpy V-notch impact testing at specified temperatures when required by the purchase order.
- Dimensional Inspection: All sections measured for depth, flange width, web thickness, flange thickness, straightness, and camber per ASTM A6/A6M tolerances.
- Surface Quality: Visual inspection for laps, seams, scabs, and other surface imperfections per ASTM A6 Class A requirements (Class B or C available).
- Ultrasonic Testing: Available upon request for critical applications (per ASTM A898/A898M or EN 10160).
Packaging & Shipping
I-beams are bundled in lifts of 2-5 metric tons with steel strapping. Each bundle is tagged with heat number, grade, dimensions, length, and weight. Wooden battens are placed between layers to prevent surface damage. For sea freight, we apply anti-corrosion coating (shop primer or red oxide) to all surfaces. Standard packaging includes:
- Steel-strapped bundles with wooden dunnage between layers
- Waterproof plastic wrapping for sea freight shipments
- Bundle tags with full traceability information
- Optional shop primer coating (15-25 μm DFT) for corrosion protection during transit
Delivery lead time: 15-25 days for standard sizes, 25-40 days for non-standard mill-rolled sections. We ship from major Chinese ports with FOB and CIF terms available. Each shipment includes full documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, mill test certificates (EN 10204 3.1), and certificate of origin (Form E/Form F available for preferential duty rates).
Ready to source high-quality carbon steel products at competitive factory-direct prices? Contact Huaxia-Steel today for a free quotation and consultation. Our team provides full Mill Test Certificates (MTC), third-party inspection reports, and flexible shipping options worldwide.
