Appearance difference (difference in cross-sectional shape): Channel steel is produced through hot rolling and directly shipped as finished products by steel mills. Its cross-section is "U"-shaped, with parallel flanges on both sides and a web extending up and down in the middle. C-shaped steel is made from hot-rolled coils through cold bending, featuring thin walls, light self-weight, excellent sectional performance, and high strength. In simple terms, the appearance is as follows: straight-edged is channel steel, and curly-edged is C-shaped steel

In recent years, galvanized steel sheets have become highly representative metal materials in modern architecture and home appliances due to their excellent protective efficacy and long service life. Let's explore the mystery behind this.

In coastal areas with frequent typhoons, about 60% of roof collapse accidents are directly related to the failure of purlin systems. Z-shaped steel, with its unique cross-sectional design and mechanical properties, has gradually become the "invisible guardian" of wind resistant roof systems.

Phase 1: Maturity and popularization of technology (mid-20th century present)
Hot dip galvanizing (HDGI): the dominant process. From the early flux method to the modern Sengemir method, continuous, high-speed, and high-quality production has been achieved. At present, lead-free hot-dip galvanizing and alloying galvanizing have become standard equipment for high-end products.

1. Challenge:
Cost pressure: The fluctuation of zinc prices is significant, eroding profits.
Homogenization competition: overcapacity in mid to low end products and fierce price competition.

1. Application cognition and preliminary substitution
Early steel structure buildings, especially portal frame lightweight houses, mainly used C-shaped steel purlins. With the increasing demand for large-span, multi span factories and complex roofs, engineers have recognized the huge economic advantages of Z-shaped steel in continuous purlin systems and have gradually begun to promote it.