How to Choose Tray Reinforcing Flat Steel and Scaffold Flat Steel?
With the continuous expansion of global new energy power grids and construction infrastructure, hot Rolled Flat steel, the basic load-bearing section steel, is mainly divided into two categories for foreign trade export: special flat steel for cable tray reinforcement and scaffolding support flat steel. Both are made of Q235 carbon steel and can be processed into hot-dip galvanized flat steel for anti-corrosion, belonging to galvanized flat steel profiles. Nevertheless, they differ greatly in development positioning and mechanical parameters. Domestic steel manufacturers adopt complete hot rolling and galvanizing production lines to adjust technologies for overseas working conditions. Load and torsion resistance tests clearly reflect their merits, helping buyers from the Middle East, Europe and South America make proper purchases. High-quality structural support flat steel has been exported worldwide in large quantities all year round, ranking among the most popular exported infrastructure steel products.
Force structure design serves as their primary distinction, as they bear totally different loads. Cable tray reinforcing flat steel is a static load-bearing component, widely applied in cable tray reinforcement, long-span tray beams and seismic lateral support for cable trays. It endures long-term uniform vertical pressure and static tension without frequent shocks or vibrations. Its width-thickness ratio is precisely calculated to enhance bending resistance and planar compression resistance. Used as bottom bearers and side reinforcements for trough & ladder cable trays and matched with complete cable tray Steel Structure accessories, it effectively avoids tray sagging caused by heavy cables, perfectly suitable for long-term power projects including photovoltaic power stations and coastal chemical power grids. In contrast, scaffolding support flat steel bears alternating dynamic loads. During scaffolding erection, it withstands continuous stamping impact, material stacking and wind-induced torsion & shearing force. It relies on elastic toughness to buffer instantaneous shocks rather than permanent flatness, merely meeting short-term demands for scaffold ties and steel plank supports on construction sites.
Differences in torsion resistance and outdoor service life define their applicable scenarios. Repeated cyclic torsion tests verify that cable tray reinforcing flat steel features compact internal grain structure and much higher torsional rigidity. It never warps or bends permanently under long-term stress. Equipped with thick hot-dip galvanized coating, it delivers outstanding rust prevention in coastal salt spray areas and can serve outdoors steadily for over 25 years, which makes it ideal raw material for grounding flat steel and seismic bracket flat steel. Manufactured for low-cost temporary usage, scaffolding support flat steel lacks sufficient torsion resistance margin. It twists easily under continuous vibration and fails to meet the precise assembly requirements of cable trays. With simple anti-rust treatment, it gets corroded within 3–5 years outdoors, only usable for 2 to 3 construction cycles with limited recycling times.
The two types of flat steel have clear application divisions and target different overseas markets. Cable tray reinforcing flat steel is supplied for global power infrastructure projects, dedicated to anti-corrosion cable tray reinforcement and factory grounding systems, with long-term load capacity, torsion resistance and corrosion resistance as mandatory purchasing standards. Scaffolding support flat steel is exclusively used for temporary construction erection with prominent cost advantages. Our factory customizes various sizes of Q235 hot rolled flat steel, offering cutting, punching and bending services in compliance with ASTM international steel standards and ISO certification. Products are exported in bulk to Saudi Arabia, UAE and European countries. As global infrastructure booms, demands for segmented special steel keep rising. Chinese refined structural flat steel profiles keep upgrading mechanical technologies to strengthen export competitiveness in the global market.
