Special Metals: When & Why You'd Use These Styles of Unistrut

Unistrut is Available in Special Metals: Stainless Steel and Aluminum!

Unistrut channel is offered in a variety of finishes, with a variety of hole styles and in a variety of lengths and gauges, but did you know that we also carry special metals? Aside from the standard Unistrut, you can also get channels that are stainless steel and aluminum. Each of these special metals has unique applications so let's break it down.

Why Choose Stainless Steel?

Our stainless steel channels are offered for the following series: P1000, P1000T, P1001, P1001T as well as the same variations for the P3300, P4100 and P5000 series. It's also offered in two different compositions: 304 and 316 stainless. 316 stainless is a more pure version and does not attract magnetization while 304 stainless will retain a weak magnetic attraction. Our stainless steel channels have very high corrosion resistance and are considered a hard metal which is why so many people seek this special metal. It's relatively easy to weld, can be used in high temperature environments and is perfect for food industry applications because it does not react with the food.

Why Choose Aluminum?

Our aluminum channel selection is a little more limited however we do carry it in the popular P1000 and P4000 series. Aluminum channel is not sold in the slotted styles because the maximum beam and column loads are drastically reduced and the integrity of the channel is compromised. Our aluminum channels have a high oxidation and corrosion resistance and they also have better thermal and electrical conductivity compared to stainless steel. This is why aluminum is considered a soft metal. It can be difficult to weld, can become soft at about 400° and does not work well in the food industry because it can react poorly with the food and affect color and flavor. Although aluminum is not as strong as stainless steel, it is beneficial because it's almost a third of the weight and a third of the price.

Stocking special metals allows us to help our customers complete their projects no matter what environment they are working in. If standard Unistrut channel won't get the job done, they have confidence that our selection of special metals will allow them to find what works. For more information on our selection of Unistrut Channel, Read our Unistrut Channel Selection Blog.