What Is a UPE Section?

UPE sections are hot-rolled U-shaped steel profiles with parallel flanges (horizontal parts). This design differentiates them from UPN sections, whose flanges are tapered.

The standardized dimensions and parallel flanges make UPE channels easy to integrate into modern structural systems, providing clean connections, accurate bolt patterns and reliable fit-up with other steel members.

Commonly available UPE dimensions range from UPE 80 to UPE 400, typically produced in line with EN 10365, DIN 1026-2 or similar standards used in Europe and international markets.

Technical Features and Benefits of UPE Sections

Parallel Flanges

UPE profiles have perfectly parallel flanges, ensuring:

• Easy connection to other beams, plates and hollow sections
• Smooth welding and bolting with uniform contact surfaces
• Predictable load transfer and simplified detailing

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio

Despite their relatively low weight, UPE sections can withstand significant bending and compressive forces, delivering an optimal combination of performance and economy.

Excellent Weldability and Machinability

Produced from S235JR, S275JR, S355JR or equivalent grades, UPE channels offer excellent weldability and machinability, enabling customized fabrication, drilling and cutting operations.

Enhanced Corrosion Resistance (When Coated)

For outdoor or aggressive environments, UPE profiles can be supplied hot-dip galvanized or painted for improved corrosion protection and extended service life.

Flexible Lengths

Standard lengths are typically 6 m and 12 m, with custom cutting available to minimize waste and simplify site assembly.

UPE Profile Dimensions & Weight Chart

The following table summarizes common UPE profile sizes with weight per meter and main dimensions: height (H), flange width (B), web thickness (S) and flange thickness (T).

Detailed UPE section properties (section area, moments of inertia, section modulus) are available upon request from HL Metal’s technical catalogues to support structural design and FEM calculations.

Key Applications of UPE Sections

Construction and Building Structures

UPE profiles are widely used in building frameworks, floor beams, façade supports and secondary steel structures where parallel flanges simplify detailing and cladding connections.

Industrial Machinery and Equipment

Machine frames, supports and conveyor systems often rely on UPE channels for stability, easy assembly and dimensional accuracy.

Bridges and Infrastructure

In bridge construction, UPE channels serve as stiffeners, cross-girders or secondary members, complementing primary I and H beam systems.

Automotive and Trailer Manufacturing

Lightweight yet strong, UPE profiles are popular in chassis frames, trailer beds and special vehicle structures.

Architectural Design and Metal Fabrication

UPE channels can also contribute to visible architectural features and designer metalwork, combining structural performance with clean, linear aesthetics.

Production Standards and Steel Grades

International standards ensure the dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties of UPE sections:

• EN 10365: European standard for hot-rolled steel channels.
• DIN 1026-2: German specification for U-channels with parallel flanges.
• ASTM A36 / ASTM A572: common American standards (when cross-referenced or imported).

Typical Steel Grades for UPE Channels

All grades can be certified according to EN 10204 (3.1 / 2.2 MTCs) to verify chemistry and mechanical properties for project documentation.

How to Select the Right UPE Section

When selecting UPE profiles for your project, consider the following criteria:

• Load requirements: check bending, shear and compressive forces.
• Span lengths: verify deflection limits and vibration performance.
• Environmental conditions: choose galvanized or coated sections for corrosive environments.
• Connection design: ensure the profile is compatible with bolted or welded joints.
• Standards compliance: confirm that supplied sections meet local or international codes.

HL Metal’s engineering team can assist with profile selection, optimization and rationalization of sizes to reduce material usage while maintaining structural safety.

Global Supply & Export of UPE Channels

As global demand for U-channels with parallel flanges grows, HL Metal supplies UPE sections to customers across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia with competitive pricing and reliable lead times.

For export projects, we recommend that buyers:

• Request complete mill test certificates (MTCs) for quality verification.
• Confirm compliance with destination country norms and project specifications.
• Use secure bundling and strapping for overseas transport and container loading.

Our export team manages documentation, packing lists, certificates of origin and coordination with freight forwarders to ensure smooth border crossings and deliveries.

Related Structural Sections & Internal Links

Combine UPE channels with other structural profiles from HL Metal for complete framing solutions:

• UPN Profiles – Taper Flange U-Channels (comparison: tapered vs parallel flanges)
• IPE Sections / IPE Beams – European I-Beams
• HEA Beams – Wide Flange Beams
• HEB Beams – H Shape Steel Structure
• HEM Beams – Heavy Wide Flange Beams
• Rectangular Hollow Sections – RHS
• Steel Weight Calculator – Channels, Beams, Hollow Sections

Request a UPE Section Quotation

U-channels with parallel flanges (UPE) are critical building blocks in modern steel construction, offering high strength, versatility and design flexibility.

Whether you are sourcing UPE profiles for a building frame, industrial machine or architectural project, HL Metal Demir Çelik can support you with technical guidance, fast delivery and competitive pricing.