Aluminum Association (AA) standard channel
Structural channels with radiused fillets, designated by depth and weight per foot, e.g. 4 × 1.74. Normally 6061-T6 to ASTM B308.
Structural and track channels
Aluminium C Channel & C Slide Track Channel
Aluminium C channel is an extruded section with a web and two flanges, used as a lightweight structural member, a frame edge or a track for sliding parts. Metline supplies standard structural channels from 2 to 12 inches deep in 6061-T6, small C and slide-track channels in 6063, and custom channel profiles to drawing, finished and cut to length for customers worldwide.
- Structural sizes
- 2 – 12 in deep
- Track sizes
- from about 6 mm
- Alloys
- 6061, 6063, 6082
- Standards
- ASTM B308 · EN 755
What is aluminium C channel?
A C channel has a flat web joined at each edge by a flange running the same way, giving a C-shaped cross-section. Structural channels have flanges that are thicker at the root and taper or radius into the web; small commercial and track channels usually have uniform walls and sharp or lightly radiused corners.
The terms C channel and U channel are often used for the same shape. In practice, buyers tend to say "C channel" for structural sections where the web is deeper than the flanges are wide, and "U channel" for sections with legs as long as or longer than the base, used for edging and glazing. Some C profiles also have small inward lips on the flange tips; these lipped channels hold sliding parts or fasteners and are often called C track or strut channel.
Channels are efficient in bending about the strong axis (load applied in the plane of the web) and are easy to bolt or rivet through the flat web. Because the shear centre lies outside the web, a channel loaded through its web tends to twist, so long channels are braced, used in back-to-back pairs or replaced by I-beams or box sections when loads are high.
Types of aluminium C channel
American Standard channel
Older structural series with sloped inner flange faces, matching steel channel dimensions. Used where a steel section is being replaced.
Square-corner / architectural channel
Uniform wall thickness with sharp corners, from small trim sizes up to about 150 mm, usually 6063-T5 or T6.
C slide track channel
Small channels for sliding doors, windows, drawers and panels, often 6063 anodised, from about 6 × 9 mm upward.
Lipped C channel / strut
Flanges with inturned lips that retain nuts, rollers or panels, used for cable supports and adjustable framing.
Custom channel
Any channel geometry with grooves, screw ports or snap features, extruded from a die made to your drawing.
Aluminum Association standard channel sizes
AA channels are designated by depth (in) × weight (lb/ft). Dimensions below are nominal; the metric weight is calculated from the published weight per foot.
| Designation | Depth d (in / mm) | Flange width b (in / mm) | Flange tf (in) | Web tw (in) | Area (in²) | Weight (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 × 0.577 | 2.00 / 51 | 1.00 / 25.4 | 0.13 | 0.13 | 0.49 | 0.86 |
| 3 × 1.14 | 3.00 / 76 | 1.50 / 38.1 | 0.20 | 0.13 | 0.965 | 1.70 |
| 3 × 1.60 | 3.00 / 76 | 1.75 / 44.4 | 0.26 | 0.17 | 1.36 | 2.38 |
| 4 × 1.74 | 4.00 / 102 | 2.00 / 50.8 | 0.23 | 0.15 | 1.48 | 2.59 |
| 4 × 2.33 | 4.00 / 102 | 2.25 / 57.1 | 0.29 | 0.19 | 1.98 | 3.47 |
| 5 × 2.21 | 5.00 / 127 | 2.25 / 57.1 | 0.26 | 0.15 | 1.88 | 3.29 |
| 5 × 3.09 | 5.00 / 127 | 2.75 / 69.8 | 0.32 | 0.19 | 2.63 | 4.60 |
| 6 × 2.83 | 6.00 / 152 | 2.50 / 63.5 | 0.29 | 0.17 | 2.41 | 4.21 |
| 6 × 4.03 | 6.00 / 152 | 3.25 / 82.5 | 0.35 | 0.21 | 3.43 | 6.00 |
| 8 × 4.15 | 8.00 / 203 | 3.00 / 76.2 | 0.35 | 0.19 | 3.53 | 6.18 |
| 8 × 5.79 | 8.00 / 203 | 3.75 / 95.2 | 0.41 | 0.25 | 4.92 | 8.62 |
| 10 × 6.14 | 10.00 / 254 | 3.50 / 88.9 | 0.41 | 0.25 | 5.22 | 9.14 |
| 12 × 8.27 | 12.00 / 305 | 4.00 / 101.6 | 0.47 | 0.29 | 7.04 | 12.31 |
Nominal dimensions as listed for Aluminum Association standard channels (ASTM B308 for 6061-T6 structural shapes). Section properties such as I and S are given in the Aluminum Design Manual; we provide the drawing for the section quoted.
Weight in kg/m equals the designation weight in lb/ft × 1.488. For any other channel use the channel weight calculator.
Small C channels and slide tracks
Small channels are specified by outside width, height and wall thickness, and track channels by the size of the panel or roller they must take. Common sizes include:
| Typical size (W × H × t) | Metric equivalent | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 3/8 × 1/4 in × about 0.05 in | about 9.5 × 6.4 × 1.3 mm | Small slide track, display panels |
| 1/2 × 1/2 in × 1/16 in | 12.7 × 12.7 × 1.6 mm | Trim, edging, light frames |
| 1 × 1/2 in × 1/16 in | 25.4 × 12.7 × 1.6 mm | Panel edging, drawer runners |
| 1 × 1 in × 1/8 in | 25.4 × 25.4 × 3.2 mm | Brackets, light framing |
| 1-1/2 × 3/4 in × 1/8 in | 38.1 × 19.1 × 3.2 mm | Frames, rails, shelving |
| 2 × 1 in × 1/8 in | 50.8 × 25.4 × 3.2 mm | Structural trim, trailer and van fit-out |
| 3 × 1-1/2 in × 3/16 in | 76.2 × 38.1 × 4.8 mm | Medium framing, supports |
| Sliding window / door tracks | single, double and triple track profiles | Sliding sashes, screens, cabinet doors |
For a slide track, give the thickness of the sliding panel and the clearance you need. A track for 6 mm panels, for example, usually has an internal opening of 6.5 – 7 mm so the panel slides freely without rattling; a nylon or felt insert can be added for smoother motion.
Alloys, tempers and properties
| Alloy and temper | Min. tensile | Min. yield | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 | 260 MPa (38 ksi) | 240 MPa (35 ksi) | Structural channels, frames, platforms, trailers |
| 6063-T5 | 150 – 175 MPa | 110 – 130 MPa | Trims, slide tracks, furniture and architectural channels |
| 6063-T6 | 205 – 215 MPa | 170 MPa | Architectural channels needing more strength |
| 6082-T6 | 295 – 310 MPa | 250 – 260 MPa | Structural channels to European standards |
| 7075-T6 | about 540 MPa | about 480 MPa | Small, highly loaded channels in aerospace and motorsport |
Minimums for thin walls per ASTM B221 / EN 755-2; values depend on wall thickness. Mill certificates report actual results.
All aluminium alloys have an elastic modulus of about 69 – 72 GPa, roughly one-third that of steel. An aluminium channel replacing a steel one of the same size therefore deflects about three times as much; the usual fix is a deeper section, which aluminium extrusion makes easy because any shape can be produced.
Finishes and fabrication
Mill finish
Standard for structural channels that are hidden or will be painted after fabrication.
Anodised
Clear satin, black, bronze or gold. The hard surface suits slide tracks, which wear against panels or rollers.
Powder coated
White and RAL colours for architectural trims, awnings and furniture.
Cutting and mitring
Square or mitred cuts to length, with typical length tolerances of ±0.5 – 1.5 mm.
Drilling and punching
Hole patterns for bolted frames, cable trays and adjustable shelving.
Bending and welding
Channels can be roll-bent to arcs; welding uses ER4043 or ER5356 filler with an allowance for weld-zone strength loss.
Where aluminium C channel is used
- Structures and platforms: joists, purlins, stair stringers and walkway edges in 6061-T6
- Transport: truck body cross members, trailer floors and rails, van racking and marine framing
- Building: partition and ceiling framing, window and door subframes, awnings and sign frames
- Sliding systems: tracks for cabinet doors, display panels, windows and screens
- Industrial equipment: machine guards, workbench frames, cable trays and inspection tables
- Electrical: enclosure rails and cable supports, where aluminium is non-sparking and non-magnetic
- Exhibitions and furniture: panel frames, shelf supports and edge trims
Typical example: a pedestrian platform may use 6061-T6 AA 6 × 2.83 channels as stringers with bolted cross members, while a sliding display cabinet uses a 6063-T5 anodised double slide track to carry 4 – 6 mm glass or acrylic doors.
How to order aluminium C channel
- SpecifyAA designation, outside dimensions and wall, or a drawing; alloy and temper; standard (ASTM B221 / B308, EN 755).
- Finish and lengthsMill, anodised or powder coated; stock lengths or a cut list with holes and mitres.
- QuoteWe confirm die availability, tolerances, finish and delivery terms (EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP).
- Inspect and certifyDimensions and finish checked; EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate supplied.
- ShipFilm-wrapped and bundled, small tracks in cartons or tubes, export crates or pallets for sea or air freight.
References and standards
- ASTM B308 – Aluminum-Alloy 6061-T6 Standard Structural Profiles
- ASTM B221 – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
- EN 755-2 and EN 755-9 – Extruded profiles: mechanical properties and tolerances
- The Aluminum Association – Aluminum Design Manual (standard shape dimensions and properties)
Aluminium (aluminum) C channel: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between C channel and U channel?
They are the same basic shape. C channel usually refers to structural sections with a deep web and narrower flanges, often with radiused or tapered flanges; U channel usually describes uniform-wall sections with legs as long as the base, used for edging and glazing.
What does "4 × 1.74" mean for an aluminium channel?
It is an Aluminum Association designation: 4 inches deep and 1.74 lb per foot (about 2.59 kg/m). That channel has 2-inch flanges, a 0.15-inch web and a 0.23-inch flange thickness.
Which alloy is best for aluminium C channel?
6061-T6 for structural use, 6063-T5 or T6 for architectural channels and slide tracks where finish matters, and 6082-T6 for structures designed to European standards.
How strong is an aluminium C channel compared with steel?
6061-T6 has a minimum yield strength of 240 MPa, similar to mild steel, at about one-third of the weight. It is about one-third as stiff, so a deeper channel is used to match steel deflection.
Can aluminium C channel be bent?
Yes. Channels can be roll-bent into arcs or bent in a press brake, with softer tempers allowing tighter radii. Bending about the weak axis is easier than about the strong axis.
Do you supply C slide track channel with a finish?
Yes. Slide tracks are usually supplied clear or black anodised in 6063, cut to length, with matching panels or inserts on request.
Need aluminium C channel?
Send the designation or drawing, alloy, finish and quantities. We will reply with availability and a delivered price.
