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Buy custom steel beams online
Steel beams (often colloquially referred to as iron beams) in the form of HEA, HEB, HEM, and IPE profiles are indispensable in modern construction. They offer a unique combination of strength, flexibility, and sustainability. Thanks to individual customization options, precise cutting, and fast delivery times, our steel beams are the first choice for builders, architects, and craftsmen who value quality, safety, and efficiency. At MetalXact, you can also get sheet metal cut to size, precisely tailored to your requirements.
Advantages and properties of steel beams
Their exceptional load-bearing capacity, precise calculability, and versatile applications make steel beams essential—especially in high-bay warehouses, modern residential construction, and renovation projects where open floor plans or large openings are required. They enable slim yet stable constructions and can replace load-bearing walls, allowing for larger spaces and open interior designs. Steel beams are particularly used in renovations and heritage conservation to support historic roof structures, where strict structural and preservation regulations must be observed.
Overview of shapes and profiles
In steel construction, a distinction is made between different profile shapes of the material, each of which has been developed for specific requirements:
- HEA, HEB and HEM profiles: These so-called wide flange beams are particularly robust and are primarily used where high loads have to be carried. HEM profiles are the strongest and heaviest variant within this group. They are characterised by particularly thick flanges and a high load-bearing capacity and are preferred for use as horizontal beams in the construction industry.
- IPB profiles: Stand for "I-profiles wide flanged". However, this designation is outdated and no longer official; it refers to the modern HEB beams (in accordance with DIN 1025-2).
- IPE profiles: These classic I-shaped beams are particularly slim and are ideal for applications where weight plays a role but high stability is still required. They are often used in building construction, mechanical engineering and for columns.
Advantages of steel beams compared to other building materials such as wood, concrete or brick
- High load-bearing capacity: Steel beams can support large loads and therefore enable slim, stable structures for many construction projects.
- Precise calculability : The structural properties can be calculated precisely, which enables safe and efficient planning.
- Fast construction: They are quick to process and enable short construction times.
- Recyclability: Steel is fully recyclable and can be reused after demolition.
- Flexibility : Thanks to the wide range of profiles and individual customisation options, almost any building project can be realised.
Customised beams: configure cuts and order conveniently online
Popular dimensions for steel beams:
✅ 500
✅ 1,000
✅ 1,200
✅ 1,500
✅ 2,000
✅ 3,000
✅ 6,000
✅ Customised dimensions
✅ 1,000
✅ 1,200
✅ 1,500
✅ 2,000
✅ 3,000
✅ 6,000
✅ Customised dimensions
Proper protection and processing
To ensure steel beams reach their full service life, they must be protected against corrosion. This can be achieved either through galvanization or with special anti-corrosion coatings such as rust primers. In the event of a fire, the material’s strength may decrease, which is why fire protection measures—such as plastering or the installation of plaster carriers—may be required. The material can also react to temperature fluctuations with slight changes in length, which should be taken into account during processing and when installing cladding.
Professional planning and installation
The selection of the appropriate steel profile and the calculation of the required strength and length should always be carried out by an experienced structural engineer. This is the only way to ensure that the beam can safely bear the intended loads and that all structural requirements are met. During installation, temporary support is often necessary until the beam is fully installed. Special head and base plates ensure a secure connection to the foundation.
Exposed steel beams in residential construction and design
Unplastered profiles give rooms a modern, industrial character and are especially popular in loft-style designs. If left visible, however, they should be adequately protected against corrosion. Additional cladding may be required for fire protection.