Carrier (IPE, UNP, HEA, HEB, HEM)
Daily shipping
Secure shopping
Quality guarantee
Buy steel beams cut to size online
Steel beams cut to size are the right solution when load-bearing, robust and precisely cut profiles are required for steel construction, structural work, renovation, mechanical engineering, workshops or technical projects. At METALXACT, you can select steel beams such as HEA, HEB, HEM, IPE and UNP profiles online, configure them and order them to match your project.
Answer first: IPE is often suitable for slim beam solutions with a good ratio between weight and stability. HEA and HEB are wide flange beams for higher loads, columns and robust structures. HEM is the particularly heavy variant for very high load reserves. UNP is a U-profile for frames, edging, reinforcements and technical components. For load-bearing structures, the final selection must always be checked structurally.
Steel beams are often colloquially referred to as iron beams. In practice, however, they are defined steel profiles with a clear shape, dimensions, material quality and technical purpose. Beams made of S235JR are used particularly often because this steel grade is suitable for many general steel construction and structural tasks.
Steel beams are indispensable in modern construction. They offer a unique combination of stability, flexibility and sustainability. Thanks to individual configuration options, accurate cuts to size and fast delivery times, our steel beams are the first choice for builders, architects and tradespeople who value quality, safety and efficiency. At METALXACT, you receive metal profiles cut to size, precisely tailored to your requirements.
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 However, this designation is outdated and no longer official; it refers to the modern HEB beams (in accordance with DIN 1025-2).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
How to order steel beams in the configurator
- Select profile type: Choose between IPE, HEA, HEB, HEM or UNP.
- Define profile size: Select the appropriate profile dimension according to planning or structural specifications.
- Enter length: Enter the required cutting length and quantity.
- Check surface and processing: Clarify whether corrosion protection, powder coating or further processing is useful.
- Consider weight and handling: Take transport, unloading, installation and construction-site access into account.
- Check the order: Carefully compare dimensions, quantity, profile designation and application before purchasing.
Proper protection and processing
To ensure that steel beams reach their full service life, they must be protected against corrosion. This is done either by galvanising, suitable corrosion protection coatings or appropriate surface solutions such as rust primers and coating. In the event of fire, the strength of the material can decrease, which is why fire protection measures – such as plastering or attaching plaster carriers – may be required. The material can react to temperature fluctuations with slight changes in length, which must be taken into account during processing and when attaching cladding.
Professional planning and installation
The selection of the suitable steel profile and the calculation of the required thickness and length should always be carried out by an experienced structural engineer. This is the only way to ensure that the beam safely absorbs the intended loads and that the structural specifications are met. During installation, temporary support is often necessary until the beam has been fully installed. Special head and base plates ensure a secure connection to the substrate.
Unplastered steel beams in residential construction and design
Unplastered profiles give rooms a modern, industrial character and are particularly popular in loft style. If they are left visible, however, they should be sufficiently protected against corrosion. Additional cladding may be necessary for fire protection.
Product bridge: steel beams, steel profiles and metal made to measure
Steel beams rarely stand alone. In many projects, they are combined with further steel profiles, sheets, plates, folded parts, tubes or connecting elements. This is exactly why a clear product bridge is important: anyone selecting a steel beam often also needs customised steel profiles, steel sheets, steel rectangular tubes, angle steel or folded parts cut to size.
At METALXACT, many of these product areas can be selected digitally and ordered to suit the project. This simplifies planning, reduces waste and makes metal cutting easier to calculate for trade, construction, industry, workshops and private projects.
FAQ – Steel beams cut to size
Which steel beams can I order from METALXACT?
You can select steel beams and beam profiles such as IPE, HEA, HEB, HEM and UNP online, configure them to suit your requirements and, depending on the product, order them as cuts to size.
What is the difference between IPE, HEA, HEB and UNP?
IPE is a slim I-profile, HEA and HEB are wide flange beams with different levels of massiveness, HEM is particularly heavy and load-bearing, while UNP is a U-shaped profile for frames, edging, reinforcements and technical constructions.
When is an IPE beam useful?
An IPE beam is useful when a slim I-shape, a good ratio between dead weight and load-bearing capacity, and a clear installation situation are required.
When should you choose HEA or HEB?
HEA is often suitable for lighter to medium load-bearing tasks with a wide flange. HEB is more massive and is chosen when higher loads, stronger supports or more robust structures are required.
What does S235JR mean for steel beams?
S235JR is a frequently used structural steel grade for profiles and beams. It is used in steel construction, metal construction and many structural applications.
How is the weight of a steel beam calculated?
The weight is calculated from the profile weight per metre, the selected length and the quantity. The larger the profile height, flange width and material thickness, the higher the metre weight.
Which dimensions are important for steel beams?
Important factors are profile type, profile size, length, quantity, profile height, flange width, web thickness, flange thickness, weight per metre and the installation situation.
Which tolerances do I need to consider for steel beams?
For cuts to size, product- and process-dependent length, cutting and material tolerances must be taken into account. For structural, precisely fitting or visible applications, the requirements should be checked before ordering.
Can steel beams be powder-coated?
Depending on the product, component size and application, powder coating or suitable corrosion protection can be useful. Especially for visible or more heavily stressed components, the surface should be planned early.
Does the online selection replace a structural calculation?
No. The selection in the online shop does not replace a structural calculation. For load-bearing components, wall openings, ceilings, columns or safety-relevant structures, a professional structural assessment must always be carried out.