Steel Pipe: What Are The Main Types of Steel Flanges?

A steel pipe flange is a forged or casts plate-like device. These can be used to strengthen and connect columns, beams, or pipes. While this concept is generic, the installation of pipe flanges can be very specific.

Steel flanges are joined by bolting, welding, or threading to a fitting. Steel flanges allow for cleaning, inspection or modification to be undertaken easily.

Steel flanges are usually manufactured in a circular shape, but because steel is extremely versatile, can be made in square and rectangular styles. Flange faces typically come in flat, raised, ring joint, and tongue-and-groove forms.

Flanges may also be used as part of manufactured steel sections. These include parallel flange channels and tapered flange beams. Parallel flange channels are U-shaped beams used for construction. They are high in strength and come in a variety of sizes. Tapered Flange Beams are I-shaped sections, often used for cross-sections of girders.

The main types of standard steel flanges are weld-neck, slip-on, socket weld, lap joint, threaded and blind. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each.

Ranging from the slip-on to the threaded variety, we take a look at the main types of steel flanges.