European Standard Channels UPN (UNP) – Stainless Steel
UPN channels, also referred to as UNP in older European conventions, are the classical U-shaped structural sections defined by European standards. They are characterised by flanges with a nominal inner taper of approximately 8%, which historically facilitated hot rolling. As a result, UPN channels are the most widely specified channel section in European structural engineering practice and are recognised internationally. Montanstahl manufactures stainless steel UPN channels across the full standard dimensional range by laser welding and, for selected sizes, by hot rolling, ensuring conformance with the dimensional requirements of EN 10279.
Key Applications & Use Cases
- Secondary steelwork in structural frames: purlins, side rails, and girts
- Lintel and header sections over openings in stainless steel architectural construction
- Retaining channels for glass panels and partition walls in interior fitout
- Framing for staircases, platforms, and walkways in industrial and commercial buildings
- Support structures for pipework, cable trays, and HVAC ductwork
- Edge reinforcement for stainless steel tanks, vessels, and equipment
- Protective border profiles for industrial machinery and equipment enclosures
Available Stainless Steel Grades
1.4301 (AISI 304) and 1.4404 (AISI 316L) are the standard offering. Special grades including 1.4462 duplex and 1.4410 super-duplex, as well as high-temperature alloys, are available to order.
We can manufacture custom-made UPN profiles with tailored dimensions and lengths
UPN Channel Product Catalog – Stainless Steel Only
| Description | Execution | G kg/m | h | b | tw | tf | r1 | r2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPN 20x10x3 | Hot Rolled | 0.89 | 20 | 10 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| UPN 30x15x4 | Hot Rolled | 1.78 | 30 | 15 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 2.5 |
| UPN 30x15x4 | Laser | 1.76 | 30 | 15 | 4 | 4.5 | 1 | <1 |
| UPN 30x33x5 | Hot Rolled | 4.37 | 30 | 33 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 3 |
| UPN 40x20x3 | Hot Rolled | 1.83 | 40 | 20 | 3 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 3 |
| UPN 40x20x3 | Laser | 1.92 | 40 | 20 | 3 | 3.5 | 1 | <1 |
| UPN 40x20x4 | Hot Rolled | 2.43 | 40 | 20 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3 |
| UPN 40x20x4 | Laser | 2.44 | 40 | 20 | 4 | 4.5 | 1 | <1 |
| UPN 40x35x5 | Hot Rolled | 4.98 | 40 | 35 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 3 |
| UPN 40x35x5 | Laser | 4.96 | 40 | 35 | 5 | 7 | 1 | <1 |
| UPN 50x25x5 | Hot Rolled | 3.9 | 50 | 25 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 3.5 |
| UPN 50x25x5 | Laser | 3.92 | 50 | 25 | 5 | 6 | 1 | <1 |
| UPN 50 | Hot Rolled | 5.6 | 50 | 38 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 3.5 |
| UPN 50 | Laser | 5.7 | 50 | 38 | 5 | 7 | 1 | <1 |
| UPN 60x30x6 | Hot Rolled | 5.16 | 60 | 30 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
| UPN 60x30x6 | Laser | 5.19 | 60 | 30 | 6 | 6 | 1 | <1 |
| UPN 65 | Hot Rolled | 7.11 | 65 | 42 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 4 |
| UPN 65 | Laser | 7.24 | 65 | 42 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 1 | <1 |
| UPN 80 | Hot Rolled | 8.68 | 80 | 45 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| UPN 80 | Laser | 8.85 | 80 | 45 | 6 | 8 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 100 | Hot Rolled | 10.61 | 100 | 50 | 6 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 4.5 |
| UPN 100 | Laser | 10.8 | 100 | 50 | 6 | 8.5 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 120 | Hot Rolled | 13.4 | 120 | 55 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 4.5 |
| UPN 120 | Laser | 13.65 | 120 | 55 | 7 | 9 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 140 | Hot Rolled | 16.08 | 140 | 60 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| UPN 140 | Laser | 16.33 | 140 | 60 | 7 | 10 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 160 | Hot Rolled | 18.96 | 160 | 65 | 7.5 | 10.5 | 10.5 | 5.5 |
| UPN 160 | Laser | 19.27 | 160 | 65 | 7.5 | 10.5 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 180 | Extruded | 22.09 | 180 | 70 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 5.5 |
| UPN 180 | Laser | 22.45 | 180 | 70 | 8 | 11 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 200 | Extruded | 25.85 | 200 | 75 | 8.5 | 11.5 | 11.5 | 6 |
| UPN 200 | Laser | 25.85 | 200 | 75 | 8.5 | 11.5 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 220 | Laser | 30.05 | 220 | 80 | 9 | 12.5 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 240 | Laser | 33.96 | 240 | 85 | 9.5 | 13 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 260 | Laser | 38.73 | 260 | 90 | 10 | 14 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 280 | Laser | 42.81 | 280 | 95 | 10 | 15 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 300 | Laser | 47.05 | 300 | 100 | 10 | 16 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 320 | Laser | 59.93 | 320 | 100 | 14 | 17.5 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 350 | Laser | 61.23 | 350 | 100 | 14 | 16 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 380 | Laser | 63.71 | 380 | 102 | 13.5 | 16 | 2 | <1 |
| UPN 400 | Laser | 72.46 | 400 | 110 | 14 | 18 | 2 | <1 |
UPN Channel Profiles FAQ
What is the inner flange taper angle of a UPN channel?
UPN channels have a flange taper of approximately 8% on the inner face, as defined by European standard EN 10279. This taper means the flange is thicker at the root (near the web) and thinner at the tip. Tapered washers are typically required to achieve a flush bolted connection to the flange face.
Are stainless steel UPN channels dimensionally equivalent to carbon steel UPN?
Yes. Montanstahl’s stainless steel UPN channels are produced to match the nominal dimensions defined in EN 10279, so they are interchangeable with carbon steel UPN sections of the same designation in terms of bolt hole layout and connection detailing.
What is the difference between UPN and PFC channels?
UPN is the European standard designation, characterised by a tapered inner flange. PFC (Parallel Flange Channel) is the British standard equivalent with parallel flanges. Although similar in appearance, the two series have different section properties and bolt connection geometry. Montanstahl supplies both types in stainless steel.
How is Montanstahl’s stainless UPN channel produced?
Most sizes are laser welded: a stainless steel web plate is joined to two flange plates using precision laser welding technology. Selected smaller sizes may be produced by hot rolling or cold drawing. The laser welding process enables a wide range of grades and non-standard configurations.
What certifications apply to Montanstahl’s structural stainless channels?
All structural profiles are manufactured with material conforming to EN 10088-3. Mill test certificates (EN 10204 type 3.1) are available for all products, confirming chemical composition, mechanical properties, and compliance with applicable dimensional standards.