Parallel Flange Channels (PFC): Sizes, Weight Chart, Prices & Specifications

Parallel Flange Channels (PFC): Sizes, Weight Chart, Prices & Specifications<\/h2>

Parallel flange channels (PFC), also called C-sections or U-channels with parallel flanges, are hot-rolled structural steel sections with a C-shaped cross-section whose flanges are square to the web — exactly 90 degrees. The parallel profile simplifies connections: bolts and welds sit flat against the flange, which reduces fabrication cost and makes the section ideal for edge beams, lintels, purlins, and light framing. This page is the complete buying reference from Sino East Steel Group — a direct steel structure manufacturer in Tianjin, China: PFC channel sizes and weight charts, material grades, 2026 FOB prices, applications, and the fastest way to order PFC sections for your project.

1. What Is a Parallel Flange Channel?

A parallel flange channel is a hot-rolled C-section with the inside faces of the flanges parallel to each other and at right angles to the web. The cross-section has two main advantages over tapered channels: connections are simpler because bearing surfaces are flat and parallel, and the section twists less under eccentric loading. PFC sections are produced to EN 10365 / EN 10279 dimensions with EN 10025-2 steel grades, and are the standard channel series in the UK, Ireland, the Middle East, and much of Africa.

The European parallel flange channel series is designated by depth × flange width × mass — for example “PFC 203×89×29.78” means a 203 mm deep channel, 89 mm wide flanges, weighing 29.78 kg per metre. The lighter UPE series (EN 10365) covers the same duties with thinner sections. Chinese and Japanese projects more commonly use tapered flange channels — see our Tapered Flange Channels page for that series. All dimensions and masses below are indicative series values; the EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate shipped with every heat states the actual measured values.

2. PFC Channel Sizes & Dimensions

The table below lists the standard PFC series (per BS 4-1 / EN 10279) with nominal dimensions and unit mass, from 100 × 50 mm up to 430 × 100 mm.

Designation	Depth h (mm)	Width b (mm)	Web t (mm)	Flange tf (mm)	Mass (kg/m)
PFC 100×50×10.2	100	50	5.0	8.5	10.2
PFC 127×64×14.82	127	64	6.4	9.5	14.8
PFC 152×76×17.88	152	76	6.4	9.5	17.9
PFC 152×89×23.84	152	89	8.0	11.5	23.8
PFC 178×76×20.84	178	76	6.6	9.5	20.8
PFC 178×89×26.81	178	89	8.0	12.0	26.8
PFC 203×76×23.82	203	76	6.4	10.0	23.8
PFC 203×89×29.78	203	89	8.0	12.5	29.8
PFC 229×76×26.06	229	76	6.6	10.5	26.1
PFC 229×89×32.76	229	89	8.0	13.0	32.8
PFC 254×76×28.29	254	76	6.6	10.5	28.3
PFC 254×89×35.74	254	89	8.0	13.5	35.7
PFC 305×89×41.69	305	89	8.0	13.5	41.7
PFC 305×102×46.18	305	102	8.0	15.5	46.2
PFC 381×102×55.10	381	102	8.0	15.5	55.1
PFC 430×100×64.36	430	100	9.0	16.5	64.4

Standard lengths are 6 m, 9 m, and 12 m; cut-to-length pieces and random lengths are available. If your design calls for a size not listed, contact us — the full PFC series can be rolled or supplied on request.

3. UPE Parallel Flange Channel Sizes (EN 10365)

The UPE series is the lighter European parallel flange channel family, commonly used for purlins, girts, and light framing where every kilogram counts.

Designation	Depth h (mm)	Width b (mm)	Web t (mm)	Flange tf (mm)	Mass (kg/m)
UPE 80	80	50	4.2	7.0	7.9
UPE 100	100	55	4.5	7.5	10.2
UPE 120	120	60	4.8	8.0	12.7
UPE 140	140	65	5.0	8.5	15.6
UPE 160	160	70	5.3	9.0	18.5
UPE 180	180	75	5.6	9.5	22.1
UPE 200	200	80	6.0	10.0	26.3
UPE 220	220	85	6.3	10.5	30.7
UPE 240	240	90	6.6	11.0	36.6
UPE 270	270	95	7.0	11.5	43.3
UPE 300	300	100	7.5	12.0	50.7
UPE 400	400	115	8.5	14.0	82.4

UPE and PFC sections are interchangeable in most designs after a section-property check — PFC is heavier and stiffer for the same depth, UPE is lighter and cheaper per metre.

4. PFC Channel Weight Chart (kg per metre)

Indicative unit masses for the most commonly exported PFC sections, with freight planning data.

Designation	Mass (kg/m)	Mass per 12 m Length (kg)	Approx. Metres per 24 t Container Load
PFC 100×50×10.2	10.2	122	2,350 m
PFC 127×64×14.82	14.8	178	1,620 m
PFC 152×76×17.88	17.9	215	1,340 m
PFC 152×89×23.84	23.8	286	1,010 m
PFC 203×89×29.78	29.8	358	805 m
PFC 229×89×32.76	32.8	394	732 m
PFC 254×89×35.74	35.7	428	672 m
PFC 305×102×46.18	46.2	554	519 m
PFC 381×102×55.10	55.1	661	435 m
PFC 430×100×64.36	64.4	773	373 m

Channels pack very efficiently — a 40 ft container can hold 2,000+ metres of light PFC, which is why channels are one of the most economical structural sections to import. Use the chart to plan quantities, container loading, and site craneage. Bundles of 20–50 pieces are typical, with timber dunnage between layers to protect the surfaces during shipment.

5. Material Grades & Specifications

Grade	Standard	Yield Strength (MPa)	Typical Use
S235JR	EN 10025-2	235	Light framing, lintels, purlins
S275JR	EN 10025-2	275	Standard edge beams, girts
S355JR	EN 10025-2	355	Long spans, heavy brackets
S355J2	EN 10025-2 (27 J at −20 °C)	355	Cold regions, impact-tested
Q235B	GB/T 1591	235	Chinese-spec projects
Q355B	GB/T 1591	355	Chinese-spec heavy duties

Channels are frequently galvanized after rolling — specify hot-dip galvanizing (ISO 1461, 70–85 µm) for coastal, humid, or agricultural environments, or shot-blasting with primer for indoor painted structures. EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates accompany every heat.

6. PFC Channel Prices in 2026 (FOB China)

Indicative export pricing from our Tianjin base (FOB, 2026). Channel prices track HRC markets closely because the section is light and coil-driven.

Product	Indicative Price	MOQ
PFC / UPE channels, S235JR / S275JR	USD 620–780 per tonne FOB	10 tonnes (mixed sizes OK)
PFC / UPE channels, S355JR / S355J2	USD 660–830 per tonne FOB	10 tonnes
Hot-dip galvanized PFC (ISO 1461)	USD 820–1,050 per tonne FOB	10 tonnes
Q235B / Q355B channel equivalent	USD 600–760 per tonne FOB	10 tonnes
Cut-to-length, drilling, slotting, primer	Nominal surcharge per tonne	—

For a firm quotation send your designations, lengths, quantities, grade, and destination port to paul@sinoeaststeel.com. For full building cost planning, see our Kenya and UAE cost guides.

7. PFC Channel Applications

• Edge beams and spandrel beams — PFC 203×89 and larger, supporting roof or floor slabs at building perimeters.
• Lintels and door/window heads — light PFC spanning openings in masonry and composite walls.
• Purlins and girts — UPE and light PFC as secondary framing in warehouses and PEB buildings.
• Brackets, cleats, and connection details — short channel pieces welded or bolted into connections.
• Stair stringers and handrail supports — channel sections with flat flanges simplify bolted fixings.
• Portal frame eave struts and knee members — short channel pieces stiffening frame corners and eave zones in pre-engineered buildings.
• Equipment skids, cable trays, and duct supports — economical structural members in plant and MEP installations.

Channels work alongside beams and columns in every frame — browse the full steel structure products range and compare with our Universal Columns (UC), Metric Beams (MB), Metric Columns (MC), and Tapered Flange Channels pages.

8. PFC vs UPE vs Tapered Channel: How to Choose

Series	Flanges	Best For	Standard
PFC	Parallel (90°)	Edge beams, lintels, bolted connections	BS 4-1 / EN 10279
UPE	Parallel (90°)	Light framing, purlins, girts	EN 10365
UPN / tapered	Inclined ~5°–10°	Chinese, Japanese, and European projects	EN 10024 / JIS G 3192 / GB/T 706
GB channel [C]	Tapered	Cost-driven projects, Chinese-spec	GB/T 706

Choose PFC when connections are bolted and flat bearing is important; choose UPE when weight and cost per metre matter more; choose tapered channels when the local code or tradition specifies them. Section property differences between parallel and tapered channels of the same nominal size are small — a quick check per Eurocode 3 or your local code settles it. Our steel structure design guide explains the load calculations, and our engineers will confirm the right series free of charge.

9. Why Buy PFC Channels Direct from Sino East Steel Group

Sino East Steel Group is a direct China steel structure manufacturer, not a trader. Since 1993 we have operated a 50,000 m² facility in Tianjin Industrial Park, Daqiuzhuang — China’s largest steel processing hub — supplying rolled sections, fabricated members, and complete steel structures to more than 60 countries.

• Factory-direct pricing — no middleman margin, typically 15–35% below regional resellers.
• Certified quality — ISO 9001:2015, ISO 3834-2, EN 1090 EXC3/EXC4, AWS D1.1; EN 10204 3.1 certificates on every heat.
• Annual capacity of 100,000+ tonnes — stock channels ship in 1–2 weeks; processed or galvanized in 3–4 weeks.
• Value-added processing — cutting, drilling, slotting, shot-blasting, primer, and hot-dip galvanizing to ISO 1461.
• Export documentation — invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, EN 10204 3.1 certificates for smooth clearance.

We welcome third-party inspection (SGS/BV/TÜV) at any stage — see our manufacturer verification checklist before committing to any supplier.

10. How to Order PFC Channels from China

1. Send your channel designations (or drawings), lengths, quantities, grade, and destination port.
2. Receive an itemized FOB or CIF quotation within 24–48 hours.
3. Approve the cutting list, hole pattern, and coating specification.
4. We produce and inspect; third-party inspection optional.
5. We ship FCL from Tianjin Port with complete export documentation.

For project-level buying, read our procurement guide for importers and shipping and installation guide.

11. Tolerance, Testing & Packing

PFC sections are rolled to EN 10279 dimensional tolerances and EN 10034 tolerances where applicable, and tested for yield, tensile, and elongation properties. Galvanized channels are coated per ISO 1461 with thickness verified by magnetic gauge on every bundle. Sections are bundled on timber dunnage, steel-strapped, and tagged with your project and designation. A 40 ft container holds 24–26 tonnes of channels — typically 1,000–2,500 m depending on size. Transit times: 3–4 weeks to the Middle East, 4–6 weeks to Africa, 4–5 weeks to Europe, 3–5 weeks to the Americas.

12. PFC Channel FAQ

Q: What is a parallel flange channel?
A: A parallel flange channel (PFC) is a hot-rolled C-section with flanges at exactly 90° to the web, so connections bear flat. It is used for edge beams, lintels, purlins, and light framing.

Q: What is the difference between PFC and UPN channel?
A: PFC has parallel flanges (square to the web) for simpler connections; UPN has flanges inclined about 5–10° per EN 10024. PFC is standard in UK/Middle East/Africa practice, UPN in mainland Europe and Asia.

Q: What sizes do PFC channels come in?
A: The standard range runs from PFC 100×50×10.2 to PFC 430×100×64.36 kg/m, plus the lighter UPE series from UPE 80 to UPE 400. Lengths are typically 6, 9, or 12 m.

Q: How much does a PFC channel cost in 2026?
A: Indicative FOB China prices are USD 620–780 per tonne for S235JR/S275JR and USD 660–830 per tonne for S355; galvanized channels run USD 820–1,050 per tonne.

Q: What is the weight of a PFC 152×76×17.88?
A: The mass is in the designation: 17.88 kg/m, so a 12 m length weighs about 215 kg. Use our weight chart for container planning.

Q: Which standard are PFC channels made to?
A: PFC follows BS 4-1 / EN 10279 dimensions with EN 10025-2 grades; UPE follows EN 10365. Chinese equivalents follow GB/T 706 with Q235B/Q355B grades.

Q: Can PFC channels be galvanized?
A: Yes — we supply hot-dip galvanized channels to ISO 1461 (70–85 µm) for coastal and humid environments, or shot-blasted and primed sections for painting.

Q: Can you supply EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates?
A: Yes — every heat ships with an EN 10204 3.1 certificate, and SGS/BV/TÜV verification can be arranged.

Q: How do I get a PFC quotation?
A: Email your designations, lengths, quantities, and destination port to paul@sinoeaststeel.com or message us on WhatsApp — you will receive an itemized FOB/CIF quotation within 48 hours.