As a critical load-bearing and safety component across a wide range of industrial and architectural environments, steel grating is engineered with various mesh patterns to meet specific performance, safety, and cost requirements. Among these, four major aperture types — RS40, RS80, 11W4, and 19W4 — are widely used in international markets, adhering to European and American standards respectively.
As a professional steel grating manufacturer, Hengchen provides an in-depth breakdown of each type’s structural characteristics, advantages, limitations, and application scenarios, helping global buyers make informed procurement decisions.
RS40 Grating: The Versatile Choice for Drainage and Pedestrian Walkways
Standard: Based on European standards (e.g., EN ISO 14122-2), RS40 features a 40mm bearing bar spacing, typically paired with cross bar spacing of 50mm or 100mm.
Advantages:
Balanced Aperture: The 40x100mm or 40x50mm mesh offers excellent drainage and ventilation.
Cost-effective: Wider spacing requires less material, reducing costs.
Lightweight Design: Easier to handle and install.
Limitations:
Lower Load Capacity: Better suited for light- to medium-duty environments.
Limited Safety Compliance: Does not meet anti-ball standards (≤35mm) without additional safety plates.
Applications:
Drainage Covers: Municipal roads, water treatment plants.
Light-Duty Industrial Platforms: Maintenance walkways.
Architectural Screens: Building facades and aesthetic applications.
RS80 Grating: The Heavy-Duty Option for Industrial and Vehicle Loads
Standard: Also following European standards, RS80 features an 80mm bearing bar spacing, with typical cross bars at 50mm or 100mm.
Advantages:
High Transparency: Ideal for high-flow drainage or ventilation.
Heavy Load Capacity: Compliant with H20 axle load standards and PIP STF05530.
Material Efficiency: Large apertures reduce steel consumption over large areas.
Limitations:
Lower Safety for Pedestrians: Not suitable for frequent foot traffic without protective elements.
Higher Rigidity Requirements: Demands thicker bearing bars.
Not ADA-Compliant: Aperture exceeds safety thresholds for some environments.
Applications:
Ports and Logistics Terminals: Supports forklifts and vehicles.
Bridge Decking: For both permanent and temporary solutions.
Industrial Drainage Systems: High-volume water discharge.
11W4 Grating: Precision Mesh for Safety and Accessibility
Standard: Conforming to ANSI/NAAMM MBG 531-17, 11W4 refers to a 17.5mm (11/16”) bearing bar spacing and 100mm (4”) cross bar spacing.
Advantages:
High Safety Standard: ADA-compliant, suitable for high-heel or wheelchair access.
Anti-ball Performance: Prevents small object drops, compliant with EN ISO 14122-2.
Enhanced Rigidity: Suitable for areas with high pedestrian density.
Limitations:
Higher Cost: Increased material use and production time.
Heavier Structure: Requires more robust support systems.
Reduced Drainage Efficiency: Smaller apertures limit water and air flow.
Applications:
Public Infrastructure: Airports, transit stations.
Elevated Walkways: Especially in oil & gas and chemical plants.
Commercial Zones: Malls and high-footfall areas.
19W4 Grating: The Industrial Standard for All-Purpose Use
Standard: Also based on ANSI/NAAMM MBG 531-17, 19W4 indicates a 30mm (19/16”) bearing bar spacing and 100mm (4”) cross bar spacing.
Advantages:
Well-Balanced Performance: Good compromise between strength, ventilation, and price.
Broad Applicability: Suitable for 2–5 kN/m² loads, widely adopted in YB/T 4001.1-2019 (China).
Customizable Surface: Available in serrated, galvanized, or stainless finishes.
Limitations:
Moderate Safety: Does not fully meet anti-ball requirements.
Drainage Slightly Restricted: Compared to RS40/RS80 Grating.
Not Ideal for Specialized Needs: May require adjustments for high-security or heavy-load scenarios.
Applications:
Industrial Floors: Workshops, manufacturing plants.
Stair Treads: Meets BS 4592-0 slip resistance standards.
Power & Energy Facilities: Withstand corrosive environments and medium-duty loads.
Market Trends & Selection Recommendations
With the global focus on safety, sustainability, and compliance, choosing the right steel grating type has become a multi-faceted decision. Aperture size, surface treatment (galvanized, serrated), and material selection (carbon steel, stainless steel) should align with operational needs and local standards.
RS40 & RS80 Grating: Favored for drainage and heavy-load conditions but often require additional safety features.
11W4 Grating: The benchmark for ADA and EN ISO compliance, ideal for high-safety or public access environments.
19W4 Grating: A cost-effective, all-rounder solution for industrial flooring and platforms.
Hengchen recommends international buyers consult the latest versions of EN ISO 14122-2, ANSI/NAAMM MBG 531-17, and YB/T 4001.1-2019 when specifying steel grating. Collaboration with a professional manufacturer ensures custom specifications — such as load-bearing requirements, corrosion resistance, or serrated surface — are met with precision and reliability.
About Hengchen
Hengchen is a globally trusted manufacturer of industrial steel grating products, serving clients in construction, energy, water treatment, petrochemical, and transportation sectors. With strong production capabilities, ISO-certified quality control, and in-house engineering support, we deliver turn-key grating solutions tailored to complex international standards and project needs.
Contact us for technical specifications, CAD support, or international project inquiries:
Email: admin@steelbargrating.com
Website: www.steelbargrating.com
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