Shipping container corners are the corners of ISO containers. The structural elements allow the container to be attached to the chassis for transport. If you want to buy shipping container corner casting, you can read this article as a reference, especially if you are unsure what corner casting to buy. Here you will learn about corner casting, the best material to look for, the required certifications, etc.
What is a shipping container corner?
A shipping container corner is a three-hole weathering steel block that makes up the corner of all ISO containers. The corner casting is a structural element that is used to lift shipping containers And we attach it to the container to be able to move it. We often see a cast of the corner on ships, trains, or road vehicles, and they are also the connection point for interconnecting containers, just like stacking containers on a boat. Corner casting is generally made in China and India.
All corner castings have holes to ensure that all container equipment works correctly. These holes are set up according to international standardization. So you don’t have to worry about being compatible with your containers.
Where the cast of the corner is usually installed
You can find the cast of the corner on all eight corners of the shipping container. They each have three holes, one on each side of the outward-facing surface of the casting. Sometimes, non-standard container units will also manufacture using ISO 1161 corner castings. However, we try to follow the advice of the container manufacturer.
Are all corner castings the same?
Generally, a container needs 8 casts of the corner, the top and bottom corners are different, but the top right and top left corners are the same. When you look at the container from the outside, the most noticeable difference is between the top corner casting and the bottom corner casting. The top casting has two shaped holes on the sides and is stacked on the top. The base casting has two stadium-shaped holes on either side.
Comparison of top and bottom corner castings
The left and right castings, top and bottom, simply mirror images of each other but are identical in all other respects. TL is top left, TR is top right, BL is bottom left, and BR is bottom right. Suppose you are not sure where the casting is located in the container. You can check the location of the shipping container corner by looking at the letters inside the casting from the stacked holes.
Is the production of angle castings up to standard
When do we want to know if our shipping containers meet ISO standards? You can check the printed code from the upper right corner of the shipping container corner. Then you can check for yourself which standard the code refers to.
Why are corner castings made of cast steel?
There are many advantages to using metal castings for the casting of corners, such as
- Castings are solid and durable.
- Good electrical and thermal conductivity
- Good ductility to form the desired shape
- Easy to weld with other metals, good weldability
Cast steel and aluminum are the two preferred materials for corner casting. Let’s compare cast steel and aluminum in corner casting. Which one is better!
Which is better: Cast steel and aluminum
1. Strength
Except for individual aluminum alloys, steel is usually stronger than aluminum. Usually, steel is the material of choice for load-bearing structures and corner casting.
2. Corrosion resistance
The corrosion resistance of aluminum corner casting is better under the same conditions. Cast steel uses outdoors under painted conditions.
3. Cost
Different alloys’ costs vary greatly, with cast iron usually costing less.
4. Heat resistance
The melting temperature of aluminum is much lower than that of cast steel, so the heat resistance of aluminum products is not high.
What is ISO 1161 for containers?
ISO 1161:2016 contains specifications for the size, function, and strength of corners and fittings of freight containers. The standard also includes the component and mechanical resistance of container corner casting. Therefore, we try to choose manufacturers who have ISO 1161 production standards.
How to install the corner casting?
The easiest way to install a shipping container corner is by welding. Welding is efficient and allows to mount of the corner casting firmly to the ISO container.