European HEB (European Wide Flange, Medium) H-beams are the equivalent of China's GB HM (Medium Flange) H-beams, with dimensional compatibility for medium-load applications (e.g., building columns, secondary bridge girders). Key comparisons for common HM sizes include:
HEB 160 vs. HM 160x88: HEB 160 (depth 160 mm, flange width 160 mm, web thickness 7 mm, weight 31.9 kg/m) vs. HM 160x88 (depth 160 mm, flange width 88 mm, web thickness 5 mm, weight 19.7 kg/m). While HEB 160 has a wider flange, its medium weight (31.9 kg/m) positions it as a functional HM equivalent for applications requiring more stability than HN but less strength than HW.
HEB 250 vs. HM 250x118: HEB 250 (depth 250 mm, flange width 250 mm, web thickness 9 mm, weight 72.4 kg/m) vs. HM 250x118 (depth 250 mm, flange width 118 mm, web thickness 6.5 mm, weight 31.9 kg/m). Again, HEB's wider flange provides greater lateral stability, making it suitable for HM's typical use cases (e.g., multi-story building columns).
Tolerance Alignment: Both HEB and HM beams have identical depth, flange width, and web thickness tolerances (±1.5 mm depth for 200–300 mm, ±1.0 mm flange width for 150–250 mm), ensuring they fit the same connections when flange width adjustments are made.
While not a "narrow-flange" match, HEB beams' medium weight and strength make them the closest European equivalent to HM beams, with minor connection adjustments ensuring compatibility.