Flange vs. Web: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 6, 2023
Flange is a projecting rim or edge in objects; Web is the central, connecting part in structures, or a network of fine threads.
Key Differences
Flange and Web are integral components in structural engineering and fabrication, each serving its unique purpose. The Flange refers to the projecting flat rim, collar, or rib on an object, often for strengthening or attachment. On the contrary, the Web signifies the central, main, or connecting part of a structure, often seen in beams or spiders' silk.
In the realm of steel beams or "I-beams," the Flange would represent the top and bottom horizontal parts. These Flanges bear the load and resist bending. In contrast, the Web of the I-beam is the vertical section connecting these two Flanges. The Web provides resistance against shear forces, ensuring the stability of the beam.
Both the Flange and the Web are crucial for the overall strength and functionality of the structure. When a beam faces a load, the Flanges handle the compressive and tensile forces, ensuring the beam doesn't fold in or stretch out. The Web, situated between these Flanges, resists forces that might otherwise shear or slice the beam apart.
From a more general perspective, the term Flange can be applied in various contexts, from pipes to wheels, wherever a projecting rim or edge exists. The term Web, besides its structural definition, can also refer to a network, like the World Wide Web or the intricate design spun by spiders.
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Projecting rim or collar
Central or connecting part of a structure
ADVERTISEMENT
Context in I-Beams
Top and bottom horizontal sections
Vertical section between the flanges
Function
Handles compressive and tensile forces
Resists shear forces
General Application
Pipes, wheels, fittings
Network, design, layout
Material
Often metal or plastic
Metal in beams, silk in spider webs
Flange and Web Definitions
Flange
A flat external ridge for strength or attachment.
The wheel's Flange kept it aligned on the track.
ADVERTISEMENT
Web
The central part connecting structural elements.
The I-beam's Web provides resistance against shear forces.
Flange
An extended section for bolting or welding.
The metal Flange allowed for easy attachment.
Web
A thin, flat section between recessed areas.
The coin's Web was between its raised edges.
Flange
A collar or ring on machinery parts.
The Flange on the gear prevented it from slipping out.
Web
A complex system of interconnected elements.
The Web of deceit became too complicated to untangle.
Flange
The outer section providing support.
The Flange of the container helped distribute the load evenly.
Web
A woven fabric, especially one on a loom or just removed from it.
Flange
A projecting rim or edge on objects.
The Flange on the pipe ensures a tight seal.
Web
The structural part of cloth.
Flange
A protruding rim, edge, rib, or collar, as on a wheel or a pipe shaft, used to strengthen an object, hold it in place, or attach it to another object.
Web
A latticed or woven structure
A web of palm branches formed the roof of the hut.
Flange
A wide edge on a pillow, placemat, or other fabric object, especially a piece of fabric or ribbon extending from the outer seam.
Web
A structure of delicate, threadlike filaments characteristically spun by spiders or certain insect larvae.
Flange
An external or internal rib or rim, used either to add strength or to hold something in place.
Web
Something intricately contrived, especially something that ensnares or entangles
Caught in a web of lies.
Flange
The projecting edge of a rigid or semi-rigid component.
Web
A complex, interconnected structure or arrangement
A web of telephone wires.
Flange
(RPG) An ability in a role-playing game which is not commonly available, overpowered or arbitrarily imposed by the referees.
Web
Often Web The World Wide Web.
Flange
The vulva.
Web
A radio or television network.
Flange
The collective noun for a group of baboons.
Web
A membrane or fold of skin connecting the toes, as of certain amphibians, birds, and mammals.
Flange
The electronic sound distortion produced by a flanger.
Web
The barbs on each side of the shaft of a bird's feather; a vane.
Flange
(intransitive) To be bent into a flange.
Web
(Baseball) A piece of leather or leather mesh that fills the space between the thumb and forefinger of a baseball glove. Also called trap1, webbing.
Flange
To make a flange on; to furnish with a flange; to bend (esp. sheet metal) in the form of a flange.
Web
(Architecture) A space or compartment between the ribs or groins of a vault. Also called cell.
Flange
To mix two copies of together, one delayed by a very short, slowly varying time.
Web
A metal sheet or plate connecting the heavier sections, ribs, or flanges of a structural element.
Flange
An external or internal rib, or rim, for strength, as the flange of an iron beam; or for a guide, as the flange of a car wheel (see Car wheel.); or for attachment to another object, as the flange on the end of a pipe, steam cylinder, etc.
Web
A thin metal plate or strip, as the bit of a key or the blade of a saw.
Flange
A plate or ring to form a rim at the end of a pipe when fastened to the pipe.
Web
A large continuous roll of paper, such as newsprint, either in the process of manufacture or as it is fed into a web press.
Flange
To make a flange on; to furnish with a flange.
Web
To provide with a web.
Flange
To be bent into a flange.
Web
To cover or envelop with a web.
Flange
A projection used for strength or for attaching to another object
Web
To ensnare in a web.
Web
The silken structure which a spider builds using silk secreted from the spinnerets at the caudal tip of its abdomen; a spiderweb.
The sunlight glistened in the dew on the web.
Web
(by extension) Any interconnected set of persons, places, or things, which, when diagrammed, resembles a spider's web.
Web
(baseball) The part of a baseball mitt between the forefinger and thumb, the webbing.
He caught the ball in the web.
Web
A latticed or woven structure.
The gazebo’s roof was a web made of thin strips of wood.
Web
(usually with "spin", "weave", or similar verbs) A tall tale with more complexity than a myth or legend.
Careful—she knows how to spin a good web, but don't lean too hard on what she says.
Web
A plot or scheme.
Web
The interconnection between flanges in structural members, increasing the effective lever arm and so the load capacity of the member.
Web
(rail transport) The thinner vertical section of a railway rail between the top (head) and bottom (foot) of the rail.
Web
A fold of tissue connecting the toes of certain birds, or of other animals.
Web
The series of barbs implanted on each side of the shaft of a feather, whether stiff and united together by barbules, as in ordinary feathers, or soft and separate, as in downy feathers.
Web
(manufacturing) A continuous strip of material carried by rollers during processing.
Web
(lithography) A long sheet of paper which is fed from a roll into a printing press, as opposed to individual sheets of paper.
Web
(dated) A band of webbing used to regulate the extension of the hood of a carriage.
Web
A thin metal sheet, plate, or strip, as of lead.
Web
The blade of a sword.
Web
The blade of a saw.
Web
The thin, sharp part of a colter.
Web
The bit of a key.
Web
A major broadcasting network.
Web
(architecture) A section of a groin vault, separated by ribs. en
Web
A cataract of the eye.
Web
Senseid|en|the Web}} {{alternative case form of Web: the World Wide Web.
I found it on the web.
Let me search the web for that.
Web
(intransitive) To construct or form a web.
Web
(transitive) To cover with a web or network.
Web
(transitive) To ensnare or entangle.
Web
(transitive) To provide with a web.
Web
To weave.
Web
A weaver.
Web
That which is woven; a texture; textile fabric; esp., something woven in a loom.
Penelope, for her Ulysses' sake,Devised a web her wooers to deceive.
Not web might be woven, not a shuttle thrown, or penalty of exile.
Web
A whole piece of linen cloth as woven.
Web
The texture of very fine thread spun by a spider for catching insects at its prey; a cobweb.
Web
Fig.: Tissue; texture; complicated fabrication.
The somber spirit of our forefathers, who wove their web of life with hardly a . . . thread of rose-color or gold.
Such has been the perplexing ingenuity of commentators that it is difficult to extricate the truth from the web of conjectures.
Web
A band of webbing used to regulate the extension of the hood.
Web
A thin metal sheet, plate, or strip, as of lead.
And Christians slain roll up in webs of lead.
Web
The blade of a sword.
The sword, whereof the web was steel,Pommel rich stone, hilt gold.
Web
A plate or thin portion, continuous or perforated, connecting stiffening ribs or flanges, or other parts of an object.
Web
The blade of a saw.
Web
The thin vertical plate or portion connecting the upper and lower flanges of an lower flanges of an iron girder, rolled beam, or railroad rail.
Web
Pterygium; - called also webeye.
Web
The thin, sharp part of a colter.
Web
A disk or solid construction serving, instead of spokes, for connecting the rim and hub, in some kinds of car wheels, sheaves, etc.
Web
The membrane which unites the fingers or toes, either at their bases, as in man, or for a greater part of their length, as in many water birds and amphibians.
Web
The bit of a key.
Web
The arm of a crank between the shaft and the wrist.
Web
The series of barbs implanted on each side of the shaft of a feather, whether stiff and united together by barbules, as in ordinary feathers, or soft and separate, as in downy feathers. See Feather.
Web
The part of a blackmith's anvil between the face and the foot.
Web
The world-wide web; - usually referred to as the web.
Web
To unite or surround with a web, or as if with a web; to envelop; to entangle.
Web
An intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving;
The trees cast a delicate web of shadows over the lawn
Web
An intricate trap that entangles or ensnares its victim
Web
The flattened weblike part of a feather consisting of a series of barbs on either side of the shaft
Web
An interconnected system of things or people;
He owned a network of shops
Retirement meant dropping out of a whole network of people who had been part of my life
Tangled in a web of cloth
Web
Computer network consisting of a collection of internet sites that offer text and graphics and sound and animation resources through the hypertext transfer protocol
Web
A fabric (especially a fabric in the process of being woven)
Web
Membrane connecting the toes of some aquatic birds and mammals
Web
Construct or form a web, as if by weaving
Web
An intricate network or design.
The spider's Web glistened with morning dew.
Web
The membrane between digits of some animals.
Ducks have a Web between their toes to aid in swimming.
FAQs
Are Flanges exclusive to metal objects?
No, Flanges can be made of various materials, including plastic.
What's the main role of a Flange in I-beams?
The Flange resists bending and handles compressive and tensile forces.
Can the term "Web" refer to the internet?
Yes, "Web" can refer to the World Wide Web or the internet.
Can a Flange be used for joining objects?
Yes, Flanges can be used for bolting or welding objects together.
Do all machinery parts have Flanges?
Not all, but many machinery parts have Flanges for various purposes.
What materials are Flanges typically made from?
Flanges are often made from metals, but can also be plastic or other materials.
Is the Flange's size crucial for its function?
Yes, the size and design of a Flange determine its function and effectiveness.
What's the primary function of the Web in beams?
The Web resists shear forces, ensuring the beam's stability.
Is a spider's creation called a Web?
Yes, the intricate design created by spiders is called a Web.
Can Flanges improve the strength of an attachment?
Yes, Flanges can add strength and stability to attachments.
Are Flanges always circular?
No, Flanges can be of various shapes depending on their application.
How is the Web different from the Flange in beams?
The Web is the vertical section, while Flanges are the top and bottom horizontal sections.
Does a Web always connect two Flanges?
In the context of beams, yes. But the term "Web" has broader meanings outside that context.
Is the term "Web" related only to structures?
No, "Web" has various meanings, from the internet to designs to membranes between digits.
Why is it called the "World Wide Web"?
Because it's a global network, interconnected like a spider's Web.
Can you find Flanges in everyday objects?
Yes, Flanges are common in pipes, containers, wheels, and more.
Do Flanges always project outwards?
Typically, Flanges project outwards, but their design can vary based on function.
Can "Web" refer to an intricate design?
Yes, "Web" can denote an intricate design or network.
Can Web refer to the area between fingers or toes?
Yes, the membrane between some animals' digits is called a Web.
Is a Web always flat in structures?
While often flat, a Web's thickness and design can vary based on structural needs.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
