What is an inward return flange side rail?

An inward return flange side rail is a cable ladder side rail where the upper edge is folded inward and finished with a small return lip. The lower edge also forms a short inward flange near the rung support area.

This structure is commonly used in compact cable ladder designs. The inward flange helps improve side rail stiffness, provides a smoother cable-contact edge, and helps keep the ladder section clean and efficient.

It is not an I-beam side rail. A more accurate description is a formed side rail with inward return flanges, or a C-type side rail with inward flange.

Inward Return Flange Side Rail

inward flange

rung position

left side rail

right side rail