Corner castings for shipping container, HZ1000521

Price is for one piece!

Corner castings for a shipping container are an important spare part for the container. Catalog number: HZ1000521

The container corner element (Corner Casting) or corner blocks are standard components of shipping containers from the moment of manufacture. They are firmly attached at the corners of the container and serve to reinforce the container’s structure. These castings are designed to provide a strong and stable support point for handling shipping containers. They enable easy joining and handling of containers not only during transport.

If the corner castings become damaged during use or need to be replaced, they can be substituted with spare castings. These replacement corner castings can be manufactured in the same way as the original ones and are available as individual parts for repair or replacement purposes. A corner casting can be purchased separately; there is no need to buy a full set.

The main function of corner castings is to provide support points for lifting devices (e.g., when containers are loaded or unloaded) and to ensure container stability during handling. These castings are located at the container corners and are made from robust material. The corner castings we offer are manufactured according to ISO 1161.

Our Corner Castings meet Certificate 3.2

Corner Castings for Container – Quantity

We offer these four types of corner castings for shipping containers: TL, TR, BL, BR.

NOTE! A container has four “types” of castings!

• top left (TL)
• top right (TR)
• bottom left (BL)
• bottom right (BR)

A complete single container requires a total of 8 castings, i.e., a set of 2 pieces of each of the 4 types above.

The weight of one casting is 10.70 kg/piece. In packaging approx. 11.1 kg/piece. Total weight of 8 pieces: 89 kg

Material: SCW480

Dimensions of one casting: 178 × 162 × 118 mm

Another significant function of corner castings on a shipping container is their compatibility. Containers are designed to fit together tightly and safely. Thanks to corner castings, containers can be easily joined or separated, facilitating handling. This enables the creation of various configurations during transport or storage of containers.

Corner castings are used as spare parts when repair or replacement of damaged or worn castings is needed.

Shipping cost within the Czech Republic:

1 pcs 150 CZK, 2 pcs 200 CZK, 3 pcs 290 CZK, 4 pcs 710 CZK – this is an oversized and heavy shipment

Shipping cost to Slovakia:

1 pcs 20 €, 2 pcs 24 €, 3 pcs 30 €, 4 pcs 66 € – this is an oversized and heavy shipment

Shipping cost to other EU countries upon request. We ship via PPL. Prices are shown without VAT.

Alternative names:

• Container Corner Fittings
• Shipping Container Corner Castings
• Container Corner Blocks
• ISO Corner Castings
• Corner Connectors
• Container Corners
• CEDEX code: CFG

Corner element, known worldwide as Corner Casting, corner block or corner casting, is an essential component of every ISO shipping container. Without these robust steel castings, containers could not be safely handled, stacked, secured, or efficiently integrated into global intermodal transport.

This article is the most detailed guide available for professionals and amateurs who want to understand the function, construction, manufacturing, standardization, maintenance, and all usage possibilities of corner elements in logistics and construction.

What is a Corner Casting?

Corner casting (corner block) is a massive casting or welded part that forms each of the eight corners of an ISO container. It serves as:

• load‑bearing and anchoring point of the whole structure,
• universal interface for handling all types of containers,
• key element for safe stacking and securing during transport.

Without these elements, safe and rapid handling of containers with cranes, forklifts, spreaders, or twist‑locks would not be possible.

“Corner elements are literally the basic building blocks of modern global logistics. Their standardization according to ISO 1161 ensures that containers worldwide can be combined, stacked, transported, and safely used within a single infrastructure.”
(HZ‑containers.com)

Anatomy and Typology of Corner Casting

Physical description

• Material: High‑strength cast steel (most commonly CORTEN, CNS‑SCW49, S‑SCW480).
• Weight: 10.5–12.5 kg (depending on type).
• Dimensions per ISO 1161: 178 mm (length) × 162 mm (width) × 118 mm (height).
• Construction: Each element has three openings of different shapes (see below).

Types of Corner Elements

Each type is unique in its orientation and openings. On a container, two pieces of each type are always used (front and rear corners).

Detailed view of openings

Why corner elements stand out?

Corner elements are designed so that when stacking, all weight is transferred directly to the lower corner castings of the container below – thus protecting the roof and floor from damage.

Technical Standardization: ISO 1161, IACS

What is ISO 1161?

• ISO 1161 is an international technical standard specifying exact dimensions, tolerances, strength and functional requirements for corner elements of containers.
• IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) issues further recommendations and clarifications for inspection, repair and certification.

Key specifications of ISO 1161

Conformity check with the standard

• Type designation (TL, TR, BL, BR) is always embossed inside the casting.
• Visual inspection of shape and dimensions of openings.
• Inspection of thickness and material condition.

Materials and Production of Corner Castings

Material composition

• High‑strength cast steel (e.g., CORTEN, CNS‑SCW49, S‑SCW480)
• Properties:
  • Tensile strength > 490–500 MPa
  • Fatigue and corrosion resistance (CORTEN forms a protective patina)
  • High toughness even at low temperatures (‑40 °C and below)
  • Weldability with common structural steels (necessary for safe attachment to the container frame)

Manufacturing process

1. Casting in sand molds – ensures robustness and precision.
2. Mechanical machining – milling, grinding of seating surfaces, drilling of openings.
3. Quality control – visual inspection, ultrasonic testing, strength tests, dimensional measurement.
4. Certification – must comply with ISO 1161 and often also third‑party requirements (GL, BV, ABS).

Emphasis on quality

• Each batch undergoes mechanical testing (static and dynamic loading).
• Non‑destructive tests for internal defects.
• Verification of compatibility with twist‑lock systems and spreaders.

Functionality and Practical Use of Corner Castings

Handling and lifting

• Lifting with spreaders – cranes equipped with special spreader beams automatically lock into the upper quartet of corner elements.
• Universality – every manufacturer of spreaders, forklifts, rail wagons and trailers produces equipment with dimensions that precisely match ISO corner castings.

Stacking and securing

• Twist‑locks – enable safe vertical joining of multiple containers above each other (common stack height on a ship is 6–9 containers).
• Lashing – through the stadium and shield openings, a container can be secured to a ship, wagon, chassis or reinforced foundations.

Construction and secondary use

• Modular buildings – corner elements serve as anchor points for joining multiple containers when constructing residential, office or technical modules.
• Attachment of accessories – openings can accommodate awnings, ladders, camera systems, solar panels etc. (special brackets and mounts are available).

Importance when buying/selling

• The condition and integrity of corner castings is a key criterion when buying a used container.
• A damaged corner significantly reduces the container’s value and may cause incompatibility with transport infrastructure.

Twist‑locks and Connecting Containers

How do twist‑locks work?

They are inserted into the stacking openings of two adjacent corner castings. By rotating 90° they mechanically lock – the containers are firmly and safely joined.

Types:

• Manual (operator controlled)
• Semi‑automatic
• Fully automated (modern ports)

System advantages

• Fast handling and stacking of containers
• Secure connection – resists wind, ship movement, vibrations and impacts
• Universal compatibility across all manufacturers and container types

Maintenance, Inspection and Repair of Corner Castings

Most common defects

• Corrosion: especially in aggressive marine environment can lead to pitting (even in CORTEN steel if surface is damaged).
• Deformation: impact during handling, cargo accident, drop.
• Cracks: from material fatigue, often due to long‑term cyclic loading.

Recommended inspection procedure

• Regular visual check before each transport.
• Inspect for cracks, pits, deformations, excessive corrosion.
• Clean openings from debris, ice, paint (to prevent twist‑lock blockage).
• Verify markings (type, certification).

Repairs

• Unauthorised interventions are PROHIBITED! (e.g., welding cracks, straightening deformations)
• When damaged, the entire corner must be cut off and replaced with a new certified piece per ISO 1161.
• Welding must be performed only by qualified personnel, preferably with third‑party inspection.

Welding of corner castings

• Use electrodes or wires specifically designed for high‑strength steels (E7018, E81T1, etc.).
• Pre‑heat material to 110–150 °C, then control cooling slowly.
• After welding, perform visual and penetrant inspection of the weld.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many corner elements does a standard container have?

Each ISO container has 8 corner castings – 4 on the top, 4 on the bottom.

Are all corner castings the same?

No. They differ by position (TL, TR, BL, BR) and orientation of openings.

What is the load capacity of a corner casting?

Each casting is designed to safely carry the load of up to 8 containers stacked above it when fully loaded (per ISO tests).

Can additional accessories be welded to a corner casting?

Welding directly onto a corner casting is not recommended – it may compromise material integrity. Use special brackets or bolted fittings into existing openings.

How do I know a corner casting meets ISO 1161?

It must be clearly marked with its type (TL, TR, BL, BR), have correct opening dimensions and meet visual and material requirements of the standard. Checking the CSC label and verifying the origin from the manufacturer is recommended.