Cold Formed Steel
Cold formed steel is a type of steel that is formed at a moderately low temperature, generally below 1000°F. It is often used in building construction due to its lightweight and relative strength, ease of fabrication and suitability for curved shapes.
Cold formed steel is commonly referred to as light gauge steel because of its relatively low thickness. The steel is formed into various shapes and sizes, often in varying thicknesses, in order to create the desired shape and size. Cold formed steel is available in a variety of shapes, including angles, channels, H-beams, I-Beams, round and rectangular tubes, flat bar and sheet metal.
Cold formed steel is a popular choice of material in many applications that require strength, including roofing and simply supported structures. Cold formed steel can also provide significant savings in design and construction costs due to its ability to incorporate longer span lengths and larger surface areas, such as roof decking, into structures with these same requirements. It provides a cost-effective, efficient solution for many types of projects. Because of its light weight it can also help reduce shipping costs for designers and builders who are often faced with material handling costs. This makes cold formed steel an attractive economic solution in many cases.
The process of creating cold formed steel includes rolling presses, shearing, roll forming, punching, welding and painting. During the rolling process, the steel is exposed to cold temperatures in order to form the desired shape. This process takes place in a specialized rolling mill and is generally done in-house at the manufacturing plant. There are various shapes that can be achieved with this process, from complex shapes such as I-Beams, to simpler shapes like flat bar or sheet metal.
The desired shape is then achieved through a process of shearing and roll forming which involves pressing the steel between rolling presses and then heating it to the desired temperature. This heating process is done in order to strengthen the steel and make it suitable for its desired purpose. After the steel is formed into the desired shape, it is ready for welding.
Welding is a popular method of joining two pieces of cold formed steel together. It requires special welding tools, such as a soldering iron and a flux or welding rod. In addition to welding, cold formed steel can also be soldered, bolted, and riveted. Cold formed steel can also be painted, although it is not necessary in most applications.
Cold formed steel is a versatile, cost-effective and lightweight material that has many practical applications in the construction industry. It can be easily formed into various shapes and sizes, making it an ideal choice for many types of projects. It is also relatively easy to weld and is a great economic choice for many applications.
