Cold-formed steel, also referred to as light gauge steel, is an essential material for the expansion and completion of countless century-old construction and civil engineering projects. This type of steel comprises steel components labeled with thicknesses ranging from a slender 0.4 millimeters to a thicker 3 millimeters. It is processed through continuously cold working for application in structures, frames and wall cladding.
Cold-formed steel is extremely strong and can be used for an assortment of structural purposes, including floor joists and the frames of industrial sheds and residential homes. A significant advantage in comparison to other materials is the much faster installation, requiring significantly less labour—a major economic benefit.
Due to its versatility and robustness, cold-formed steel can be effortlessly cut and manipulated into numerous shapes, forms and types to enable its application in virtually every conceivable form of construction. It is also an extensively employed material in the manufacturing of window frames, interior and exterior trims, industrial partitions and air conditioning ducts.
Several orientations of shape and form have been adopted in the manufacture of cold-formed steel components, including channels, angles, open sections and beams. The sections of cold-formed steel can come in either rolled or built-up shapes and the chosen product typically dependents on the location, function and purpose of the material.
The strength, workability and cost effectiveness of cold-formed steel give it an almost unparalleled qualification in the constructional material industry. Because of the better configuration of tightly packed molecules, it has superior resistance levels to fire, wind and even seismic events. It’s highly suitable for delivery options and can tremendously reduce potential for waste, costs and labour time.
The labor intensity and material cost can be reduced further through the adoption of simple manufacturing processes, such as rip cutting, roll forming and spot welding. Accurate cutting and efficient management processes of material delivery ensure the credibility of all cold-formed steel, as well as its widespread availability.
The environmental impact of cold-formed steel is also favorable. It is 100 percent recyclable, with some instances showing that it can be reused up to four times before it is eventually discarded.
Cold-formed steel typically is not only the most cost effective material available but also the material selection that brings the greatest return on investments made in steel construction. It allows almost instant assembly as well as timely erection thereby reducing the cost of labour and leads to minimal wastage of steel. Because it is light in weight, it is also easier to transport.
For all of these reasons, cold-formed steel proves to be the preferred construction material for countless building projects. Politicians, engineers, and those in the construction industry historically invest in this material for its high return on investment, its durability, its strength, and its diversity. As the need for stronger and faster-building solutions increases, cold-formed steel will continue to be an essential material for the future.
