To that end, we are proud to be members of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), Committee on Framing Standards (COFS), Committee on Specifications (COS), and the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI). We are always responsive to these inquiries, whether they are questions about a product, or the development of engineering data for inclusion in a manufacturer’s technical literature.Ĭold-Formed Steel is a highly specialized area, and we feel it is vital to continually increase our understanding and knowledge. Our well-known expertise is often called upon when manufacturers of Cold-Formed Steel framing products require technical representation. We also design complete Cold-Formed structures, including roof, floor, and load-bearing walls and complete wind and seismic force resisting systems with metal stud framing. reputation in the realm of Cold-Formed (Light Guage) Steel is international, and we are especially proud of the breakthrough work we have done in this field.Īs specialists in engineering of Cold-Formed Steel framing, we have decades of experience in exterior and interior framing design for low, mid, and high-rise structures including framed-in-place and panelized construction. Contact us for a quote on your next office building, high rise or apartment complex. It’s a simple yet effective process for creating high-quality framing components.Īs a commercial installer, UBS is a leader in metal stud framing. The CFS components are made by pressing and rolling steel at room temperature. To recap, CFS framing involves the use of cold-formed steel studs, joists and other components. The good news, however, is that framing studs, joists and other components are available in CFS. Since its made of inorganic material, it won’t succumb to moisture damage, nor will wood-boring pests feast on it.īecause of their room temperature manufacturing process, CFS products are limited to just a few basic shapes. Like all steel products, CFS isn’t susceptible to rot, mold or termites. Furthermore, the standardized specifications of CFS promotes faster installation, allowing construction companies to finish their projects more quickly. It’s easier to manufacture than hot-formed steel, resulting in a lower price. They are stronger than hot-formed steel products, making them a particularly attractive choice for commercial framing.ĬFS framing is also cost effective for construction companies. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, CFS steel products have an average yield strength of 33 to 50 kilopounds per square inch (ksi). There are several benefits to using CFS studs to frame a building, one of which is increased strength.
The high temperatures to which hot-formed steel is exposed causes structural changes, making it difficult to manipulate. This makes the steel easier to manipulate and bend but at the cost of strength. With hot-formed steel, the steel materials are heated to temperatures of 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The key difference between CFS and hot-formed steel is that the former involves a room temperature production process, whereas the latter involves a heated production process. How Cold-Formed Steel and Structural Steel Are Alike - and. The Architects Guide to Cold-Formed Steel Framing Resources. Cold-Formed vs Hot-Formed Steel: What’s the Difference? Reaching Higher with Cold-Formed Steel Framing for Podium. These CFS products are then installed to create the frame of a building. CFS studs are made using a special process in which steel materials are rolled – at or near room temperature – into various shapes to create steel products such as studs and joists. Just because two studs are made of steel doesn’t necessarily mean that they feature the same type of steel. What Is Cold-Formed Steel FramingĬold-formed steel framing refers to the use of CFS studs to frame a building. There are different types of steel, however, one of the most popular of which is cold-formed steel (CFS). Steel is strong, resistant to moisture and lasts a long time, making it ideal for framing. Steel studs are often preferred over wood because of the increased strength and durability offered by this iron alloy.