One of the popular trends in modern design is that of sharp corners, clean lines and exposed structures. For years, there has only been domestic production of stainless steel and aluminum in sharp cornered profiles, but lately many designers are requesting this feature in carbon steel. With its plant expansion complete, Stainless Structurals America can now meet that demand by offering domestic production of laser welded carbon steel profiles.
The Technology to Produce Sharp Cornered Profiles
To produce standard structural shapes and custom profiles in stainless steel, Stainless Structurals uses its proprietary technology of laser welding. Often referred to as laser fusion, this same technology is used to produce custom carbon steel profiles in both A36 and Gr.50 steel alloys or to other alloyed steels. As of July 1st, our newly expanded 230,000 SQFT facility is now home to both stainless steel and carbon steel profile production.
Our laser welding technology has many distinct advantages. The process itself yields sharp corners and straight edges that are both aesthetically pleasing and meet all of the AESS guidelines. Laser welding also allows for full customization of alloys, shapes, size, dimensions, geometry, length and much more. There are no tooling or die charges with laser welding so the minimum production order is only one standard length piece.
Production capabilities range from a minimum of 10 foot to a max of 45-foot lengths while the thickness range is from 3/16” to 1” or larger contingent on the profile makeup. As with stainless, laser welded carbon profiles can have web and flange dimensions as small as 1” all the way up to 35”. For carbon profiles, the standard weld penetration per side is 3/8” but can fluctuate as needed. All of our standard shapes as well as hollow structural steel will be available in carbon steel.
Sharp Cornered Carbon Steel Applications
The more common applications for the sharp cornered carbon steel profiles are architectural in nature. One main element of modern architecture is the component of exposed structural steel. This concept is increasing in popularity with designs for curtain wall systems, storefronts, canopies, stair stringers and structural supports. With the sharp corners and sleek detail, these profiles are perfect for public spaces such as lobbies, airports, hotels, museums, shopping malls and commercial buildings.
Because of the customization factor of laser welding, these carbon profiles are also used in industrial applications. Square and Rectangle tubing are just a couple of examples of popular uses for structures such as columns and supports. We have even produced beams and tees with sloped flanges to allow for intricate designs of production and packaging lines.
Choosing the Right Material
Material selection is one of the major decisions with any design. There are several advantages to using carbon steel where applicable. If your project is in a non-corrosive environment and not exposed to the elements, carbon steel can offer a large cost savings over other alloys. The sharp corners and square edges are aesthetically pleasing which allow for modern and contemporary designs. Our team is ready to assist you with material selection for your next project.
Contact us today for laser welded carbon steel profiles.
