Why Contractors Need Angle Iron from Texas Iron and Metal
Angle Iron, also known as angle bars or L-brackets, are usually very long, flat metal struts shaped in the form of a 90 degree fold or “L” that can also be bolted together, and Texas Iron and Metal offers a wide variety of angle iron for contractors. Its main usage is in the construction field, since iron serves as the skeletal framework of any structure. Angle irons' dimensions are measured in the following order: width, height and depth. Angle iron materials include brass, aluminum, iron and steel. Steel and iron angle irons are abundantly used, while brass and aluminum are also used in the fabrication process of angle iron. When a structure's reinforcement is highly visible, brass angle irons may be used as a light, load bearing material for aesthetics. Why Contractors Need Angle Iron Contractors need to use angle iron because of its versatile uses during construction of a house or other building. The relationship between the dimension of an angle iron and its load bearing capacity as can be seen in its extensive use in commercial settings; the larger the angle iron, the greater its load-bearing capacity. They are commonly used for reinforcement of gym floors, drawer slides, studs, joists and expansion and control joints. Angle iron is also used for the automotive, hardware HVAC, aerospace and storage industries and is extensively used to construct railroad tracks and supports. When using large angle irons, contractors can calculate weight capacities using software. Due to its importance, contractors should only trust the professionals of Texas Iron and Metal for their angle iron needs. Angle irons can be bolted together by means of their shapes or prefabricated holes set at regular intervals along the length of the metal per the standard requirements. Depending on the section where the screws are fastened, different levels of tension and weight support will be established. The cost of angle iron ranges in price, depending on their size and length and the project they will be used for. Angle iron is commonly distributed in lengths of 20 feet, and is 2.5 inches wide. Implementing technology, innovative tools and computer-operated machinery, it is possible, however, to create angled iron in virtually any length, angle and width; such as when they are placed in large structures. The Most Effective Fabricating Process for Angle Irons The simplest way to produce angle iron is through the roll form process roll forming. This method of metal fabrication consistently produces a uniform, quality product. The machine that shapes the raw piece of metal into angle iron is known as a roll former, which features a long series of rollers. Each set of rollers molds the metal so that it is shaped exactly by an industry client's specifications. Roller dies may also include punches to create preset shapes or holes into the metal and are often used to form slotted angle irons. Once the roll forming process is finished, the angle iron can then be removed, cut and prepared for distribution. The process of roll forming leaves very little scrap metal debris while enhancing the metal's structural integrity to create angle irons of almost any dimension. Production of Angle Irons Most of the angle irons used in commercial and industrial construction in the U.S are imported from Mainland China. Depending on the purpose, angle iron is used to support the weight of roofs, girders, bridges, and high rise buildings to stabilize them, and is a convenient construction material to have on hand. The biggest downside of angle iron is rusting. To overcome this issue, the metal's surface must be repainted at regular intervals to prevent the onset of corrosion.