By Karen Knapstein
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If you don’t know what to ask for, odds are you won’t get what you need. Asking the right questions is the first step in getting the coil you need to fill your customers’ orders to their satisfaction. Coil width and thickness are two of the most obvious factors that affect metal forming. They influence the quality of the final product, the performance of the machine, and the amount of sale-able material you can get out of a coil. 3GM Territory Manager Adam Buck, who has 15 years of experience in metal roofing manufacturing and sales, shares his insights about metal coil size and thickness.
Adam explains the standard coil widths for different gauges: “The industry standard width for 29 ga. coil is 40.875”. Some people will order that material in 41” because they want to make the underlap and overlap on their metal panel a little bit wider.” However, he estimates more than 99% of what people use to make 29 ga. ag panel and residential panel is 40.875” wide.
The thicker 26 ga. material, commonly used to make R panel or PBR panel, comes in 41.” and 43”-wide coil.
Users should be cautioned: The wider material won’t fit through all machines. The width tolerance is the difference between the lower and upper limit dimensions that a roll former will accept. The guides in the roll forming machine will determine that tolerance.
“A lot of people want an ag panel rib height of 7/8” but want it in 26 ga. but they don’t want to pay a processing company to slice the material down,” Adam explains. “So they often ask if the 26 ga. material will run through an ag panel line. The answer to that is ‘Some do, some don’t.’ It depends on the guides in the machine.” Roll formers need to measure the guides to see if the larger coil will work in their machine.
You can count on the consistency of the coil width if you buy from a reputable supplier. Adam says if you order a coil 40 7/8” wide, it will be 40 7/8” wide — but there could be a very small variation (+/- 1/16”). If it does vary a little bit, you may have to adjust the guides on your machine to make sure their overlap stays long enough for the panel to lap properly. “You can’t really steal from the overlap side of the panel; you must steal from the underlap side when you’re adjusting your machine,” he continues. “There’s very little extra material to play with.”
When addressing coil thickness, the main thing Adam stresses is the yield — the weight per linear foot (pounds/foot). The pounds per foot is the weight of 1’ of a specific width of coil (i.e. 40.875” x 1’). “A lot of people in the industry get caught up in the decimal thickness,” he explains. “The common thicknesses in the industry are .”, .”, .”, .”, .”, .”, and .”. Thicknesses from . to . material are all 29 ga. product. On the steel service center side of things, when you’re purchasing coil from mills you’re buying by the pound. Our customers are typically buying it by the foot.”
He gives one example of why the reason yield matters so much: “I was at customer’s place and he had some . material on his floor. If I order that thickness I would expect to get a target yield of about 2.04 pounds/foot. I checked all the coil tags, and what I found is the coils weighed anywhere from 1.92 pounds/foot to 2.05 pounds/foot. What that shows is just because a coil tag says . thickness it doesn’t mean the yield corresponds with the thickness of the material. If the coil tag says it’s . thickness and it weighs 1.92 pounds/foot, it’s actually not . thickness. The yield is what tells me what the thickness is.”
“Tell me what you want it to weigh per foot and that’s what I’ll make sure it weighs,” he continues.
3GM supplies roll formers with a lot of 29 ga. coil. “When I’m qualifying a customer, the customer usually says they’re looking for 29 ga. .” material. My next question is: What do you want that to weight per foot? The customers don’t request a yield, but in the backs of their minds they have a yield that they’re trying to hit. But they never communicate that unless they’re asked.”
Gauge is a guide — not a hard and fast measure. “If the customer wants material that’s 2.02 pounds/ foot and I send him 1.92 pounds/foot, he’s not actually getting the material that he wants because he’s not going to hit the yield that he has in mind,” explains Adam. “A lot of people get caught up on decimal thickness. For me, as a coil supplier, the decimal thickness is a guide but it doesn’t really mean a whole lot. I like to get down to the specifics: the yield and what it weighs per foot. So if I know a guy is looking for 2.04 pounds/foot, I know what yield they’re looking for specifically.”
Adam continues: “With most mills, if you order .” thickness, for the most part it’s going to be a heavier 29 ga. product, say 2.04-2.05 pounds/foot. But I’ve seen on occasions where it’s definitely not, like the example I gave earlier.”
Understanding thickness terminology will help you get the material that will give you the yields you need. “Minimal thickness” is thickness that will be greater than or equal to the target thickness. “Nominal thickness” can be equal to, thicker or thinner than the target thickness. For example, when you ask for .” minimal thickness, the coil will always be at least .”. If you ask for .” nominal thickness, it may measure anywhere from .” to .” from coil to coil. Nominal thickness is thickness that can vary the most; it may be plus, minus or equal to the target thickness.
“The industry as a whole typically goes with minimal thickness,” Adam says, “but you do see a little bit of nominal thickness out in the market. Minimal definitely provides a more consistent product.”
The consistency of the thickness can vary from mill to mill. “Mills have their own quirks, and some mills have it dialed in better than others,” he says. “Some mills you see a lot of variance.
We try to stick with mills that really dial in their product. We don’t want to see a whole lot of switching back and forth between thicknesses when we’re sending customers product. We want to provide a great quality product that’s very, very consistent. Whether they’re buying it today or buying it six months from now, it should be about the same.”
There are a few tips and tricks to mitigate coil and width variances. Regarding thickness variances, he advises that when switching coils, if going from .” material to .”, you may have to back the guides off by a thousandth. Or vice versa, you might have to tighten it down a thousandth if you’re running it a little bit thinner.
“If the material is too thick and you roll form it without adjusting your machine, you could scar your panel and/or peel the paint off the material. As the material goes thicker, you have to back off the dies in order to produce a thicker product.”
Dealing with width variance can be a bit more tricky. For example, say a customer orders 40 7/8”, he roll forms the product and the overlap isn’t long enough. That means the coil isn’t wide enough. So he has to “borrow” material from the underlap side to put on the overlap side. “He might not have enough underlap left,” explains Adam. “That material is going to be tough to use. You can use it for trim or you can try to find a happy medium and use a very small underlap. The underlap is so important because that’s a purlin-bearing leg — it adds strength and rigidity to the panel. If both sides were overlaps, it would be a really flimsy product regardless of the gauge. Rigidity is important.”
Adam assures that roll formers usually have very few problems with thickness and width. “Most of the steel mills — internationally and domestically — have it dialed in pretty good in a construction product they know what needs to get into customers’ hands to roll form a great product.”
Buying quality coil is a critical step in running a profitable roll forming business. When something goes wrong, it can jeopardize your profitability. Keeping accurate records is cheap insurance in protecting that profitability. The importance of keeping accurate records can’t be overstated. If one of your customers comes back with a complaint, you need to be able to tell your supplier specific details about the materials. “The first question we ask on the service side is what coil tag or coil number it came off of,” Adam explains. No matter who your service center/supplier is, they will ask for this information. They can’t make any an assumption about which coil is the problem; they have to provide the mill with specific, factual information in order to process a claim. Adam says once they have the specific information, then they can go back and look at the mill certifications and quality control reports released by the mills in order to track warranty claims.
Clear communication with your coil supplier is important. When you process coil into panels and trims, you need to know the profit margin on each coil. If the material you are using isn’t sellable/usable, your profits won’t end up where you need them to be. RF
About 3GM Steel
If you want to obtain a branded galvanized steel coil, your choice will certainly affect your manufacturing, product longevity, and operational processes. Since galvanized steel coils are used in construction, the automotive industry, and appliances, their quality will make a marked difference in stock reliability and affordability. Locating a supplier paired with good quality, reasonable prices, and dependable delivery timelines is an unattainable dream. This guide will provide you with the fundamental ideas you need to identify some of the best galvanized coil suppliers, assess compare their offerings, and trust the purchase decisions you make. Be it an experienced industry professional or someone new, this extensive guide will enable you tackle the intricacies of the field, with clear directions on the galvanized steel coils market.
Galvanized steel coils are strips of steel flat sheets which have been galvanized to make them more durable. The slices of steel undergo a process where a layer of protective zinc coating is applied to the surface of the steel metal to prevent moisture, rust, and other destructive environmental factors. Due to the mechanized and automotive industry’s reliance on strength, longevity, and low maintenance tools, galvanized steel coils have found sale in most forms of manufacturing. Roofing, wall, structural support panels, and other types of construction tools greatly revolve around versatility, hence making steel coils the preferred choice.
The processes of galvanization mainly include the use of frameworks designed for industrial need; hot dip galvanization and electro galvanization. Hot dip galvanization is a commonly used process where steel is dipped in zinc baths at around 840°F (449°C) to allow it to bond into an alloy with steel, forming a robust zinc layer which provides extraordinary corrosion resistance. On the other hand, electro galvanization uses an electrochemical process of applying a zinc layer using electric currents in a zinc based electrolyte solution. Since this process results in the production of a thin and smooth coating, it is ideal for automotive parts which require a smooth surface.
Key performance metrics for galvanized coatings include their thickness and adherence, which are assessed with magnetic thickness gauges as well as peel-off tests. Adherence is important because well bonded coatings have enhanced protective attributes against mechanical stresses and changes in temperature. Newer Innovations in galvanization includes the application of new pre-treatment steps like zinc-nickel alloy coatings which improve protective corrosion resistance surpassing older strategies. This advancement in technology guarantees that galvanized steel retains its leadership position in the field of material engineering for strategic purposes.
Galvanized steel coil comes with numerous benefits which makes it the preferred choice for several industrial applications. One of the most important benefits is that the galvanized steel coil has a much better corrosion resistance compared to the others due to the protective zinc layer provided over the base steel which prevents moisture, oxygen, and other harmful elements. Also, galvanized steel coils are very cost-effective in terms of maintenance as there is frequent repairs or maintenance needed due to the protective layer.
Another benefit is how well the material can be adapted for different processes. The coatings allows the material to be welded, painted, and shaped into more complex designs. In addition, contemporary manufacturing methods permit bespoke requisites like custom coating thicknesses and surface finishes, while providing specific solutions needed by various industries including construction and automotive. Along with galvanized steel’s appropriate sustainability-related features, the material’s boundless prowess in sustainable engineering practices is sharpened by its high recyclability.
From building construction works to car body panels, galvanized steel coils serve as an interface for numerous industrials due to exceptional corrosion weakening resistance as well as low economic strain. Severe weather conditions put rot resistant tools like galvanized steel coils to work without worries in construction buildings. Automotive severely relies on galvanized steel on body panels, under chassis components, and other parts which, where extreme rust protection elongates lifespan on turns out to be pivotal for vehicle safety.
Equally treated, panels, enclosures, and devices within the realm of electronic engineering require a grade of galvanized steel that is patent enough to withstand different conditions to enable functioning at various capacities. Moreover, the agricultural industry utilizes these coils to manufacture fences, silos, and systems for irrigation where resistance to moisture and weather is critical. The utility of galvanized steel coils reaches out to the energy industry for use as supports in solar mounting systems and infrastructures for wind turbines as they require great tensile strength. The versatility of the material demonstrates its importance and usefulness throughout modern industrial activities.
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Selecting the right supplier for galvanized coils requires careful evaluation of key factors:
If these items are given importance, a supplier corresponding to the requirements of your project can be found.
When evaluating claims of suppliers’ credentials and certifications, peripheral issues such as adherence to proper industry compliance should be verified. Consider whether the supplier possesses certifications like quality management systems ISO ’s or environmental policy ISO . Such documents as these reflect operational ethos among the company. Also, check region-specific compliance, like REACH for chemical safety and RoHS for electronic components. It’s also important to cross-check certifying bodies, as they confirm the Reality of the certifications, while other documents such as audit reports or evaluations can shed light on the supplier’s operational reliability. To guarantee accuracy of the facts, check any of an industry’s related associations as affirmations of the supplier’s reputation in the industry. All informal affiliations, however, can claim industry relevance, making them important while evaluating suppliers for technical details, ethics, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability in relation to project goals.
Customer reviews and testimonials give noteworthy details about the reputation and performance of the steel suppliers. Reviews provided by customer contractors and industrial clients or professional customers add value because they can verify whether the supplied materials meet essential technical standards, like tensile strength and corrosion resistance. Also, testimonials contain reliability feedback which helps ensure the supplied steel will maintain its structural integrity over time under the specified conditions. Businesses gather information from multiple clients, exposing themselves to different perspectives, and therefore make well-informed decisions on procurement.
A diverse range of products containing galvanized steel to serve industrial and construction purposes readily exists, including:
Each product is tailored to offer maximum protection from rust, which enhances service life making galvanized steel optimal for many industries.
Galvanized steel comes in different grades and specifications for almost every type of industry. Its classification is mainly based on coating thickness, mechanical properties, and composition of steel. Important standards are ASTM A123, A153, and A653 which set the rules of the galvanized steel products coating and performance.
Engineers and businesses must understand the underlying specifications in the product documents to recognize which type of galvanized steel to use for industrial, commercial, or residential projects in the long-run for value.
Galvanized steel coils must comply with International standards to ensure their quality, durability and performance. Important standards are:
Meeting the need for standards set with specific applications in mind manufacturers must ensure operational reliability and extended useful life of the products.
The performance and quality requirements for galvanized steel products are well detailed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). One of the most cited standards is ASTM A653/A653M covering hot-dip galvanized steel sheets and coils by providing requirements on chemical composition, mechanical properties, and coating thickness of the steel. The standard classifies materials by coating weight designations with G30, G60, and G90 which indicate the thickness of the zinc layer and hence the rate of corrosion resistance.
Also, within the scope of putting a coating, A123 A123/A123M also covers the requirements for a galvanized iron and steel product, like its structural steel members, which also have different requirements with strict limits on the thickness of the coating for different groups of sizes of the material. For lesser items like bolts or nuts, ASTM A153/A153M does not leave them out either as they complete the standards making sure there are a quality coat on the item to make sure it can be protected from a rust attack.
Such standards provide qualitative measures along with criteria for determining a definite value of quality and uniformity of the products. Following these standards, components made of galvanized steel will retain reliable structural strength and the ability to resist corrosion in harsh environments throughout, construction, industrial work, and infrastructure in order for it to last a long time.
The adoption of strict requirements directly impacts the quality of performance of galvanized products to achieve specific standards in terms of products’ strength and dependability. An example, compliance with ASTM A123 or ISO guarantees adequate zinc coating mean value for uniform metal zinc corrosion protection. Research suggests that properly galvanized steel has the potential to increase the lifespan of structures by up to 50 years, even in the most challenging coastal or industrial environments.
Also, specifying these standards helps reduce the variability incurred during the different stages of machining a product, thereby improving certainty for consistent results during the actual application of the product. Be it steel for bridges and energy structures or steel used in agriculture, standardization also reduces chances of failures due to uncalculated unsafe conditions while offering better lifecycle value. Adherence to these standards assists in reliability and dependable maintenance scheduling, along with reduced operating costs throughout the structures lifetime, increasing safety and bolstering confined enduring strength in essential parts of the structure.
When looking for dependable suppliers of galvanized steel, give priority to those that have been known to comply with certain industry standards like ASTM, ISO, or EN. Check first the companies that have good reviews, paid their dues, and have a good history on supplying quality materials. Major suppliers include some steel giants and regional experts in the industry. For additional information, many trade associations list accredited suppliers which can be trusted. Checking the supplier’s certification and offer for technical assistance is a must to ensure that the details of your project are fulfilled.
To find leading suppliers of ingrained galvanized steel in different parts of the globe, like ArcelorMittal, which is known for regal products of steel and other metallurgical goods. Nucor Corporation is an industry leader in Canada in steel production with POSCO in South Korea specializing on high end galvanized steel SRC in Korea.
To add, JFE Steel Corporation from Japan is well-known for providing superior quality galvanized sheet steel used in automotive and construction industries. Tata Steel, based out of India, and SSAB in Scandinavia are also well-known regional leaders for their sustainable descanso practices and local support servicing capabilities. Other smaller specialized stand-out providers not only fill specific geographical or specification niches, but also provide tailored response times and specialized offerings.
For your more complex analyses, always check the more fundamental parameters like zinc coating thickness, corrosion resistance ratings, and international compliance markings such as the ASTM A653. Availability of customer service and specialized technical personnel also adds to the dependability of these providers.
While doing comparisons of local as well as national suppliers for galvanized steel, a careful analysis of availability, cost, and logistical support needs close attention. Due to geographic proximity, local suppliers tend to offer faster lead times, which can facilitate quicker project completions. Additionally, they might extend a personalized touch, like customized delivery windows, which helps nurture enduring partnerships. Local suppliers, however, tend to be constrained at the inventory scale and diversity of offerings, which limits their ability to service specialized or bulk volume orders for projects effectively.
National suppliers on the other hand function on a vastly larger scale. They come with large distribution networks, capable of supplying large orders to an extensive list of addresses. Their extensive networks come with bulk ordering discounts which make their prices more competitive. Along with cheaper prices, they tend to employ more sophisticated galvanizing techniques that meet strict industry standards such as G90 coating requirements. Projects that opt for National Suppliers still face challenges due to freight cost and long delivery times which impair overall usage. Supporting these arguments further rely on sector-specific project requirements regarding the material specifications and informativeness of a supplier’s catalog geared towards a deadline.
Conklin Metal Industries: Offers cold-rolled carbon steel with zinc coating on both sides, conforming to ASTM A653 and A924 standards. Available in gauges ranging from 14 to 26.
Curtis Steel Co.: Supplies galvanized steel sheets and coils manufactured to ASTM A653 and A879 standards. Offers both hot-dipped and electro-galvanized options.
Steel Warehouse: Specializes in galvanized steel coils created through a hot-dipped process for rust resistance and durability. Also offers cold-rolled and galvannealed steel options.
A: Hot-dipped galvanized steel coil refers to steel that has been coated with a layer of zinc through a hot-dipping process to enhance its corrosion resistance. This process creates a durable finish, making it ideal for various applications.
A: Hot rolled steel is processed at high temperatures, which makes it easier to shape and form. Cold rolled steel, on the other hand, is processed at room temperature, resulting in a smoother finish and tighter tolerances. Both types are commonly used in galvanized steel sheets and coils.
A: Slit coils are steel coils that have been cut into narrower strips. They are used in various applications, including fabrication and manufacturing, where specific widths are required for projects.
A: Some of the top suppliers for galvanized steel coils include Chesterfield Steel, Curtis Steel Co, and Steel Corp. These companies are known for providing high-quality galvanized steel sheets and coils to meet diverse customer needs.
A: Galvanized steel coils are large rolls of steel that have been coated with zinc, whereas galvanized steel sheets are flat pieces cut from these coils. Both offer excellent corrosion resistance but are used in different applications.
A: Yes, many steel coil suppliers offer custom processing for galvanized steel, including cutting, slitting, and fabrication services to meet specific project requirements.
A: Hot-dipped galvanized steel provides superior corrosion resistance, durability, and longevity, making it an ideal choice for outdoor and industrial applications. Its protective zinc coating helps prevent rust and deterioration.
A: Galvanized steel coils and sheets are commonly used in construction, automotive, manufacturing, and appliance industries. They are often utilized for roofing, siding, and structural components due to their strength and corrosion resistance.
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