Thermal Break Bearings have become a more and more common element used in steel fabricating plans. These products are insulators, meaning that they do not easily conduct heat or energy. As such, they are used to stop heat from transferring between steel members or escaping from the wider building envelope.

Now that the COVID-19 lockdowns are being steadily eased, steel fabricators and other construction trades are finding themselves with a ton of work backed up.

Slide Bearing design and specifications fall into categories with the most common being FC-1010-CS, a 3/32” layer of Fluorogold® bonded to 1/8” thick carbon steel. An upper and lower member of FC-1010-CS are used to create the slide bearing, as shown in Fig. 1. This is the most common configuration and can function effectively in the following ranges:

Environmental regulations for the construction industry are continually developed, and in many cases increased. As most readers of this blog are likely already aware, one highly regulated area of construction pertains to the use of steel primers, particularly the level of volatile organic compounds (or “VOCs”) that they contain.

Headed vs. Hooked Anchor Bolts: Is there a difference? Which should you use?

In recent years, there has been a shift in preference by the AISC and ACI between headed and hooked anchor bolts. It's important that fabricators and engineers are aware of this trend, and why it has occurred.

Most steel fabricators are familiar with the difference between headed anchor bolts and hooked anchor bolts. If you’re not, the diagram below will help to show the difference.

Preparation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Steel Supply Company has taken substantial steps to maintain reliability and excellence for its customers, as well as safety for its employees.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted all of our lives, and no industry or daily routine has been left unturned.  As always, we here at The Steel Supply Company wish the best for everyone who has been affected by the virus, and our thoughts are with our customers and suppliers in particular.

New Steel Fabrication Opportunities: Rebar Couplers

Rebar coupling provides steel fabricators with exciting new opportunities; however, the advantages and disadvantages of each type of rebar coupler must be considered.

As advancements in engineering and architecture continue, steel fabricators are increasingly required to find new opportunities to expand their work in rebar coupling. Rebar acts as a structural bearing in concrete. To provide maximum strength, it requires connection to a steel member. In recent years, the options for this connection have moved forward, creating greater opportunities for steel fabricators, but also additional complications.

Slotted Steel Shims and Hot Dip Galvanizing: Increase Expedience and Lower Cost

Preparation in advance leads to The Steel Supply Company's ability to anticipate and fulfill the steel fabricator's needs.

Frequently, The Steel Supply Company receives orders for slotted steel shims that are hot dip galvanized. While a shim is seemingly simple, there are a few considerations that a steel fabricator should take into account when placing an order. The most important of these considerations are manufacturing quality and the hot dip galvanization process.

Steel Wedges of all sizes and dimensions remain one of the simplest products The Steel Supply Company manufactures, yet also one of the most difficult to manufacture cost effectively. The 17 standard sizes we keep in stock are Drop Forged Wedges. This is the most economical manufacturing method. Made to order dimensions require the part be made manually which is more time consuming, but as long as it is a simple wedge the process remains straightforward.

Slide Bearings: Reduce Lead Time and Cost 

Modest adjustments to design can result in significant economic benefits.

Note: For purposes of this discussion Teflon® is trademarked by the DuPont Corporation, Fluorogold® is trademarked by Saint-Gobain.