UltraSTEEL® Stronger by Design

The metal is formed between mating rolls, which produce a dimpled pattern across the surface of the material. During the process, the effective thickness of the material is increased by locally deforming the strip to twice its original gauge. This deformation leads to substantial work hardening thereby making it stronger.

The phenomenon of work hardening has been understood for many years, and its effects have been applied in many applications. However, we have exploited our knowledge of cold rolled forming when developing the UltraSTEEL^® process, to control local deformation within the metal’s elastic plastic region.

UltraSTEEL^® is applied in-line in the manufacturing process and therefore economical and easy to implement. More

Technical benefits

Load carrying performance

This graph illustrates the load carrying performance of two identically dimensioned products, one produced using the UltraSTEEL^® process in a reduced gauge and one plain.The UltraSTEEL^® product not only carries a higher load, but is also stiffer.

Improved memory and spring tension characteristics

Sections manufacturing using the UltraSTEEL^® process have a greater ability to return their original form after loading.

Enhanced screw retention

The UltraSTEEL^® cross-section ensures that every screw is in contact with a material thickness greater that the nominal gauge of the steel, resulting in a significant increase in the torque required to strip-out the screw.

Light gauge UltraSTEEL^® in studded wall application

Reduced noise transmission

The dimpled surface can reduce the transmission of noise.

Improved fire test performance

Fire test performance in a studded wall application shows that UltraSTEEL^® performs significantly better in both Stability, Integrity and Insulation.