Today, perhaps, not a single area of construction can be found (be it the construction of residential buildings or industrial structures of various purposes), wherever the metal profile is used. It is used for the construction of partitions, suspended ceilings, leveling and wall cladding (both indoors and outdoors).
Having a wide variety of cross-sectional shapes, the metal profile is inherently a thin metal tape with a fairly high strength. Resistant to changes in temperature and humidity, durable, not affected by mold and fungi, today it has almost replaced the once-popular wooden building beam.
A cold rolled metal profile is manufactured. To increase the mechanical strength, stiffeners are formed at the profile. As a rule, finished metal billets are galvanized, which increases their resistance to corrosion. Aluminum is also used for the production of profiles, which, despite its lightness, also has a fairly high strength.
For the construction of easily assembled structures for commercial and industrial purposes, as well as in the construction of residential buildings and sports facilities, a metal square profile is used, which is made of calibrated square steel (with a profile width of 6 to 200 mm, regulated by GOST 2591-88). Use it in case of construction need, since it does not have such rigidity as a channel (or a two-T-shaped metal profile), the square cannot be used as an independent supporting element.
Metal profiles used for the construction of frames or for lining are conventionally divided into four main types:
- Rack. It has a U-shape in its cross section and consists of a back, as well as two shelves bent at a right angle. Three grooves usually pass along the entire length of the shelves, and there are openings in the back that are used to fasten the insulation or lay cable lines.
- Guide. It also has a U-shape, but does not have longitudinal grooves. It is usually used as a kind of "rail" into which a rack profile is inserted .
- Ceiling. It differs from the rack size. Usually they are standard - 60x27 mm with a length of 3 m. As the name implies, they are usually used in the manufacture of frames and ceilings (including combined and multi-level).
- Guide ceiling profile. Performing the same functions as a conventional guide profile, it differs in its dimensions - 28x27 mm (length 3 m).
Simply put, each rack or ceiling metal profile has its own guide, and the choice of the required type depends only on the features of the structure being built and the expected thickness of the future wall or partition.
In addition to the above, there are also angular and arched profiles. The former are usually used to align the corners and protect them from various damages, while the latter are used to give a wide variety of shapes to ceilings or arched doorways. For fastening metal suspensions to the bearing base, direct suspensions are used, with the help of which the future surface is also aligned horizontally or vertically.