Articles
Articles & guides
Practical guides for procurement teams and engineers: how to specify steel and request an accurate quotation.
- 01
C-section purlins: uses in steel buildings and how to order them
What a C-section is, where it goes in a steel building, and the details to put in your order.
- 02
Checkered steel plate: uses, thicknesses and how to order
What checkered plate is, where it is used and how to choose the thickness.
- 03
IPE vs HEA vs HEB beams: which one should you choose?
A side-by-side comparison of IPE 200, HEA 200 and HEB 200, and when to choose each.
- 04
7 common mistakes when choosing and installing sandwich panels
The mistakes that cause leaks, rust and poor insulation in sandwich panel roofs — and how to avoid them.
- 05
Steel hangar components: a simple guide from foundation to roof
What each part of a steel building does, and the information needed to request a materials quotation.
- 06
How to protect steel from rust: coatings, galvanizing and surface preparation
Practical steps to protect steel structures from corrosion and how to choose a system for the environment.
- 07
How to calculate the weight of steel sheet, bars and pipes (formulas with examples)
Simple formulas for the weight of sheet, bars, pipes, angles and flats — with a worked example for each shape.
- 08
Types of galvanized steel sheet and their uses
Zinc coating classes (Z100 – Z275), galvanized vs Galvalume vs pre-painted, and where each is used.
- 09
How to calculate roof sheet or sandwich panel quantity
Simple steps with a worked example for roof sheet count, lengths and area — and common mistakes that add waste.
- 10
How to choose the right sandwich panel thickness
A practical table for choosing sandwich panel thickness and core by building use and required temperature.
- 11
Sandwich panels or corrugated sheet for a roof? A practical comparison
How corrugated sheet and sandwich panels differ in insulation, cost and installation — and which suits your project.
- 12
What is the difference between hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel?
A practical comparison of surface, tolerances and typical uses — and what to state in your quotation request.
- 13
What factors affect steel supply prices?
Why two prices can only be compared when specification, unit and pricing basis match.
- 14
What information is needed to request a steel quotation?
A ready checklist for procurement teams before sending a quotation request.
- 15
How do you specify an IPE, HEA, HEB or UPN beam in a quotation request?
A short guide to European beam designations, what each number means and an ordering checklist.
- 16
What information is needed to quote steel pipes and tubes?
Why you should give outside diameter and wall thickness rather than only an inch size.