Metsec’s SFS new Range – 90mm Stud Now Available

It is the second major redesign of the Metsec SFS range and has been launched after significant investment in product testing and development in Steel Framing. The new SFS system offers many benefits including lighter more cost efficient and sustainable design options, as well as new robust fire solutions enabling more efficient overall wall construction performance.

Features of the New Range

• New fire tested solutions based on British Gypsum, Siniat and Knauf plasterboard
• New thermal and fire performance solutions using Rockwool insulation and Knauf
• New fire performance solutions using RCM Y Wall and Euroform Versaliner sheathing boards and add Siniat and Glasroc X boards
• Cost and weight reductions of typically 5-10%
• Thinner, more efficient through wall constructions
• New 90mm stud for residential developments providing more usable floor area
• Fire performance tested and assessed at BRE test laboratories
• Greater deflection allowances for our slotted head track now up to +/-20mm

Steel Stud Section Depths

The new range has revised stud depths of 90mm, 120mm, 150mm, 180mm, 210mm, 240mm, 270mm, 300mm and 350mm.

For walling applications the 90mm stud, 120mm stud and 150mm stud ranges will be replacing the previous 100mm and 150mm stud ranges.

90mm Stud Offers Many Benefits for Residential Applications

For typical residential applications the 90mm range will provide more value compared to the previous 100mm range. This also narrows the wall construction providing more usable floor area or the option of extra insulation improving the thermal performance of the wall. For higher floor to floor heights or higher wind load areas the 120mm range provides a cost-effective alternative to the previous higher gauge 100mm studs or 150mm range.

The 100mm range is still available. Please contact metsec.sfs@voestalpine.com for more information.

For flooring solutions the 180mm, 210mm, 240mm, 270mm, 300mm and 350mm are replacing the previous 200mm, 250mm and 300mm ranges. These options provide cost savings and/or reduced floor constructions. The 350mm range has been introduced to provide more economical solutions to longer floor spans and increases the maximum typical residential floor span from around 6m to 7m.

Revised Stud Flange Widths

The new range has revised stud flange widths. These increase uniformly as the depth range increases. Widths are typically, 50mm, 62mm and 75mm. The tracks have revised flange widths of 40mm and 70mm.

For the first time Metsec SFS sections have multiple flange widths for a specified gauge. To avoid confusion the section references now include the flange size.

Section Gauge (Thicknesses)

The primary sections have revised gauges of 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.6mm, 1.8mm and 2.0mm. 1.3mm is introduced on deeper sections (210mm upwards) replacing some 1.2mm sections where the extra thickness provides the required section strength. On the deeper 300mm and 350mm sections, 2.3mm, 2.5mm and 2.9mm gauge sections are used for increased strength for long spanning joists.

SFS Slotted Head Tracks

The new range now also has improved slotted head tracks. These are available in the 90mm to 180mm range, with a 46mm slot which now offers up to +/-20mm deflection allowance when used in an infill wall compared with the previous +/-15mm.

The new range also has two thicknesses of slotted head track available, these being 1.8mm and now a new 1.6mm gauge. The 1.6mm has been introduced for low span, low wind load applications offering more cost effective designs.

Find out more about our steel framing solutions, or contact our construction experts to discuss more today!