The Need for a Steel Framing Conference: Immersing in the Future of Construction
The steel framing industry is growing rapidly, but there’s still a significant gap when it comes to in-depth, hands-on learning opportunities. Many conferences touch on the topic of Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) but never truly dive into it. Whether it’s a light overview or a brief mention in a broader context, these events often leave attendees with more questions than answers. What’s missing is a dedicated space to immerse yourself in steel framing where the focus is entirely on this innovative construction method. Somewhere attendees can truly engage with experts, peers, and the material.
The Opportunity for a Dedicated Cold-Formed Steel Framing Event
While many events across the construction industry address steel framing in passing, there’s an unmet need for a conference that zeroes in on the topic. It’s one thing to read about steel farming, but it’s a whole different experience when you can learn directly from people who’ve been in the field for years.
The world of cold-formed steel offers great potential, but to fully harness that potential, industry professionals need a space to discuss, learn, and connect. That’s where a focused event, like the SICLA Steel Alliance’s annual conference, comes in. This event provides attendees with the chance to immerse themselves in the material, hear from world experts, and connect with speakers and other professionals who are using CFS as building material every day. It’s more than just a series of presentations; it’s an experience that can shape your approach to construction. Past attendees of the Steel Alliance have reported implementing cold-formed steel solutions in their projects with increased efficiency and sustainability after learning from case studies and expert panels at the event.
Four Key Groups to Benefit from Steel Frame Experience
The SICLA Steel Alliance network brings together a diverse group of individuals, each with different levels of familiarity and experience with steel framing. SICLA Steel Alliance members operate exclusively Scottsdale roll forming machines. The four main groups that benefit from this event can be categorized as:
- New to CFS: For individuals who have never worked with CFS but are ready to explore its potential, this conference serves as the perfect introduction. These attendees are keen to see what’s possible and understand if CFS is the right fit for their future projects. They’ll hear firsthand from experts who have used CFS on large and small projects, from single-family homes to five-story structures, providing the insight they need to move forward confidently.
- CFS Users Looking to Learn More: There are plenty of professionals already working with CFS who want to know how far they can push the boundaries. Can CFS be used in seven-story buildings? How does it compare to other materials? These attendees are looking for technical advice and solutions. At this experience, they’ll not only hear about real-world applications but see them demonstrated live, giving them the tools to apply this knowledge to their own projects. Specific cases where roll forming is successfully applied in various industry sectors are highlighted at this event, showcasing the versatility and effectiveness of modern roll forming technology.
- Evaluating the Business Opportunities: Some attendees may already be familiar with CFS and are evaluating whether it’s the right time to enter the market, open a factory, and start their own business. These individuals understand the business side of construction but need more technical knowledge and insight into the cold-formed steel framing space. This event provides them with the resources to move forward with confidence, from technical training to business strategies. Essential tools and resources are provided by key CFS industry leaders to help new entrants get started.
- Experienced Clients Looking to Expand: For those already utilizing CFS and actively involved in the business, the conference serves as a platform to share experiences and solutions. How can they optimize their processes and grow their businesses? The Steel Frame Experience brings these clients together to discuss challenges, opportunities, and ways to improve. This environment encourages collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas that can lead to real improvements in business practices.
The SICLA Steel Frame Experience: A Unique Immersive Event
The SICLA Steel Framing Alliance, also known as the SICLA Network, has developed an unparalleled network of partners, including framing providers and detailing providers, all trained in the same methods and technologies. This uniformity allows for seamless collaboration on large projects, where different network partners can step in to support each other with no training discrepancies.
The Steel Frame Experience 2024 event brought together 130-200 attendees each day for three days of intense learning and networking. With speakers from Argentina, the United States, and Australia, the event covered both technical and architectural topics, providing a comprehensive view of the global cold-formed steel landscape. Attendees learned about the impact of CFS framing on real estate in Argentina, the role of software in CFS design, upcoming changes to codes and standards, and how CFS construction is transforming markets worldwide.
The event also took attendees to the SICLA factory, where they could see CFS framing being produced on site. During the live demonstrations, attendees observed how the roll forming process is incremental, with gradual shaping of the metal strip at each stage, enabling the creation of complex profiles without overstressing the material. Metal strips are cut to precise lengths after forming, resulting in high-quality parts ready for use, with no additional work required. The process efficiently produces multiple roll formed parts, each tailored to specific project requirements. The demonstrations also highlighted that CFS framing can be produced with a minimum amount of waste and meets minimum recycled content standards, supporting sustainability goals. In contrast to traditional stamping methods, which are limited in the complexity of shapes they can produce, roll forming overcomes these limitations by applying only small strains at each stage.
Key features and benefits demonstrated at the event included:
- Incremental roll forming for complex profiles
- Precise cut-to-length capability for finished parts
- Efficient production of multiple roll formed parts
- Customizable wall thickness for strength and weight optimization
- Minimum waste and compliance with recycled content standards
- Flexibility to produce different types of CFS profiles
The live demonstrations, such as a fire experiment conducted with firefighters present, showcased how CFS performs in real-world scenarios. This added an invaluable layer of practical knowledge and assurance for attendees. The presence of transportable factory models, demonstrating the ability to move the factory instead of moving panels, was also a hit, showing the industry’s innovation in reducing logistical challenges.
Materials and Properties of Cold-Formed Steel Framing
Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing is at the forefront of modern building technology, offering a unique combination of strength, efficiency, and design flexibility. One of the key advantages of CFS framing is its engineered strength and ductility. These properties provide a high level of confidence for builders and engineers, as CFS components are capable of supporting significant loads while maintaining their shape and integrity. The consistent material quality means that walls, panels, and trusses built with CFS meet strict tolerances, which is essential for projects that demand accuracy and reliability.
The roll forming process not only enhances efficiency but also allows for a wide range of custom designs. Builders can specify unique profiles, sections, and even pre-punched holes to accommodate racking, shelving, or access for utilities. This level of customization makes CFS framing ideal for both standard and innovative applications, from load-bearing walls to complex architectural features like curved or angled roofs.
Safety is another area where CFS framing excels. As a non-combustible material, CFS can be designed to protect buildings and occupants by meeting stringent fire-resistance requirements. This makes cold-formed steel a preferred choice for projects where fire safety is a top priority, providing peace of mind for both builders and occupants.
CFS framing is also designed to work seamlessly with other building materials, such as hot rolled steel, creating an integrated approach that can reduce overall project weight and cost. Its adaptability means it can be used in a variety of applications, from residential homes to large-scale commercial and industrial facilities, always delivering a high level of quality and efficiency.
The Steel Framing Industry Association plays a crucial role in setting guidelines and standards for the use of CFS framing. These standards help ensure that every component meets the necessary building codes and regulations, supporting widespread acceptance and safe use across the industry. Training and education programs are available to help builders, engineers, and architects learn about the latest advancements and best practices in CFS framing design and construction.
Sustainability is another hallmark of CFS framing. Made from recycled materials and fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle, CFS is an eco-friendly choice that supports green building initiatives. Its efficient manufacturing process and ability to reduce material waste further enhance its environmental credentials.
Looking to the future, CFS framing continues to evolve with new technologies and manufacturing processes that improve performance, sustainability, and design possibilities. As the construction industry seeks more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions, CFS framing stands ready to meet these needs, providing a versatile and reliable material for the next generation of buildings. Whether you’re designing load-bearing walls, intricate trusses, or innovative architectural components, CFS framing offers the flexibility, strength, and confidence needed to bring your vision to life. Its proven track record, industry acceptance, and ongoing innovation make it a cornerstone of modern construction, capable of meeting the demands of projects both large and small.
Cold-Formed Steel Framing Experts Present
Several cold-formed steel world experts were key speakers at the Steel Frame Experience 2024. Don Allen, Executive Director of Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) spoke on “Steel Codes, Innovation, and Construction in North America“. Jeff Klaiman, Principal at ADTEK Engineers spoke on “Light-Gauge Steel Construction Projects & Applications”. Michael Temesvary, Vice President of Sales and External Relations of International Code Council (ICC), spoke on “Facilitating Acceptance with ICC-ES Certification“. And Scottsdale Construction Systems very own Harikrishnan Magarabooshanam, Engineer, PhD, spoke on “Roll Forming Machine and Metal Forming System Solutions“. Find out more about Steel Frame Experience 2024 Agenda and Speakers.
A Friendly, Multilingual, and Collaborative Environment
One of the defining characteristics of the Steel Frame Experience is its welcoming atmosphere. There’s no competition, and no egos, just a group of people committed to advancing the cold-formed steel framing industry. With multilingual support and translators available, the event ensures that everyone, regardless of location, can fully engage with the content and speakers.
This unique environment not only makes it easy to learn from others but also provides the opportunity to forge lasting connections that can prove invaluable in the future. Whether you’re a builder, architect, engineer, or contractor, the Steel Frame Experience is an opportunity to learn and grow within a global network that supports you.
Looking Forward to 2025: The Future of Cold-Formed Steel Framing
With 2024’s event being a success, the SICLA Steel Alliance is bringing the Steel Frame Experience back in 2025, continuing to provide an immersive and educational experience for anyone involved in or interested in CFS. The 2025 conference promises to be even bigger, with speakers, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to learn and network.
If you’re serious about the future in cold-formed steel framing and want to learn from the best in the industry, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re just starting out or are already deep into the CFS business, the Steel Frame Experience offers something for everyone, providing the tools, knowledge, and connections to help you succeed.
Keep an eye out for more information on the Steel Frame Experience 2025.
Whether you are thinking of starting a roll forming business or expanding your current operation, we can help. Call us at 1 (888) 406-2080 or email us at rollformers@scottsdalesteelframes.info, to find out more about our advanced roll forming technologies.
