What is Purlin Fabrication? Know Its Types & Technical Configurations & More
If you are an architect or someone who is exploring a promising scope in the pre-engineered steel building field, this is the perfect blog for you.
Furthermore, a purlin in Dodoma, Tanzania, is an essential horizontal support in pre-engineered buildings, helping them distribute roof loads to the primary structure and the overall design of the building. Likewise, they come in different shapes, sizes, and varieties that we are going to talk about in this comprehensive blog. Additionally, purlins are fabricated from cold-formed steel, which is also known for its sustainability, longevity, versatility, strength, and durability. Moreover, well-designed purlins or metal fabrication enhances structural efficiency and helps reduce construction costs.
Nevertheless, in this comprehensive blog, we will discuss what purlin metal fabrication in Dar ES Salaam, Tanzania is, its types, technical configuration, and more. So, let’s start the blog to get the precise details.
What is Purlin Fabrication?
Everything regarding purlins, production of C purlin, and Z purlin in Mwanza, Tanzania, is the making of C, Z, or other shaped steel (at times wood) sections to be used as horizontal structural members in buildings for roof and wall cladding. Furthermore, the making of these steel sections includes cold forming or hot rolling before they are cut to their own sizes and specifications for installation as secondary beams, sustaining the roof sheeting and transferring structural loads to the main building frame.
What are the Types of Purlin Metal Fabrication?
In this section, we will discuss the fundamental types of purlin metal fabrication that every buyer should know before incorporating them into their commercial or other projects.
1. C Purlin
As the name itself indicates, these purlins have a shape resembling the letter C. They are generally utilized to bear walls as well as floors. A C purlin in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is also known as channel section purlins when they consist of flange stiffeners, and U-sections when they do not. Likewise, C-sections are those that are mono-symmetrical. These sections cannot be lapped, but the stable shape makes them easy to package and transport. The C-section purlins have high usage in clear span design because of their high stability factor.
Technical Configuration of C Purlin
| Parameter | Specification / Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Profile Shape | C-Shaped Section | Rolled/form-pressed C-section with flanges pointing inward; ideal for roof & wall support. |
| Material | High Tensile Cold-Formed Steel (Galvanized / Black Steel) | Typically conforming to IS 277 / ASTM A653 standards for corrosion protection. |
| Yield Strength (Fy) | 240–550 MPa (common: 345 MPa) | Higher yield strength indicates lighter weight and better load capacity. |
| Thickness (t) | 1.5 mm – 3.0 mm (customizable up to 4.0 mm) | Depends on design load; thicker sections for heavier loads. |
| Depth / Web Height (h) | 100 mm – 350 mm | Height of the C-section web; larger heights for higher spans. |
| Flange Width (b) | 40 mm – 100 mm | Determines lateral stiffness. |
| Lip / Return (l) | 10 mm – 25 mm | Added to the flange for additional stiffness. |
| Length | Custom-cut 3 m – 12 m (max 15 m) | Rolled to order for specific project spans. |
| Coating (Zinc Paint) | 120 GSM – 275 GSM Zinc Coating | For galvanized profiles to resist corrosion. |
| Weight per Meter | 4 kg/m – 15 kg/m | Varies with thickness and size. |
| Tolerances | ±2 mm (length); ±1 mm on section dimensions | As per IS/ASTM standards for cold-formed sections. |
| Standards / Codes | IS 801:1975, IS 277:2018, ASTM A653, A653M | Governs design and material quality. |
| Applications | Roofing, Wall Girts, Truss Systems, Industrial Sheds | Used as secondary framing members in metal buildings. |
| Connection | Bolted / Self-Drilling Screws with Cleats | Typically fixed to primary frames. |
| Surface Finish | Pre-Galvanized / Hot Dip Galvanized / Painted | Optional finishes for aesthetics and protection. |
2. Z Purlin
A Z purlin in Mwanza, Tanzania, is much stronger than C purlins. Moreover, Z purlins are one of the most commonly used shapes in overlaps and joints. These purlins are positioned between the wall and the roofing sheet. Thus, it provides optimum and vital support to the primary structure of the entire construction system. Likewise, Z purlins can be overlapped, which is structured by rotating one Z purlin by 180 degrees and ensuring it fits with another one.
Technical Configuration of Z Purlin
| Parameter | Specification / Range | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cold-formed steel (Galvanized or Hot Rolled Mild Steel) | High tensile steel – usually 240–550 MPa yield strength |
| Shape Profile | Z-section with equal or unequal flanges | Allows overlapping at joints for continuous spans |
| Thickness (Gauge) | 1.5 mm – 3.0 mm (customizable up to 4 mm) | Based on load requirement and span |
| Web Depth (Height) | 100 mm – 300 mm (commonly 140, 180, 200, 220, 250, 300 mm) | Determines structural load capacity |
| Flange Width | 40 mm – 80 mm | Equal or unequal flanges available |
| Lip / Return | 15 mm – 25 mm | For additional stiffness and better fastening |
| Length | Up to 12 meters (standard 6 m, 9 m, 12 m) | Custom lengths supplied to site |
| Coating / Finish | Zinc coating 120–275 g/m² (as per IS 277) or painted | Ensures corrosion resistance |
| Weight per Meter | Varies (3.5 kg/m to 12 kg/m depending on size & thickness) | Calculated based on section properties |
| Hole Punching Options | Pre-punched for bolting, or plain for onsite drilling | For quick installation |
| Section Modulus | 15 cm³ – 180 cm³ | As per the structural requirement |
| Moment of Inertia | 100 cm⁴ – 850 cm⁴ | Critical for load-bearing analysis |
| Standards / Codes | IS 801, IS 811, ASTM A653 / EN 10346 | Governing standards for cold-formed steel |
| Applications | Roof & wall purlins, mezzanine floors, truss supports, racking, structural bracing | Prevalent in pre-engineered buildings & warehouses |
| Advantages | Lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio, easy to handle & install, overlapping ability reduces material usage. | Reduces fabrication time on site |
Technical Configuration of Purlin Fabrication
| Category | Equipment / Process | Technical Specifications / Capacity | Material / Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Material | Coils / Sheets | Galvanized Steel (GI), Cold Rolled Steel, Hot Rolled Steel | Thickness: 1.2–3.0 mm (up to 4.0 mm heavy duty); Width: 100–500 mm; Coil ID: 450–510 mm; Coil OD: up to 1500 mm |
| Coil Handling | Decoiler | Hydraulic or Motorized Decoiler; 5–10 T capacity | Accepts GI/CR/HR coils |
| Leveling | Straightener / Leveller | 7-Roll Straightening Machine | Removes coil set/buckle; adjustable for thickness |
| Pre-Punching | CNC Punching Press | Servo-controlled, programmable punching for holes/slots | Hole Ø up to 25 mm; Pitch programmable |
| Roll Forming | Roll Forming Machine | 16–24 stations; Gearbox drive; Adjustable roller spacing | Speed 10–25 m/min; Produces C- & Z-sections; Web depth 100–350 mm; Flange 40–80 mm |
| Cutting | Flying Shear / Hydraulic Cutoff | Automatic cut-off with encoder; Length with tolerance ±1.0 mm; 80×40×1.5–3.0 mm; 300×80×1.5–3.0 mm | Cut lengths 1.5–12 m with tolerance |
| Section Profiles | C-Section Purlins | 100×40×1.5–3.0 mm; 300×80×1.5–3.0 mm | Adjustable width/flange |
| Z-Section Purlins | 100×40×1.5–3.0 mm; 300×80×1.5–3.0 mm | Adjustable width/flange | |
| Control System | PLC / HMI Control | Siemens/Mitsubishi PLC; Touchscreen HMI; 15 kW (depending on line) | Stores multiple profiles, automatic length/quantity input |
| Main Drive System | Motor + Gearbox | 15–18 kW depending on line | Variable frequency drive for speed control |
| Output Handling | Run-Out Table / Stacker | Up to 12 m run-out; automatic/manual stacking | Finished purlins stacked and strapped |
| Surface Finish | As per the input coil | GI, Painted, or Bare | Same finishing values specified |
| Dimension Control | Dimensional Check | Vernier, Tape, Profile Gauge; ±1.0 mm length | Visual & gauge inspection for hole alignment and sizes |
| Production Rate | 8–12 tons per shift, typical | Depends on thickness and profile | |
| Optional Features | Punching Before/After; Quick-Change Tooling; Auto Stacking |
Applications of Purlin Metal Fabrication in Different Industries
Every roof deserves purlin metal fabrication in Dar ES Salaam, Tanzania, when it needs horizontal support between the primary structure framing system and the roofing materials.
1. Residential Building
In timber-framed buildings or houses with metal roofing, purlins are necessary to support the roofing sheet. For instance, a special house with larger spans in spaces such as a great room or open-plan living area would typically require horizontal beams like c purlins or z purlins to span those extensive gaps. This prevents sagging and provides structural support to the roof.
2. Steel Framings and Metal Buildings
In industrial and commercial buildings, such as metal buildings, warehouses, and factories, steel purlins are widely used. Due to their structural strength, they can span large areas with minimal support from below. A C purlin in Dar ES Salaam, Tanzania, is a great load bearer, particularly in metal-sheeted buildings or thin steel sheets. Furthermore, these purlins are usually utilized in combination with eave struts, wall beams, and parapet rails to finish the secondary framing elements of the building.
3. Agricultural Sheds and Buildings
For barns, metal roof carports, and farm sheds, purlins carry the weight of roof sheets, distribute loads, and provide space for insulation material. Moreover, they are usually combined with flange stiffeners, lap length connections, and other structural members to strengthen the overall structure.
4. Commercial Building Projects
Office complexes, shopping malls, and structures with large roofs rely on purlins to span to the central framing system, giving support to roofing materials such as steel sheets or metal panels. The purlin in Dodoma, Tanzania, may be fabricated from hot-rolled steel, hot-formed steel, or cold-formed steel C-sections for increased strength and resistance to weather conditions.
5. Retrofits and Additions
Even when building an addition onto an existing building, such as a sunroom or covered porch, purlin spans may be required to carry additional roofing. In these cases, timber purlins may still be utilized, particularly when duplicating existing timber panels or design.
It’s Time to Conclude Here!
We hope this blog has provided you with all the key details about purlins that you can use in your commercial or residential projects. Furthermore, if you are looking for a manufacturer of purlin in Dodoma, Tanzania, look no further than Matco Industry. We have a wide range of purlin designs that you can customize according to your project’s needs and preferences. So, do not wait any longer. Connect with us today and get premium-quality purlins that will support your roof with robust strength, durability, and sustainability, without straining your budget.
Leave a Reply