EASTLAND Light Gauge Steel (LGS) Frame

EASTLAND Light Gauge Steel (LGS) frame is, also called Cold-formed thin-wall steel framing, widely used worldwide. North America and Australia are mature markets, dominating low-rise residential and commercial projects with respective AISI and AS/NZS standards. Europe applies it for prefabricated and low-carbon buildings. The Asia-Pacific region sees rapid growth, while the Middle East, Latin America and Africa become promising emerging markets. Thanks to fast construction, good seismic performance and eco-friendliness, EASTLAND LGS frame keeps expanding globally toward high strength, superior corrosion resistance and modular fabrication.

1. Material Composition

Australia

• Base Steel: Low-carbon low-alloy cold-rolled steel. Chemical composition: Carbon ≤ 0.20%, Manganese 0.3%–0.8%, Sulfur & Phosphorus ≤ 0.04%. Micro-alloyed design ensures excellent cold formability and structural toughness.

• Coating: Aluzinc (55% Aluminum + 45% Zinc). Standard coating weights: AZ150 (150 g/㎡) and AZ270 (270 g/㎡). Superior corrosion resistance with a service life over 50 years.

United States

• Base Steel: Conventional low-carbon steel. Chemical composition: Carbon ≤ 0.25%, Manganese 0.3%–1.0%. Balanced mechanical properties for general cold forming.

•  Coating: Hot-dip galvanized pure zinc. Common grades: Z275 (275 g/㎡) and Z350 (350 g/㎡). Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments; Z350 is specified for humid and coastal areas.

 

2. Material Grades

Australia (AS/NZS Standard)

• Strength Grade: Primary grade G550 (yield strength ≥ 550 MPa). Optional grades: G450, G350.

• Coating Grade: AZ150 for general areas; AZ270 for coastal and high-corrosion regions.

• Sheet Thickness:

• Load-bearing framing: 0.75 mm ~ 1.5 mm

• Non-load-bearing partition: 0.6 mm ~ 0.8 mm

United States (AISI Standard)

• Strength Grade: Primary grade Grade 50 (yield strength = 345 MPa). Auxiliary grades: Grade 33 (230 MPa for partitions), Grade 80 (550 MPa for high-strength applications).

• Coating Grade: Z275 for regular use; Z350 for damp, exterior and corrosive locations.

• Sheet Thickness:

• Load-bearing framing: 0.84 mm ~ 2.56 mm

• Non-load-bearing partition: 0.45 mm ~ 0.8 mm

 

3. Production Process

The manufacturing flow is similar for both markets, with minor differences in raw materials and surface treatment.

1. Uncoiling & Leveling: Steel coils are uncoiled and precisely leveled, with thickness tolerance controlled within ±0.05 mm.

2. Cold Roll Forming: Continuous room-temperature roll forming to produce C, U, L, Z shaped profiles. Australian lines adopt G550 Aluzinc steel; US lines use Grade 50 galvanized steel.

3. CNC Punching: Pre-fabricate holes for wiring, piping and connections. Position tolerance ≤ ±0.5 mm.

4. Fixed-length Cutting: Automated cutting with length tolerance within ±1 mm.

5. Surface Finishing: Aluzinc products pass passivation treatment to prevent fingerprints; galvanized products are oiled and passivated for extra protection.

6. Quality Inspection: Test yield strength, coating weight, dimensional accuracy and surface finish in accordance with local standards.

 

4. Application Scope

Australia

• Residential Buildings: Mainly 1~3 storey villas and townhouses. Standard stud spacing: 600 mm. Floor joists cover a clear span of 8~9 m.

• Commercial Buildings: Low-rise apartments, hotels, schools and aged care facilities.

• Building Envelope: Roof purlins, wall frames and lintels for door & window openings.

 

United States

• Residential Buildings: 1~4 storey single-family & duplex houses, including structures with basements. Stud spacing: 400 mm or 600 mm. Floor joist span ranges from 6 m to 8 m.

• Commercial Buildings: Supermarkets, office buildings and medical facilities.

• Special Projects: Modular buildings, post-disaster temporary housing and agricultural shelters.

• Features: Light weight, high seismic performance and fully dry construction.

5. Applicable Building Codes

Australia

• Design standard for cold-formed steel structures: AS/NZS 4600

• Light steel residential construction: AS 1684

• Steel sheet coating specification: AS/NZS 1365

• Fire resistance: AS 1530

• Wind load: AS 1170.2

• Seismic design: AS 1170.4

 

United States

• Cold-formed steel structural design: AISI S100, AISI S200

• Simplified design for low-rise residential framing: AISI S230

• Galvanized steel substrate: ASTM A653

• Fire protection: IBC Chapter 25

• Seismic requirements: AISI S400

6. Installation Procedures

Australian Standard Installation

1. Foundation Preparation: Install anchor bolts on concrete strip footing or raft slab.

2. Bottom Track Installation: Fix tracks to the foundation, ensure full levelness, fixing spacing ≤ 600 mm.

3. Vertical Stud Erection: Mount C-shaped studs at 600 mm spacing, fastened with self-drilling screws.

4. Floor Framing: Install floor joists; lapping length of connected members ≥ 300 mm.

5. Roof Framing: Erect C/Z type purlins with spacing 600~900 mm.

6. Sheathing Installation: Attach OSB or fibre cement boards to form diaphragm action.

7. Auxiliary Works: Install thermal insulation, waterproofing, exterior cladding and embedded utilities.

8. Final Inspection: Check joints, coating integrity, fire and wind resistance per AS/NZS 4600.

 

US Standard Installation

1. Foundation & Anchorage: Fix anchor bolts on concrete or wood base, bolt spacing 1.2~1.8 m.

2. Bottom Track Setting: Control joint gap within 3 mm (1/8 inch).

3. Vertical Stud Installation: Space studs at 400 mm or 600 mm; ensure at least 3 full exposed screw threads for connections.

4. Floor Joist Installation: Arrange joists at 400~600 mm spacing; avoid direct web contact to prevent noise.

5. Roof Structure: Assemble roof trusses and purlins complying with AISI S214.

6. Wall Sheathing: Fasten OSB or gypsum boards with screws at 150~300 mm interval.

7. Acceptance Check: Verify dimensional tolerance, connection strength, fire and seismic performance per AISI S200.

  

Key Differences Summary

EASTLAND provides custom design and production of premium LGS frames in compliance with international architectural requirements and building codes.

FAQ

1. What raw materials are included in EASTLAND metal products?

Stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, aluminum alloy, special steel, cast iron, copper, etc.

2. What production processes are adopted for EASTLAND metal products?

Stamping, forging, casting (including investment casting, sand casting, etc.), welding, extrusion, cutting, CNC precision machining and so on.

3. What price terms does EASTLAND offer for export orders?

FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP, etc.

4. Does EASTLAND support customized production based on customers’ requirements or technical drawings?

Yes, we do.

5. What is EASTLAND’s production lead time?

Normally 14 to 30 working days, subject to whether new molds/toolings need to be opened and the order quantity.