Mounting rails are a critical part of construction, engineering, and...
Choosing between a traditional strut and a modern structural support system? There’s a lot of information to consider that can help you make this decision.
There are many differences between traditional struts and modern structural support systems to be aware of, and if you’re unsure which to choose, don’t panic yet.
Below, in this article by Pro Support Solutions, you’ll learn all you need to know about traditional struts and modern structural support systems such as MEFA’s STEX rails system.
If you’ve come to this article without support system knowledge, read until the end to make an informed decision between traditional struts and STEX rails. Let’s start with the basics.
What is a traditional strut in engineering?
Traditional struts are structural components that industrial plant engineers use to prevent the deformation of a structure or wall. Made of metal and straight or slightly curved, they are a critical part that contributes to load-bearing and support.
What are a strut’s main installation components?
There are a few main components of a traditional strut to keep in mind, including channel struts and ties. Keep reading for more details on these two installation components and what they do for traditional struts.What is the purpose of a traditional strut channel, and what are they made of?
A channel strut is a component that provides adequate support for structures such as plumbing piping systems. Engineers can also use channel struts to join a modular pipeline, wire, bolts, or threaded rods to a wall. The main materials used to make a channel strut include steel or aluminium.What is a tie, and what is their function for struts in engineering?
A tie is another structural element that works with struts to support the required load. They are also called suspension cables or eyebars. When using ties, you must anchor them sufficiently.How do traditional struts function?
Traditional struts function by working against longitudinal compression. Their ties act as a tensile force supporter, and the struts bear the compressive force to support building construction and structures.What are some essential examples of traditional strut beams and columns?
There are a few main examples of traditional struts you should know, and the differences between them are important. For instance, some columns you should be aware of include long and short columns, which are not technically struts. And one type of strut you should know is the horizontal strut. Here are all the facts you should know about these.Long columns
A long column strut has a small or less significant lateral dimension compared to the height. This type of strut bears the axial compressive force and is always vertical.Short columns
A short column strut has a large or significant lateral dimension in comparison to the height of the strut. These columns are structural members that bear axial compressive forces. Short column struts are also always vertical.Horizontal struts
Horizontal struts are a type of strut that are horizontal in their positioning. Engineers also refer to these struts as beams, which resist the compression of forces on the structure.What are the disadvantages of traditional struts?
A couple of disadvantages of traditional struts include that engineers often combine completely different installation components and fixings, such as threaded rods, without testing the components together and that engineers may not physically test this support system. As you will see, alternative options, such as MEFA’s STEX rails, solve these issues and offer exceptional quality for your project. Below, we have described MEFA’s STEX rails and their accompanying components. We’ve also described the advantages of STEX and why they’re the superior solution compared with traditional struts.
What is a STEX rail?
A STEX rail system is an innovative and uniquely produced mounting rail system designed and manufactured by MEFA that is ideal for mechanical systems or piping support. The remarkable design of STEX rails makes them perfectly compatible with the STEX 45 system and help to join lightweight structural loads such as small diameter pipes and data wire. There are several STEX rail options available for your project. Continue reading to find out which ones you can purchase.What are the main types of profile rail systems?
Some of the main types of profile rail systems include STEX 35 rail systems, conventional rail systems, STEX 45 rail systems, and stainless-steel rail systems. Here is more information on each of these profile systems.What are the main STEX 35 rail quick fixing system components?
MEFA’s STEX 35 quick fixing system has a large range of installation components and accessories. Some of the main components you can purchase for your plant engineering project include the STEX threaded plate GP 35 M10, the Console STEX 35/35 150mm, and the STEX threaded bolt 35 M10 x 110mm.STEX threaded plate GP 35 M10
MEFA’s STEX threaded plate GP 35 M10 has a length of 37mm and a width of 35mm. It is made of steel and galvanized to enhance the life of the rail component.Console STEX 35/35
If you need to support or strand modular pipeline loads, the Console STEX 35/35 is an excellent option for your project. It’s ideal for cantilever structures and is available in lengths and widths. Choose from Console STEX components measuring 150mm to 525mm. Console STEX 35/35 components are steel, and manufacturers galvanize the surface.STEX threaded bolt 35 M10 x 110mm
MEFA’s STEX threaded bolt 35 M10 x 110mm was designed for you to attach clamps to pipes. Its components include a bolt and a nut, which facilitate permanent integration. You can get various thread lengths, ranging from 50mm to 130mm. The STEX threaded bolt 35 M10 x 110mm is made of steel and galvanized to prevent corrosion in facilities where rusting may occur.
What are the main properties of conventional rail system components?
MEFA provides conventional rail system installation components such as the C-profile rail. These components are lightweight, made of steel, and have a few options for thickness, length, and height. Select from two- or six-meter length C-profile rails to support a pipe or system. Select from C-profile rails that are 1.25mm thick or 2mm thick. Or choose between three heights (16, 18, or 21mm).What are the main components of the STEX 45 rail system?
You’ve got a full range of MEFA’s STEX 45 rail system components, including threaded plate M10 square components that measure 35 x 30mm, and double C-profile rails that measure 45/120/3mm and are pre-galvanized,What are the main stainless-steel rail system components?
C-profile connectors are just one of the main stainless-steel rail system components available from MEFA. Some of the other options you can choose for your project include the Threaded plate V4A M8 which measures 30 x 22mm, and the C-profile 45 V4A joint holder, which has a 90-degree angle.What is the difference between STEX rails and traditional struts?
The main differences between MEFA’s STEX rails and traditional struts include part compatibility, the level of performance, the ease of connecting parts, and tools. Here’s more on all of these differences.Testing and part compatibility
With MEFA’s STEX rails, all the components were designed to fit together and fit like a glove. Whereas manufacturers might not have tested the components of traditional struts together, you can guarantee that STEX rails will work together harmoniously with their components. Getting all components under one roof with minimal compatibility concerns is effortless with MEFA’s STEX rails. MEFA’s STEX rails are perfectly compatible with the STEX 45 series quick fixing system. When choosing the STEX rail system, you won’t have to shop around for different installation parts and find that they have not been tested.STEX has a superior level of performance
STEX rails also enhance support performance since MEFA has perfectly optimized the rails’ geometry and perfected the performance-to-weight ratio.STEX components and parts are easy to connect
You’ll also notice that the STEX C-profile rails have form-locking connections and tooth plate components that facilitate the connections between rails and installation parts. STEX 45 threaded bolt components are a clear choice because they don’t require tools to balance the height or length differences when you complete the installation process.Which is better quality: STEX rails or traditional struts?
The superior quality of STEX rails will outperform traditional struts for any project due to their quality-tested manufacturing. MEFA’s STEX rails are easy to connect and designed to fit together effortlessly. Their superior quality makes them ideal for ventilation systems as well. So, whether you need to support, brace, or join lightweight structural loads, you’ll have no trouble when you choose STEX rails.