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Curving Unistrut or P1000 Channel

Straight and Curved Unistrut channel (also called ”Flexstrut”, “Kindorf”, “Strut channel”, “SuperStrut”, “Strut”, and “Metstrut”), along with a wide variety of connectors, can supply light structural support for electrical, mechanical, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. Although typically P1000 is made of galvanized steel, strut also can be made of aluminum or stainless steel.

Because of the unique shape of P1000 it takes special care and unique techniques to make sure there is no concavity when bending the channel member. Since the finished curved track material usually has wire or even track wheels running through it there cannot be any distortion or concavity. When rolling and bending companies work with P1000 they have to use special tooling. After the piece has been rolled the operator will check every piece with specialized tools to insure correctness.

bent channel profile

P1000 is formed with 12 or 14 gauge steel strips passing through a series of rollers. This roll forming process leaves the steel member looking like a channel with inward curving lips. Once the piece is formed it can be rolled like just like any other channel; flanges in, flanges out, or the hard way. Since Unistrut is a formed channel, and not extruded, it is not as resilient to distortion issues as mill extrusions. This calls for additional caution when rolling the material, as the distortion issues could prevent the curved Unistrut from functioning as intended. Ensuring proper fit of the bender/roller tooling is necessary to reduce these issues.

In US units, the basic typical strut channel forms a three sided box 1 5/8 inch by 1 5/8 inch. There are several additional sizes and combined shapes manufactured. This most common size can be used in factory monorails or the curtain systems at hospitals. If you have the need to curve P1000, make sure you are working with a company that has experience and the necessary tooling to ensure a quality product.