Frequently Asked Questions
Based in Cradley Heath, Venture Steel Group are proud UK manufacturers of steel products. As a family-run business, Venture Steel Group forefront the relationships we form with clients, perfecting the quality and timely delivery of our steel products to achieve high levels of customer satisfaction within our services.
We undertake projects of all sizes, working with most grades of steel from DX51 to S350-S550 to ensure we cater to our wide ranging clientele.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about Venture Steel Group and our processes, or, alternatively, reach out to a member of our friendly team to enquire about us directly.
FAQ's
Pressed Steel Products and Services
Steel Purlins
Purlins typically take form as either C section purlins, or Z section purlins, the differentiation being the profile of the sections.
The profile of a Z section purlin features two protruding angles, typically of less than 90°, located at the top and bottom of a vertical body, and on opposite sides; on the other hand, a C section has two protruding angles, generally 90°, at the top and bottom of the vertical body, but on the same side - curling the material in towards itself.
Because of the differing properties caused by the profiles of the Z and C section, they generally have different applications within the construction of a building.
Both C section purlins and Z section purlins are strong enough to support the structure of a building. However, Z section purlins are considered stronger than C section because of their ability to overlap. Their profile allows for multiple sections to be used continuously, increasing the load bearing capacity of the section, especially across longer spans.
Steel C Section Purlins
C section steel purlins are durable, with a good strength to weight ratio - they can be further galvanised for increased durability and corrosion resistance.
C section purlins can span good lengths, as necessary for their use in mezzanine flooring, door framing, and further wall support. They can be prefabricated for ease of installation, maintaining straightness
The span of a purlin will depend on the run system used (whether it is a single span, or double span), the type of purlin and size of purlin used, and the spacing between purlins; purlins are typically placed 16 inches apart. A single purlin can span up to 10 metres safely, though it is safe to assume that the greater the length, the wider the purlin will need to be.
The primary purpose of C purlins is to provide the structure of walls and floors in steel framed buildings. However, they can also be used for door mounting, window trimming, parapet rails, side rails, and brickwork restraints.
Steel framed buildings typically include agricultural buildings, industrial warehouses, and commercial buildings.
Steel Z Section Purlins
A Z section purlin has several advantages for the construction of buildings. It has great strength, which can be reinforced over greater spans than the C section due to the ability of the Z section to overlap. Because of the profile of the Z section, it can be used continuously for lengthy spans.
When used for the framing of a roof, purlins should be spaced between 1 and 1.2 metres apart, depending on the thickness of roofing sheets used. For instance, 0.5mm sheeting should be placed on purlins 1 metre apart, whilst 0.7mm sheeting can be placed on purlins 1.2 metres apart.
Z section purlins are applicable for metal framed buildings, such as industrial, agricultural and commercial buildings. They are used to support roofing and as wall joists (side rails).
Bespoke Angle Purlins
Bespoke angles are suitable for application in the construction of industrial and commercial buildings or structures, for structural support and framing. This may include: warehouses, bridges, shelving, or even commercial goods such as benches and tables.
The inside radius of the steel angle will measure the fillet, or angle. A steel angle bar can further be measured through the thickness of its leg, and leg length. Leg length from the fillet or inside radius may be equal, or unequal. Both the thickness and length can be made bespoke for differing applications.
A steel angle is particularly strong, and is often used for structural support. The strength: weight ratio of structural steel is desirable, and reinforced by the 90° angle, which is resistant to bending.
Steel Presswork
Steel Cleats
Steel cleats are used for the support of purlins within roofs, walls, and mezzanine floors. They prevent the purlin from tilting within its application. They can also be used within residential construction for various other support, such as providing a connection for wall plates, trusses, beams, and studs.
Cleats are typically categorised as weld-on, bolt-on, or concealed. This alludes to the method of incorporating the cleat into structural systems.
A weld-on cleat can be welding onto an existing frame for a purlin to be bolted on, whilst a bolt-on cleat will be bolted onto a frame. A concealed cleat is a hidden bracket which cannot be seen; they can be both bolted or welded on.
Outsourced Presswork
There are several different types of machine presses, used for presswork. These include a punch press, stamping press, and press brake.
A punch press is typically powered through hydraulics to lower a ram onto a metal workpiece, punching holes out of the metal.
A stamping press deforms metal with a specially formed tool, which is pushed onto the workpiece.
A press brake is typically powered through hydraulics or CNC software. It forms metal through bending it between a tool and die.
Metal is the most commonly pressed material; both ferrous and non-ferrous metals can be pressed, alongside exotics. Mild steel and structural steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, and copper are often used for presswork.
Pressed products are varied; presswork can be used to create products within the commercial industry, such as domestic appliances and electronic goods, parts for automotive vehicles, and metal frames and components used within the construction of buildings.
Turret Punching
Turret punching is an efficient method of punching holes in metal on mass. Multiple tooling can be contained within a punch so as to produce numerous sizes or shapes of holes without the need to change tooling.
A turret punch is applicable for high volume production, on simple profiles, where repetitive holes in the workpiece are needed.
A turret punch may be CNC or manually controlled; CNC turret punches are best for mass production, whilst manual punches are more efficient where workpieces or tooling is often changed. Turret punches can be further categorised by a hydraulic, mechanic, or servo motor control. Out of the three, hydraulic turret punches are the most common.
Steel Press Braking
During the press braking process, a length of sheet metal is inserted into the press brake machine, along with the correct tooling. A punch will then be lowered to the sheet metal, pushing it down onto a specially formed tool. The metal then assumes the shape of the tooling, which can be changed when different final dimensions are required.
A press brake may be defined by its method of force: this can be pneumatic, hydraulic, servo electric, or mechanical. Hydraulic press brakes typically generate the greatest amount of tonnage, whilst servo electric and pneumatic are considered amongst the fastest types of press brakes.
Press braking can be used to form metal sections used within the automotive, agricultural, solar power, aerospace, construction, and commercial goods industries, amongst many other industries which utilise metal parts.
Solar Panel Farms
In the majority of cases, planning permission is required for a solar farm. A solar farm is a large-scale operation, and the scale of the project will tend to make permission a necessity on commercial, agricultural, and industrial land. If the solar panel system is greater than 9m sq. - which for an efficient farm, it will be - it will require planning permission.
The most suitable land for an efficient solar farm is flat, or with a south-facing slope, though minimal incline is desirable; this enables greater irradiance. The condition of the land is moreover important; wetland can affect the stability of the infrastructure, and the land should be clear from any obstructions. A flood risk of the land should be calculated before installation of a solar farm can be approved.
Building a solar farm poses several advantages, the most primary being the creation of a clean and renewable source of energy. A solar farm poses minimal disruption to the surrounding environment - they are safe, noiseless, and wildlife can continue to thrive around them.
Solar farms are profitable, with a good return on investment. They moreover have minimal ongoing maintenance costs.
Solar Panel Ground Mount
Ground-mounted solar panels can offer several benefits over rooftop installations.
Ground-mounted solar power systems are not restricted by a small surface area like rooftop solar panels, therefore can serve as much larger systems. They can further be removed, added to, or relocated, with convenience. With the ability to better position the solar panels, ground-mounted systems are often more productive - capturing a greater intensity of solar energy. On larger solar panel systems, the ground can be multifunctional - used for the grazing of livestock for instance.
A ground mount is typically a fixed system, where poles are installed into the ground, using either a piled system, ballast system, or helical screw system.
A piled system is the most common type of foundation, featuring poles driven into the ground and secured with concrete.
A ballast system uses a standard framing system which is anchored by concrete blocks above ground.
A helical screw system features poles screwed into the ground, rather than driven, for security.
Solar panels can be installed as a standard ground mount or a pole mount, for ground installations.
A ground mount system features a mount driven into the ground, and a frame on top of the mount which holds the panel close to the ground, on a tilted angle.
A pole mount, on the other hand, utilises one large pole onto which a panel is directly fixed; pole-mounted solar panels can be adjusted to follow the sun, however, they are much costlier than the ground mount system.
Solar Panel Frame Mount
The optimum angle for solar panels in the UK is 35-40 degrees, facing south.
The angle of panels is important in order to gain the best exposure to solar energy. However, this angle may change throughout the year as the height the sun rises to, changes; in winter months, a steep angle may be required, whilst in spring and summer months, a lower angle between 20 and 45 degrees will be the most productive angle. It is best, therefore, to take an average of between 35-40 degrees.
Yes, adjustable solar panel frames are available however can be costly, especially for large scale solar farms. Adjustable solar panel frames allow for the angle of a panel to be changed, so that it can remain perpendicular to the sun throughout the year.
This is often not practical for large scale systems, and the costs of this outweigh the benefits of adjusting the panels; bespoke framing set at an average angle offers an economic alternative which continues to optimise the performance of fixed panels.
Typically, solar panel frame mounts are made from stainless or galvanised steel or aluminium, although there have been some recent developments in this area which has seen glass and polymers used as framing materials.
Aluminium is one of the most common materials for framing, especially for roof installations due to its lightweight property.
Galvanised steel is also commonly used as a solar panel frame material due to its improved strength and corrosion resistance properties, making it particularly suitable for ground installations; steel solar panel frames are also a more cost-efficient option and have a smaller carbon footprint than aluminium.
Solar panel frame mounts are used to position your solar panels to your roof or ground system. For ground installations, the frame connects to the ground mount and other supporting infrastructure to provide a stable and uniform position for the solar panels to be fitted into.
Solar panel frame mounts also contribute to the efficiency of the solar panel in generating energy since they determine the angle the panel is held at in relation to the sun; adjustable mounts for both ground and roof installations can be used so that maximum levels of sunlight hit the panel all year round.
Solar panel frames are not a legal requirement for your solar farm, but the frame is an important component of the system which should not be ignored. Frames organise your solar array in terms of uniformity and placement so you can maximise the number of panels on your land. They also give strength to the panel, protecting against outdoor elements such as wind and snow, and can be further adjusted so that the angle of the panel is optimised for sunlight absorption.
Frames are great mounts compared to ground alternatives such as console bins since they still make it possible for wildlife to live on the grounds surrounding them and for crops and plants to grow underneath them, which can help alleviate any environmental effects.
The average solar panel frame thickness is around 3 mm to 3.5 mm, however this depends on the material used and the requirements of the frame.
The main solar panel frame components needed for a mounting system include:
- Ground mounts – the mount attaching the frame to the ballast or pile on the ground.
- Ballast boxes or piles – the fixture which secures the frame and mount to the ground; ballast boxes are an above ground installation method whilst piling fixes the mount into the ground.
- Tilt legs – enables the solar panel to be angled for optimum sunlight throughout the year.
- Solar panel frames – the frame which holds the PV panel in place, securing and protecting the panel.
Solar Panel Frame Mount
The optimum angle for solar panels in the UK is 35-40 degrees, facing south.
The angle of panels is important in order to gain the best exposure to solar energy. However, this angle may change throughout the year as the height the sun rises to, changes; in winter months, a steep angle may be required, whilst in spring and summer months, a lower angle between 20 and 45 degrees will be the most productive angle. It is best, therefore, to take an average of between 35-40 degrees.
Yes, adjustable solar panel frames are available however can be costly, especially for large scale solar farms. Adjustable solar panel frames allow for the angle of a panel to be changed, so that it can remain perpendicular to the sun throughout the year.
This is often not practical for large scale systems, and the costs of this outweigh the benefits of adjusting the panels; bespoke framing set at an average angle offers an economic alternative which continues to optimise the performance of fixed panels.
Typically, solar panel frame mounts are made from stainless or galvanised steel or aluminium, although there have been some recent developments in this area which has seen glass and polymers used as framing materials.
Aluminium is one of the most common materials for framing, especially for roof installations due to its lightweight property.
Galvanised steel is also commonly used as a solar panel frame material due to its improved strength and corrosion resistance properties, making it particularly suitable for ground installations; steel solar panel frames are also a more cost-efficient option and have a smaller carbon footprint than aluminium.
Solar panel frame mounts are used to position your solar panels to your roof or ground system. For ground installations, the frame connects to the ground mount and other supporting infrastructure to provide a stable and uniform position for the solar panels to be fitted into.
Solar panel frame mounts also contribute to the efficiency of the solar panel in generating energy since they determine the angle the panel is held at in relation to the sun; adjustable mounts for both ground and roof installations can be used so that maximum levels of sunlight hit the panel all year round.
Solar panel frames are not a legal requirement for your solar farm, but the frame is an important component of the system which should not be ignored. Frames organise your solar array in terms of uniformity and placement so you can maximise the number of panels on your land. They also give strength to the panel, protecting against outdoor elements such as wind and snow, and can be further adjusted so that the angle of the panel is optimised for sunlight absorption.
Frames are great mounts compared to ground alternatives such as console bins since they still make it possible for wildlife to live on the grounds surrounding them and for crops and plants to grow underneath them, which can help alleviate any environmental effects.
The average solar panel frame thickness is around 3 mm to 3.5 mm, however this depends on the material used and the requirements of the frame.
The main solar panel frame components needed for a mounting system include:
- Ground mounts – the mount attaching the frame to the ballast or pile on the ground.
- Ballast boxes or piles – the fixture which secures the frame and mount to the ground; ballast boxes are an above ground installation method whilst piling fixes the mount into the ground.
- Tilt legs – enables the solar panel to be angled for optimum sunlight throughout the year.
- Solar panel frames – the frame which holds the PV panel in place, securing and protecting the panel.
Solar Panel Site Accessories
When establishing a solar farm, it is essential to have the basic equipment. This equipment includes: solar panels, inverters, racking systems and ground mounts, and cable management systems.
Solar panels are used to capture and store solar energy, producing direct current (DC) energy; this is then converted to the more useful alternating current (AC) energy, which can be utilised by the National Grid. For solar farms, a central inverter is most common - converting the cumulative energy of all panels. Racking systems include the framework upon which the solar panels are secured, such as frames and ground mounts. Cable management systems manage the cabling for solar farms, necessary for the protection of both trenched and above ground cables.
Solar panel site accessories are complementary to systems, and often essential for the better management of larger systems, such as solar farms. Accessories such as cable management trays lead to better organisation and safety of sites, whilst inverter steps and platforms enable access to inverters which are housed in isolation for safety and practicality.
Sheep Guards
It is perfectly safe for sheep to graze in the same field as solar panels, and in some cases, it can even increase productivity as fields can be multifunctional. Larger forms of livestock, such as cows and goats, should not be kept amongst solar panel systems, however, due to their size.
For some it may be preferable to prevent sheep’s direct access to solar power systems for greater protection of both the animal and system. Sheep guards can be utilised for this purpose.
Studies surrounding the safety of solar power systems have shown there is minimal risk of leaching from the materials used for these systems into the soil. A solar panel is generally made from silicon, which is not a harmful substance if it were to leak into the ground; the framing for these systems is made from steel or aluminium, which are moreover safe materials to use within the ground.
Solar Inverter Steps
A solar inverter transforms direct current, which is created by solar panels, to alternating current, which can be used by the National Grid. An inverter achieves this through a transformer, which lowers and changes the voltage. The inverter runs direct current through a minimum of two transistors that rapidly turn on and off and feed the two sides of the transformer, forcing the direct current to act like an alternating current which moves in two directions.
Inverter size, or capacity, is measured in watts; the size of the inverter should match the wattage output produced by the solar power system, if not exceed it, in order to handle the power produced. This can be matched by multiple inverters if a single inverter cannot handle the expected output.
Solar Inverter Platform
The main two types of inverters used within large scale solar power systems are central inverters and micro-inverters.
Central inverters are the most common type of inverter used for large scale systems - starting from around 100kW in size, they centralise and convert the cumulative power of all panels.
Micro-inverters are used for one singular panel - this is to more accurately measure individual solar panels, which can be used to increase productivity of each panel. Micro-inverters are more expensive than one central inverter.
A solar farm connects to an electrical grid firstly through an inverter which changes the direct current produced by solar panels to alternating current which can be employed by the Grid; this current then connects to a grid through a point of interconnection - this is different for utility-scale and community scale systems but connection is facilitated by a distribution line or transmission line, or substation which ensures the appropriate voltage is distributed for the Grid.
Cable Management Trays
Cabling for solar power systems is referred to as PV wire - photovoltaic wire. This is a single conductor wire which is insulated for the protection of the wire and current. PV wire is typically made from copper or aluminium as these materials are conductive so will carry current from the solar panels to the inverter.
PV wire can further be solid or stranded - stranded wire is more flexible and can withstand vibrations which may occur within outdoor applications, however solid is more efficient when used across distances.
Wire management is the best way to protect solar panel wires. Solar panel wires can be protected by a cable management tray - which is an increasingly popular form of above-ground cabling which removes the need for trenching.
Cable management trays keep wires arranged in a neat form; protected against pests; ensures that there are no tight bends in the wire which may damage it; and lifts wires away from rough surfaces or elements on the ground, protecting both wire and those who may come into contact with the solar power system.