A comprehensive guide to understanding what Unistrut is, its history, and the various industries and projects it serves.

 

Unistrut, a name synonymous with versatile, durable, and reliable structural framing, has become a staple in various industries for over a century. This system has revolutionized the way professionals design and construct support structures for piping, electrical systems, and other critical components in buildings, factories, and construction projects. Whether you are an engineer, contractor, or someone just learning about Unistrut, this comprehensive guide will provide you with a deep understanding of what it is, its history, and how it serves different industries and projects.

What is Unistrut?

Unistrut is a brand of metal framing systems used to create versatile support structures for a variety of applications. The system consists of a series of steel channels, fittings, brackets, and accessories that can be assembled into support structures for electrical conduit, piping, HVAC systems, and more. The components can be cut, bent, and customized to meet the specific needs of the project.

The key feature of Bracket is its ease of assembly and its flexibility. The metal framing system is designed to simplify the construction of custom supports without requiring welding or complex tools. Instead, components are easily bolted together, making it a quick and cost-effective solution for many applications.

The History of Unistrut

The history of Unistrut dates back to the early 20th century when it was first introduced by the Bracket Corporation in 1910. Originally designed as a means of supporting electrical systems in buildings, Bracket quickly gained popularity due to its ease of use and versatile applications. It was a game-changer for engineers and contractors, as it provided a simple, flexible, and strong alternative to traditional methods of support, such as welding or wooden frameworks.

As the years progressed, Bracket expanded its range of products to include a broader selection of channels, brackets, hangers, and accessories. Its adoption grew beyond electrical and industrial applications and soon found use in other sectors, including construction, telecommunications, and even entertainment.

Today, Unistrut is a trusted name in the structural framing industry and continues to be a preferred choice for engineers and construction professionals around the world.

The Components of Unistrut

A key factor in the versatility of Unistrut is the wide variety of components that make up the system. The main component is the metal channel, which is usually made of steel but can also be made of aluminum or stainless steel for specific applications. These channels come in a variety of sizes and lengths, with pre-punched holes that allow for easy bolting of other components.

In addition to the channel, Bracket includes a wide selection of accessories, including:

• Brackets: Used to connect channels together at different angles, allowing for the creation of frames and supports in various configurations.
• Hangers: Designed to support pipes, electrical conduit, and other systems, these are mounted to the Bracket frame to provide a sturdy platform.
• Clamps: Clamps are used to secure pipes or conduit to the Bracket framework, ensuring that everything stays in place.
• Cross members: These are used to connect multiple channels and provide extra support or structural integrity to larger frameworks.

Industries and Projects Served by Unistrut

Unistrut has proven to be incredibly adaptable, serving a wide range of industries and projects. Here are some of the most common sectors where Bracket is frequently used:

1. Construction

In the construction industry, Bracket provides essential support for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. From holding up HVAC systems and piping to creating racks for electrical cables, Bracket framing systems are used in virtually every commercial and industrial construction project. It’s especially beneficial in high-rise buildings and large-scale facilities where complex support structures are needed.

2. Telecommunications

Telecommunications companies rely heavily on Bracket to provide support for the heavy equipment, cables, and antennas used in cell towers and other communication infrastructure. The framing system is also used in server racks and data centers to hold wires, conduits, and equipment securely.

3. Manufacturing and Industrial Applications

In manufacturing plants and factories, Bracket is widely used to support heavy machinery, overhead piping systems, conveyors, and electrical equipment. Its adaptability allows manufacturers to customize their setups as production processes evolve, without the need for costly and time-consuming construction changes.

4. Oil and Gas

The oil and gas industry uses Bracket extensively for building support structures in refineries, power plants, and offshore platforms. These systems need to withstand harsh environmental conditions, and Unistrut’s strong steel construction ensures that pipes, electrical systems, and machinery are securely mounted, even in extreme environments.

5. Renewable Energy

Unistrut is also finding increasing use in the renewable energy sector, where it is used to support solar panel arrays, wind turbines, and other renewable infrastructure. The ability to quickly assemble and adjust the framework makes Bracket a perfect solution for these types of projects, where time and flexibility are critical.

6. Entertainment and Events

In the entertainment industry, Unistrut is often used for rigging and supporting stage equipment, lighting systems, and sound infrastructure. Its flexibility allows for the creation of custom structures for concerts, theater performances, and other live events.

7. Automotive and Aerospace

Unistrut also has applications in automotive and aerospace industries, where precise structural components are required for assembly lines, testing equipment, and framework for specialized machinery. The modular nature of Unistrut allows for easy integration into complex systems.

Why Choose Unistrut?

Unistrut is a favorite for engineers, contractors, and construction professionals for several reasons:

• Flexibility: The modular system can be easily adapted to a wide range of applications and configurations.
• Strength: Made from durable materials like steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, Bracket is built to withstand heavy loads and harsh environments.
• Ease of Use: Unistrut components are designed to be quickly assembled, reducing labor costs and project timelines.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Because Bracket doesn’t require welding or other complex processes, it’s a more affordable option compared to other construction methods.

Conclusion

Unistrut is a versatile, robust, and cost-effective structural framing system that has stood the test of time. From its humble beginnings in electrical support to its widespread use across various industries, it has proven itself to be an invaluable tool in construction, manufacturing, telecommunications, and many other sectors. Whether you’re involved in a major infrastructure project or a smaller-scale construction, Bracket offers a flexible, reliable solution that can meet a variety of needs. With its continued evolution and widespread applications, Bracket remains a go-to choice for professionals worldwide.