Hi @mitc69,
Thank you for your question about steel framing.
I'll start by clarifying that our steel track and studs, which are produced by Siniat are designed for use as internal walls only. They are not designed to be load-bearing in the same way as external walls are. There are steel framing systems that can be used as external walls, but you would need to confirm the suitability for your project with the manufacturer of that specific system.
When combined, Siniat's steel framing is very strong and is more than capable of supporting the weight of doors, plasterboard and other sheet materials in internal applications.
It can be cut with an angle grinder, but one of the true advantages of the system is that it can be cut with aviation snips. This makes it very easy to work with, allowing you to measure, cut and install all in the same spot using lightweight tools.
Studs are spaced at 450mm intervals with small, flat-headed tek screws, like these Buildex Metal C3 Smooth Top Tek Screws 10g x 16mm used to screw them together.
It will be worth having a look through Siniat's Blueprint technical manual which is the main reference used for construction with this system.
A welded frame made from heavy gauge SHS is likely a better option for external walls, however, you would need to ensure it complies with the relevant building standards and the NCC. It is likely worth consulting with a Builder or Engineer who is aware of the requirements for this kind of construction to ensure everything is up to standard. Once the external walls are framed to the relevant standards, steel stud and track is a great option for your internal walls.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
