This invention relates to
metal framing (2, 3, 4), in particular steel framing for
building construction. The invention also relates to a method of constructing a
metal frame
assembly (2, 3, 4) and
roll forming apparatus (41) for producing
metal framing for
building construction. The individual components of the metal frame (2, 3, 4), and
assembly made from these components is adapted to provide for a substantially even planar surface without deformations, to which a cladding may be attached with a preferred even finish. The invention also includes
roll forming apparatus (41) adapted for producing metal framing (2, 3, 4) of this type, and particularly adapted to produce metal frame members (2, 3, 4) having a predominantly C-section profile (7), with one or more portions of a U-section profile (9, 6), the U-section (9, 6) and C-section (7) profiles formed simultaneously on the same sheet metal strip (43). The apparatus (41) is also adapted to form narrowing or
swaging of the channel at same or all U-section portions (6). The overall method of constructing a building frame
assembly of the invention includes recording data defining a unit area in which a frame assembly is to fit,
processing the data to design a frame assembly to fit that unit area, and controlling operation of
roll forming apparatus (41) by a computing means using the processed data, to produce frame members (2, 3, 4)
cut and formed ready for assembly to produce the required design of frame assembly.