AU2002234438B2

AU2002234438B2 - Panel

Info

Publication number: AU2002234438B2
Application number: AU2002234438A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Campbell John Seccombe
Original assignee: BlueScope Steel Ltd
Current assignee: BlueScope Steel Ltd
Priority date: 2001-03-07
Filing date: 2002-03-07
Publication date: 2005-10-13
Anticipated expiration: 2022-03-07

Description

PCT/AU02/00260 Received 14 February 2003

PANEL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a metal panel and a method of forming a metal panel. The invention relates particularly but not exclusively to a metal fencing panel and a method of making a fencing panel. The invention also relates to metal cladding panels for walls and roofs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a metal panel which at least in part is microfluted with substantially parallel and spaced apart groove and ridge formations wherein the depth from ridge peak to groove root is in the range of 0.05mm to 5mm and the pitch from ridge peak to adjacent ridge peak is in the range of to Preferably the depth is 0.1mm and the pitch is Preferably the groove and ridge formations are of essentially constant depth and pitch.

Preferably the groove formations are of substantially

V-

shaped cross-section and the ridge formations are of substantially inverted V-shaped cross-section. More preferably the groove and ridge formations have rounded peaks and nadirs respectively.

Preferably the metal panel is elongate. More preferably the elongate metal panel is provided with at least a pair of longitudinally extending and spread apart rib formations and a pan disposed between said pair of rib formations wherein the pan is at least in part microfluted by the provision of the substantially parallel and spaced apart groove and ridge formations. In one example the AMENDED SHEET

IPEAIAU

PCT/AU02/00260 Received 14 February 2003 2 groove and ridge formations are oriented parallel to the rib formations.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a metal panel, said method involving roll forming microflutes in at least part of the panel, the microflutes being in the form of substantially parallel and spaced apart groove and ridge formations, wherein the depth from ridge peak to groove root is in the range of 0.05mm to 5mm-and the pitch from ridge peak to adjacent ridge peak is in the ranges 10mm to Preferably the microflutes are formed in at least part of a pan disposed between a pair of substantially parallel and spaced apart rib formations in-the panel. More preferably the microflutes are oriented parallel to the rib formations.

Preferably the microflutes are cold roll formed. More preferably the microflutes are cold roll formed together with the pair of rib formations.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a profiled metal fencing panel including a plurality of spaced apart micro-flutes located at and/or between and extending generally parallel to adjacent crests and/or troughs of the profiled panel, wherein the depth from ridge peak to groove root is in the range of 0.05mm to 5mm and the pitch from ridge peak to adjacent ridge peak is in the ranges 10mm to Preferably the flutes are microflutes. More preferably the ratio of the depth to the pitch of the microflutes is less than approximately 1:15.

Preferably each of the crests and/or troughs at least in part includes a respective pan in which the flutes are AMCI-'DED

SHEET

(PH/A

PCT/AU02/00260 Received 14 February 2003 3 formed. More preferably the pan includes a pair of spaced apart ribs arranged parallel to the crests and/or troughs and between which the flutes are formed. In this example the pans are substantially flat and arranged parallel to and offset from the general plane of the panel.

Alternatively the panel includes a pan adjoining adjacent of the crests and troughs, the flutes being formed in the pan. In this example the pans are substantially flat and inclined out of the general plane of the panel.

Preferably the flutes are together of a zig zag configuration. More preferably adjacent flutes are each in transverse cross-section generally V-shaped and inverted V shaped respectively.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of forming a profiled metal fencing panel, said method involving roll forming a plurality of spaced apart micro flutes located at and/or between and extending generally parallel to adjacent crests and/or troughs of the profiled panel, wherein the depth from ridge peak to groove root is in' the range of 0.05mm to and the pitch from ridge peak to adjacent ridge peak is in the ranges 10mm to Preferably the flutes are cold roll formed. More preferably the flutes are cold roll formed together with the adjacent crests and troughs of the panel.

Generally the metal fencing panel is constructed of relatively thin gauge strip steel such as 0.35 BMT ZINCALUME pre-coated steel or double sided COLORBOND prepainted steel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to facilitate a better understanding of the fWEE PCT/AU02/00260 Received 14 February 2003 3a nature of the present invention several preferred embodiments of a fencing panel will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an end view together with enlarged views AMENDSD MtET

IPENNAUB

WO 02/070839 PCT/AU02/00260 4 of one embodiment of a fencing panel; Figures 2 to 4 are isometric, top and bottom views respectively of the fencing panel of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an engineering drawing of one and several of the fencing panels of Figure 1 lapped with one another; Figure 6 is an end and detailed view of another embodiment of a fencing panel; Figure 7 to 9 are isometric, top and bottom views respectively of the fencing panel of Figure 6; Figure 10 is an engineering drawing of one and several of the fencing panels of Figure 6 lapped with one another; Figure 11 is an end together with detailed and exaggerated views of an embodiment of a cladding panel for roofs and walls; and Figures 12 to 14 are isometric, top and bottom views respectively of the cladding panel of Figure 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in Figure 1, there is one embodiment of a metal fencing panel designated generally as 10. The metal fencing panel 10 is profiled and includes a plurality of adjacent crests and troughs such as 12 and 14, respectively. The crests and troughs 12 and 14 are in transverse cross-section generally trapezium-shaped and identical to one another.

The crests 12 and troughs 14 of the panel 10 include respective pans 16 and 18. The pans 16 and 18 each include a plurality or series of spaced apart flutes arranged parallel to one another and the corresponding crest or trough 12 or 14. The series of flutes are in this embodiment in the form of microflutes such as illustrated in the lower enlarged view of Figure 1. The series of microflutes 20 together are in a zig zag formation although it is clear from the enlarged illustration that the microflutes such as 20 are WO 02/070839 PCT/AU02/00260 5 particularly fine. Adjacent microflutes such as 20 of this embodiment are in transverse cross-section substantially V-shaped and inverted V-shaped respectively and the microflutes have a depth to width ratio of around 1:15. The series of microflutes are bordered on opposing edge portions of the pan such as 16 by a pair of spaced apart and longitudinally extending ribs 22 and 24. The ribs 22 and 24 are in cross-section shaped generally arcuate and directed inwardly of the panel Figures 2 to 4 are isometric, top and bottom views respectively of the fencing panel 10 of Figure 1 with the crests/troughs 12/14 and microflutes such as 20 and ribs 22 extending longitudinally of the elongated panel The elongate metal fencing panel 10 is shown broken to indicate that it may be of any length. Otherwise, the corresponding components of the fencing panel 10 have been designated in accordance with Figure 1. The relatively fine microflutes 20 are represented by the fine lines of the respective pans 16 or 18 whereas the thick or bolded lines depict the longitudinal ribs such as 22 and 24.

Figure 5 includes engineering profile and lap drawings for the fencing panel 10 of Figure 1. The engineering drawings are for reasons of clarity and simplicity shown without the microflutes such as 20. In this example, three of the panels 10 are lapped with one another to form part of a fence. The trapezium-shaped crests 12 and troughs 14 together with the microflutes 20 resemble a wooden paling fence. Adjacent free edge portions of adjacent of the panels such as 10 nest within one another as depicted in the lap detail of the engineering drawings.

The lap connection is designed so that adjoining panels are not readily visible. The edge portions are Z-shaped and terminate at the longitudinal rib of the adjoining panel.

WO 02/070839 PCT/AU02/00260 6 Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of a metal fencing panel 100. In order to avoid repetition and for ease of reference like components of this panel !00 compared to the preceding panel 10 have been designated with an additional for example the microflutes are designated as 200.

The profiled panel 100 includes the adjacent crests and troughs 120 and 140 which in this example are adjoined by a pan such as 180. The pan such as 180 is substantially flat and includes the series of microflutes 200 across its width. The crests and troughs such as 120 and 140 together with the adjoining pan 180 are repeated in the panel 100 in a cascading wave form.

Figures 7 to 9 depict the elongate fencing panel 100 of Figure 6 in isometric top and bottom views, respectively.

The cascading profiles and microflutes of this embodiment of the fencing panel 100 are designed to aesthetically create an attractive and "natural" appearance. The engineering drawings of Figure 10 show adjacent of the panels such as 100 lapped with one another in a similar fashion to the previous embodiment.

Traditionally the roll forming of crests and troughs in profiled panels results in what is known as "oil canning" where the surface of the material is distorted by stretching of the sheet metal. It has been found in the present application that formation of the micro flutes in the panel reduces the visibility of "oil canning", although it may not eliminate the waviness.

The flutes or preferably microflutes such as 20 or 200 of these embodiments are relatively fine. For example, the depth to which the pan such as 18 or 180 is plastically deformed may be 0.5 of a millimetre or less. The flute may have a pitch of around 10 mm and this level of WO 02/070839 PCT/AU02/00260 7 deformation represents a depth to pitch ratio of each flute of less than about 1:15. The depth of the microflutes 20 to 200 is measured from ridge peak to groove root whereas the pitch is measured from ridge peak to adjacent ridge peak. In this example the fencing panels such as 10 or 100 are roll formed from 0.35 BMT AZ150 ZINCALUME pre-coated steel or double-sided COLORBOND pre-painted steel.

Figures 11 to 14 illustrate a cladding panel having longitudinally extending micro flutes of the kind described in relation to the fencing panels. The cladding panel 1000 is generally used in roof or wall construction.

The cladding panel 1000 is similar in general construction to that of the applicant's roof cladding commercially available in Australia under the trade mark KLIP-LOK. In order to avoid repetition and for ease of reference, like components of this cladding panel 1000 compared to the preceding panel 100 have been designated with an additional for example the microflutes are designated as 2000. The panel 1000 is provided in this example with four longitudinally extending and equally spaced apart rib formations such as 1200. Adjacent pairs of rib formations such as 1200 and 1200' are interconnected by a pan 1800 which includes a plurality of substantially parallel and spaced apart microflutes such as 2000. The microflutes are formed from a plurality of substantially parallel and spaced apart groove and rib formations of an identical configuration to that described in the preceding embodiment. The enlarged and exaggerated views of Figure 11 depict the specific shape of the microflutes 2000. The exaggerated view which is not to scale shows the depth of the ridge peak to groove root as and the pitch from ridge peak to adjacent ridge peak as Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the WO 02/070839 PCT/AU02/00260 8 invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described.

For example, the specific cross-sectional configuration,, of the panel may vary provided longitudinal flutes are located at or between crests and/or troughs of the panel.

In another aspect the panel may include the microflutes alone which provide an attractive appearance to the surface of the panel. The material may differ from that described provided it is appropriate for its application in fencing, roofing and wall cladding.

All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

In the preceding summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", that is the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A metal panel which at least in part is microfluted with substantially parallel and spaced apart groove and ridge formations, wherein'the depth from ridge peak to groove root is in the range of 0.05mm to 5mm and the pitch from ridge peak to adjacent ridge peak is in the range of to

2. A metal panel as defined in claim 1; wherein the ration-of the depth to the pitch of the mircroflutes is less than

3. A metal panel as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein the depth is 0.1mm and the pitch is

4. A metal panel as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the groove and ridge formations are of essentially constant depth and pitch.

A metal panel as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the groove formations are of substantially V-shaped cross-section and the ridge formations are of substantially inverted V-shaped cross-section.

6. A metal panel as defined in claim 5 wherein the groove and ridge formations have rounded peaks and nadirs respectively.

7. A metal panel as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the metal panel is elongate.

8. A metal panel as defined in claim 7 wherein the elongate metal panel is provided with at least a pair of longitudinally extending and spread apart rib formations and a pan disposed between said pair of rib formations wherein the pan is at least in part microfluted by the provision of the substantially parallel and spaced apart IPBEAU PCT/AU02/00260 Received 14 February 2003 10 provision of the substantially parallel and spaced apart groove and ridge formations.

9. A metal panel as defined in claim 8 wherein the groove and ridge formations are oriented parallel to the rib formations.

A method of forming a metal panel, said method involving roll forming microflutes in at least part of the panel, the microflutes being in the form of substantially parallel and spaced apart-groove and ridge formations, wherein the depth from ridge peak to groove root is in the range of 0.05mm to 5mm and the pitch from ridge peak to adjacent ridge peak is in the ranges 10mm to

11. A method of forming a metal panel as defined in claim wherein the ratio of the depth to the pitch of the micro flutes is less than approximately 1:15.

12. A method of forming a metal panel as defined in claim or 11 wherein the microflutes are formed in at least part of a pan disposed between a pair of substantially parallel and spaced apart rib formations in the panel.

.13. A method of forming a metal panel as defined in claim 12 wherein the microflutes are oriented parallel to the rib formations.

14. A method of forming a metal panel as defined in either of claims 12 or 13 wherein the microflutes are cold roll formed.

A method of forming a metal panel as defined in claim 14 wherein the microflutes are cold roll formed together with the pair of rib formations.

16. A profiled metal fencing panel including a plurality AMENDED SHEET PeeN* PCT/AU02/00260 Received 14 February 2003 11 of spaced apart microflutes located'at and/or between and extending generally parallel to adjacent crests"and/or troughs of the profiled panel, wherein the depth from ridge peak to groove root is in the range of 0.05mm to and the pitch from ridge peak to adjacent ridge peak is in the ranges 10mm to

17. A profiled metal fencing panel as defined in claim 16 wherein the flutes are microflutes.

18. A profiled metal fencing panel as defined in either of claims 16 or 17 wherein the ratio of the depth to the pitch of the microflutes is less than approximately 1:15.

19. A profiled metal fencing panel as defined in any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein each of the crests and/or troughs at least in part includes a respective pan in which the flutes are formed.

20. A profiled metal fencing panel as defined in claim 19 wherein the pan includes a pair of spaced apart ribs arranged parallel to the crests and/or troughs and between which the flutes are formed.

21. A profiled metal fencing panel as defined in either of claims 19 or 20 wherein the pans are substantially flat and arranged parallel to and offset from the general plane of the panel.

22. A profiled metal panel as defined in any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the panel includes a pan adjoining adjacent of the crests and troughs, the flutes being formed in the pan.

23. A profiled metal fencing panel as defined in claim 22 whereinthe pans are substantially flat and inclined out of the general plane of the panel.

AMEDED SHEET !Plare 8%1IL f ii PCT/AU02/00260 Received 14 February 2003 -12- of claims 16 to 23 wherein the flutes are together of a zig zag configuration.

25. A profiled metal fencing panel as defined in claim 24 wherein adjacent flutes are each in transverse cross- section generally V-shaped and inverted V shaped respectively.

26. A method of forming a profiled metal fencing panel, said method involving roll forming a plurality of spaced apart microflutes located at and/or between and extending generally parallel to adjacent crests and/or troughs of the profiled panel, wherein the depth from ridge peak to groove root is in the range of 0.05mm to 5mm and the pitch from ridge peak to adjacent ridge peak is in the ranges to

27. A method of forming a profiled metal fencing as defined in claim 26, wherein the ration of the depth to pitch of the mircoflutes is less than approximately 1:15.

28. A method of forming a profiled metal fencing as defined in claim 26 wherein the flutes are cold roll formed.

29. A method'of forming a profiled metal fencing as defined in either of claims 27 or 28 wherein the flutes are cold roll formed together with the adjacent crests and troughs of the panel. A ENDED M IF'iiEsAA