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FAQ About Chicago Metal Rolled Products

General questions about Chicago Metal Rolled Products

What does Chicago Metal Rolled Products do?

We are a contract manufacturer or “job shop” that specializes in the bending of beams, tube bending, and bending pipes—structural steel bending of every shape including also angles, bars, channels, tees, and rail. Steel plate rolling and steel sheet rolling are also specialties.

How big is your company?

We have 100,000 square feet under roof in Chicago and 30,000 square feet in Kansas City MO with a total of approximately 80 employees. We’ve been in business since 1908. We are a financially strong company and have excellent credit with our vendors. (Our Dun and Bradstreet paydex score is in the mid 80s, a credit rating that puts us in the top 7% of the D & B’s best companies for credit. Our D & B number is 107510919.)

Where are you located?

In Chicago at 3715 S. Rockwell St., Chicago, IL 60632. In Kansas City at 2193 Manchester Drive, Kansas City, MO 64126


Technical Curving Questions

What is the minimum radius you can curve?

We maintain constantly updated records concerning what shapes can be rolled to what minimum radii with what distortion, if any. We believe that the best answer comes from a dialogue with our customers to determine the best way to address each challenge. Please call us.

Are the structural properties of the metal affected by the curving the metal?

Chicago Metal does not provide engineering services to answer this question, and we make no representation regarding such matters. You may find your answer at least as how it applies to wide flange beams in an article by Reidar Bjorhovde in Engineering Review, Fourth Quarter, 2006. "When a shape has been curved successfully, with no buckling or localized cracking, the strains the member will experience under actual service conditions will be much smaller than those associated with the curving operation. Once the curving is done, the member can be expected to perform as intended." Reidar Bjorhovde. We can also work with you to provide samples and laboratory testing of products to provide more answers to your questions.

I heard aluminum is hard to bend. Can you bend material other than mild steel?

Yes, we regularly bend aluminum and stainless and have also worked with titanium, copper, brass and plastics.

What distortion or shrinkage can I expect?

Again, your best approach is to call us and we can refer to our records.

Do you supply the material for projects or does the customer?

We are happy to do the work either way. We have excellent relationships with steel suppliers including competitive pricing and next-day delivery from well-stocked inventories of quality material. We are located in one of the largest centers of steel inventory in the nation.

Do you do work beyond curving structural steel, sheet and plate?

We provide additional services as long as they involve some bending of metal. For example, we often saw cut, torch cut, weld, grind, and fabricate bent sections. We punch holes in curved steel and provide blasting and painting.

Payment Terms

Do you accept credit cards? Yes

VISA, MASTER CARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS.

What are your credit terms?

That is determined at the time you place your order. Typical terms are Net 30, but there can be many variations from that standard.

Do you have a minimum order?

Yes, $100 on both stock and special items.


Architects and Engineers

Do you work with architects and engineers?

Every day we consult with architects and engineers and often give seminars on curving steel at firms and association meetings. The company has made presentations on curving steel for AISC; OWP/P; CUH2A; HOK; Populous; Ericksen and Roed; Teng and Associates; Walter P. Moore; the Structural Steel Fabricators of New England; Graef, Anhalt, Schloemer; Skidmore, Owings and Merrill; Adrian Smith+Gordon Gill; and the Chicago Architecture Foundation Corporate Partners.

We have also consulted with engineers from Case, Boeing, Lockheed, Halliburton, Trane, Caterpillar, Vermeer, Trinity Industries, as well as with those from countless other companies.

We regularly give lectures to engineering and architecture students including those at the Illinois Institute of Technology, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Lastly, we have presented seminars and exhibited at trade shows including the North American Steel Construction Conference, the Steel Tank Institute and Steel Plate Fabricators Association. We are active members of the Stairway Manufacturers Association, the American Welding Society, the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association, and the Bender and Roller Committee of the American Institute of Steel Construction.

Our work TESTIMONIALS
  • "A big thank you to your team. Your parts are receiving the most positive feedback possible. Your company has new fans here."
    Bruce E., Kansas
  • "Without CMRP able to roll these channels to my specifications, there was no way this beautiful round antenna would have ever worked. 
    Damon S., Wisconsin
  • "My customer has installed several truckloads worth of 36" x 160# WF beams you rolled and cambered for us. The quality is spot on."
    Justin J., Alabama
  • "The rolled stringers were right on the button as far as pitch and radius."
    Bob O., Illinois
  • "I really appreciate your company coming through on this order & expediting the material when you said you would.You stick by their word."
    Jason R., Missouri
  • "The last order of rings were the best that we have received from you. The flanges were all flat. Keep them coming like that."
    Lenny P., Ohio
  • "Thanks for OVER AND ABOVE EXCELLENT SERVICE.  The quality and accuracy of CMRP's work is outstanding"
    Peggy, Texas
  • "The ring looks good! The OD is dead on. Thank you for your concerns regarding our questions and responding so quickly. I was impressed!"
    Fran Z., Pennsylvania
  • "Please pass on to the workers, . . . (your) rings . . . were some of the best our fitter has seen."
    Jeff K., Illinois
  • "I want to thank CMRP for exceeding what you promised. You are ahead of schedule and the strakes are fitting great."
    Jim A., New York
  • "Your advice was a significant contribution to the project.  You provide excellent service and knowledge"
    John Z., Illinois
  • "These pipes were rolled DEAD ON. The shop guys said they had never seen a pipe come in and hit every point like that in a long long time."
    Joe C., Missouri
  • "The rolling on these rectangular tubes was absolutely perfect! Barely any adjustment needed to be made."
    Tom G., Massachusetts
  • “We just placed an order for Rolled Angle Rings & you delivered them to us within 2-1/2 days ... we are three states away.”
    Jim S., Pennsylvania
  • “I would like a quote on a spiral project. I have heard many good things about your quality and timeliness from other fabricators.”
    Ryan L., Utah
  • “The rolled beams were delivered yesterday and look very good. Thank you for great service!”
    Thomas S., Maine
  • “I’ve worked with CMRP for over 16 years and can rely on them for any size job and in any time frame. CMRP delivers every time.”
    Mindy, H., Indiana
  • “It is unbelievable how good a job you guys did rolling these beams.”
    Richard G., Canada
  • “You all helped us out greatly when no one else seemed they could. Everything worked out wonderfully!”
    Cliff P., Florida
  • “The parts are very impressive and the service was stellar. I will certainly be recommending you to anyone needing such services.”
    Randy W., Georgia
  • “We got everything we needed in a very short turnaround, I appreciate it.  We are happy to have a reliable source to turn to.”
    Russell P., Illinois
  • “Quote was great! Timely, appropriate, and frankly less money than we expected.”
    James L., New York
  • “CMRP immediately took action and shipped out my order the same day! This all happened like clockwork, allowing us to meet the deadline.”
    Margo R., Ohio
  • “We only use CMRP for our rolling needs. We can always depend on getting a finished product that is to our expectations or better.”
    David P., New York
  • “I wish everyone could get quotes back that fast! That is why we use you, fast response to quotes and questions and great quality!”
    Will F., Indiana
  • “Your quotes are always so well organized and thorough, I trust your work.”
    Jessica, South Carolina
  • “On larger more complex rolling items, I typically only go to Chicago Metal Rolled Products for pricing due to quality.”
    Kevin H., Pennsylvania
  • “Thanks for providing the material. First two sets were laid out and fabricated. Radius was excellent!”
    Brad, Iowa
  • “We really appreciate your work on this. Amazing attention for a smaller sized job. Thank you for coming through.”
    Erik J., New York
  • “The project was AMAZING! Thank you so much for your help. I really do appreciate it. Always a pleasure doing business with you.”
    Kelly E., Iowa
  • “Your salesman provided a quick quote with an offer to explain things we should take into account. It's known you guys do the best work.”
    Mark R., Maryland
  • “Thank you for your help with the project and for getting everything complete and shipped out in a such a timely fashion. You guys saved the day.”
    Ben B., Florida
  • “You guys did an amazing job on these stringers. We would NOT be having such a success story without your team's effort & patience!”
    David B., Oklahoma
  • “You gave me excellent service and help which I appreciated very much. Material was on time and right on spec.”
    Brian S., Pennsylvania
  • “Your positive attitude is noted & CMRP reputation in the steel industry is impressive. All of our locations will contact you in the future.”
    Dave B., North Carolina
  • “My boilermakers in the field had positive things to say about the quality and accuracy of the angles that you rolled. Thank you.”
    Walter L., New York
  • “The project is complete and our customer is very pleased. I appreciate your diligence and quality on this one.”
    Dusty A., Texas
  • “CMRP has been instrumental in our ability to deliver high quality & great looking parts. Any job, big or small, CMRP has come through.”
    Eddie C., Kansas
  • “Your rolled steel worked great! We check lengths & chord dimensions ...everything was within an 1/8".”
    Don L., Michigan
  • “We received our order on time and the level of workmanship is excellent!"
    Roger R., Georgia
  • “Your company did a great job rolling these parts. Our fab and installation is going very well thanks to the quality of your work."
    Ronnie S., North Carolina
  • “Your company is the only one that was able to give me a quote that was right on with my specs, everyone else had to modify at least one dimension."
    Adam S., Minnesota
  • “Thank you for the follow through & turn around time, it greatly helps in the environment that exists today."
    Don F., Nevada
  • “This was our first experience with your company & I was very impressed with all aspects."
    Rick N., Minnesota
  • “I want all to know your hard work and efforts have not gone without appreciation."
    Lance B., Minnesota
  • “The accuracy and quality of your product put a smile on our foremans face - that is hard to come by."
    Jonathan S., New York
  • “Competitive price. Beat the schedule. No complaints from the project site."
    Lane K., Florida
  • “We appreciate you working with our tight schedule and overdelivering on this project."
    Alyson M., Texas
  • “The rolled segments were perfect and priced right. We will definitely use you again."
    Joe M., Nebraska
  • “Your group is awesome to work with and greatly appreciated!"
    Tammie N., Kansas
  • “You did EVERYTHING correctly. That's why you guys are the best in the business!"
    Walt W., Florida
  • “It was very impressive to get such rapid service and a great product."
    Jeff L., Pennsylvania
  • “Very impressed with your speed and overall service!"
    Brian W., Iowa
  • “Great service, product looks good, arrived a day early. Thank you!"
    David C., New York
  • “Your work, as always, near perfect, timely, and accurate. Exactly the same for the last 40 years."
    Pat M., Wisconsin
  • “Absolutely fantastic job by your guys! The fit of the two parts in AWESOME!"
    Kenny R., Florida
  • “The other guys were off by 3/4", CMRP spot on. We won't even question where to send our rolled plates in the future."
    Brant M., Illinois
  • “Your guys responsiveness is way better than any vendor that I have ever dealt with!"
    Jay W., Minnesota
  • “I always appreciate your continual positive attitude even in some difficult situations."
    Christopher L., Illinois
  • “We could not be happier with the parts and customer service you and your team provided. We have never been disappointed."
    Rodney H., Virginia
  • “What an amazing first time experience!! Couldn't be happier!."
    Jason S., Indiana
  • “We consider your company to be one which we can always count on to be on time and accurate."
    Andre T., Missouri
  • “It was very easy working with your company. I will recommend your company to others."
    Jim R., Illinois
  • “You handle all of our orders quickly and efficiently. Working with you is a joy!"
    Patti W., Texas
  • “Pieces fit like a glove"
    Mark F., New Jersey
  • “Customer service is important to us and you hit the mark! It has been a pleasure."
    Dan P., New York
  • “Couldn't be happier with both the order and how quickly you processed everything. Very happy!"
    Dan M., Texas
  • “The rolled plates & tube laser parts are perfect - having the plates rolled without any pickup, & ends meet up on true verticals is HUGE!"
    Jim M., New York
  • “High praises on the work you folks did. It's nice to know you guys are around."
    Peter B., Illinois
  • “Your superior service and quality are unmatched. This is not a cliche."
    Ted S.,Indiana