Chicago Metal Rolled Products Newsroom

Extreme Steel Bending - Written in Modern Steel Construction

March, 2023

A look at material considerations and properties and how they can make or break a curved steel project.  Sheer size and geometry alone don't define extreme bending.  Rather, it is defined as the scientific approach to considering and analyzing a specified curved structural steel emember.

 

The Evolution of Stair Stringers - Written in Metal Fabricator

June, 2022

Ornamental bending and rolling have changed dramatically over the past century, beginning with detailed ironwork, and continuing through today's grand staircases.  Chicago Metal Rolled Products (CMRP), a fouth-generation family business, has seen this evolution take place and experienced firsthand how industry demand has driven innovation in the fabtication space over the past 114 years.

 

IDEAS2 Award Winner - Written in Modern Steel Construction

May 1, 2020

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest in the world, transformed its 40-year-old terminals by introducing a new architectural icon that won the National Award for Sculptures/Art Installations/Nonbuilding Structures for the 2020 IDEAS2 award.  Dual 864-ft. long canopies featured curved hollow structural steel (HSS) provided by Chicago Metal Rolled Products.

 

Heavy Duty Hardware - Written in Modern Steel Construction

April 1, 2020

Opened last year on the University of Maryland College Park campus, the new Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Sciences and Engineering houses the school's highly ranked Department of Computer Sciences and the Institute for Advanced Computer Studies.  CMRP helically rolled HSS12x4x.375 stair stringers inside the atrium of the 215,600 sq. ft building.

Steel Sendoff - Written in Modern Steel Construction

February 1, 2020

The 166,000 sq. ft. Norwegian Cruise Line facility under construction on Dodge Island between downtown Miami and Miami Beach will service cruise ships with capacities as large as 5,000 passengers.  The curvaceous building is 128 ft tall at its peak and 800 ft long - all framed with 7,400 tons of steel.  Massive rolled truss framing at both ends, each connecting seamlessly with the parabolic curved roof.

 

Into the Woods - Written in Modern Steel Construction

January 1, 2020

A new outdoor performance space in Des Moines, IA has been constructed between the trees in Water Works Park.  The focal point is the steel-framed Lauridsen Amphitheater that is flanked by two woven steel "trees".  The complex, curved steel columns are a natural response to the local environment, inspired by the form of an oak tree.

 

Exposed Expansion - Written in Modern Steel Construction

June 6, 2019

Exposed steel creates visual drama in a Miami mall expansion -- and plays a pivotal role in the addition of a second level mid-construction.  Aventura Mall is the third-largest shopping mall in the U.S. with more than 2.7 million sq ft of retail, dining and recreational areas.  It also serves as a transportation hub for both Miami-Dade Transit and Broward County Transit services.

 

Making the Point - Written in Modern Steel Construction

April 3, 2017

Located on the campus of High Point University in High Point, N.C., the 46,000-sq.-ft, $13.4 million, two-story structure is long and slender, but features multiple openings between the first and second floors, as well as a large, open dome. Combining traditional Georgian architecture with an innovative structural steel framing system, it incorporates meeting, classroom and study spaces.

 

PRESS RELEASE: Heat Induction Bending

May 4, 2016

Chicago Metal Rolled Products (CMRP) recently expanded its capabilities with the addition of heat induction bending.  Induction bending allows CMRP to bend square and rectangular pipe and tubes, as well as other structural shapes, to tight radii with minimal deformation or distortion to the material.

 

Green Connection. Written in Modern Steel Construction

Apr 8, 2016

A seven-year, multi-building expansion to Loyola University Chicago included a modern greenhouse that links old and new construction on its urban North Shore Campus.  36 tons of HSS was curved to various radiuses from 250ft to 12ft.

 

How a Plate Rolling Rookie Becomes a Guru - Written in The FABRICATOR

Dec 10, 2015

It is the constant talk among shop managers:  finding skilled employees can be a frustrating challenge.  What do these people need to be successful?  Communication.  And we are not talking about just "talking".  People can talk all day long and not learn a thing.

 

ASTM A1085 Specifications

Dec 6, 2013

This past spring, ASTM A1085-13 was released, offering several improvements to the requirements of ASTM A500 for the production of HSS.  If an engineer chooses to use this new material, there are some thingsto think about if this steel material is to be curved.

 

East Boston Public Library

Oct 31, 2013

The July 2013 issue of Modern Steel Construction features the article "Reading Between the Lines" about the new East Boston Public Library.  Chicago Metal Rolled Products provided the curved steel which features prominently in the nearly 15,000 square foot library.

 

Takeoffs That Helped Land An Aviation Marvel - Written by George F. Wendt

Oct 27, 2013

The recently completed expansion of the Mineta San Jose Airport Terminal B and Concourse project required the fabrication and erection of 420 tons of curved steel to provide the distinctive curvilinear shapes of the terminal and concourse structures. The finished structure earned a National Award in the AISC 2011 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (IDEAS) awards program.

 

May 1, 2012

Ten structural steel building projects earned national recognition in the 2012 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (IDEAS2) awards program.  This award recognizes achievements in engineering and architecture of steel-framed building projects throughout the United States.  Over 100 submissions were reviewed for this prestigious award.  The Merit Award for projects costing less than $15 million went to the Great American Tower at Queen City Square Roof-Top Tiara, Cincinnati, Ohio.  Chicago Metal Rolled Products proudly provided 133 tons of curved steel pipe for the 2012 IDEAS2 Merit Award winning project: Great American Tower at Queen City Square Roof-Top Tiara, Cincinnati, Ohio.  The 13-story Tiara (modeled after Princess Diana's crown) brings the height of the building to 665 feet, making it Cincinnati's tallest building.


Apr 29, 2012
 
Bender-roller George Wendt strives for gold in the swimming pool and the curved steel industry.
 

Training your workforce for peak performance.
 
Oct 4, 2010

Read here to learn the determining factors of minimum bending radius for steel tubes, pipes, beams, bars, angles, tees and channels.

 
Oct 1, 2009

In an article published in AISC's Modern Steel Construction magazine, high quality tube bending helped create spectacular effects while achieving significant cost savings. The combination of Chicago Metal's tube bending and an innovative translucent covering created a hub for a revitalized downtown Kansas City.

Sep 1, 2009

Years before completion of Chicago's amazing Millennium Park, Chicago Metal was consulted regarding bending pipes for a massive trellis designed by Frank Gehry.

Mar 1, 2009

This 2009 article in Engineering News Record (ENR) explains how Chicago Metal--by bending pipes 16 inch in diameter--helped create a doubly curved transparent curtain wall for Sprint Center in Kansas City.

 

Jul 1, 2008

When it comes to bending pipes, Chicago Metal excels as can be seen in the Sprint Center in downtown Kansas City.

 
Jan 1, 2008

This press release details Chicago Metal's plate rolling contribution to the Nichols Bridgeway which connects Millennium Park to the Art Institute of Chicago


May 1, 2006

Whether it's bending pipes, beam bending or bending any other structural steel member, consultation with Chicago Metal Rolled Products early in a project can save time and money. This article from AISC's Modern Steel Construction magazine, provides evidence that you should want Chicago Metal on your team.

 
Feb 1, 2006

In a city brimming with daring architecture, Millennium Park injects new meaning into urban innovation.

The centerpiece of a $475 million redevelopment project is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the boldly expressive concert venue that is reminiscent of architect Frank Gehry's groundbreaking Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. Of the 11,000 people in a capacity crowd, it might be the 4,000 in the actual seats who get the short end of the deal. The other 7,000 can stretch out on the pavilion's Great Lawn under the distinctive trellis of interwoven structural steel tubing.


May 1, 2005

This 2001 article about Chicago Metal published in FMA's (Fabricator and Manufacturers Association) Fabricator magazine recounts the company's vision of becoming a world leader in beam bending, tube bending, and the bending of other stuctural steel members.

 

Mar 1, 2005

This response to an article in the Chicago Sun Times highlights Chicago Metal's tube bending for McDonald's arches and bending pipes for Millennium Park.

 

Feb 1, 2005

This 2005 article in The Fabricator magazine of NOMMA (National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metal Association) recounts how Chicago Metal's growth in tube bending and pipe bending required expansion to another plant in Kansas City. Included in the highlights is the company's tube bending for the largest McDonald's arches.

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