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We’re thrilled to share that The Fabricator magazine has published a feature article on Albina and some of the unique capabilities we bring to the table—especially when it comes to our Davi plate rolling machines!

The piece dives into the story behind how we acquired our Davi equipment and the fun Top Gun-inspired nicknames we’ve given each one. (Yes, we do feel the need for speed when it comes to rolling precision and innovation!)

One standout section tells the story of our collaboration with artist Damon Hyldreth. Together, we pushed the boundaries of what’s possible by rolling plate in a truly unconventional way to bring one of his sculptures to life. It was a perfect example of creativity meeting capability.

The article also offers insight into the vision and leadership of our President, Brian Smith, whose “Field of Dreams” philosophy—“if you build it, they will come”—played a key role in our decision to invest in cutting-edge plate rolling technology.

Beyond the machines themselves, the article explores how we integrate advanced technology into our operations. From iPads and a custom-developed app to the use of Microsoft HoloLens, we’re committed to staying ahead of the “curve”.

All in all, it’s a fantastic read that gives a glimpse into how we “roll” at Albina—combining innovation, passion, and a little bit of movie magic to get the job done right.

Check it out and see what sets Albina apart in the world of steel bending and rolling!

Happy Earth Day! Today is the perfect time to highlight why using curved steel in your projects is good for the environment. Steel is a strong, resilient material that is also infinitely recyclable. 

Click here for our printable PDF! Steel and Sustainability

Photo Credit to Kadan Productions 

Albina Co., Inc. rolled 326,140# of wide flange ranging in size from W8 x 10# to W24 x 84# in order to form the roof trusses of the main entrance lobby at “Aulani- A Disney Resort & Spa” in Ko Olina, Hawaii. The concept for the rolled material was to make the lobby appear in the shape of a canoe. The material was fabricated by Brooklyn Iron Works.

Volkswagen Curved Stair at Volkswagen Group of America Headquarters in Reston, Virginia.

Albina bent different sizes of Tube Steel and Plate the Easy Way for this project to 12 and 16 foot radii.

TS 16" X 4" X .500" WALL A500 GR B (8 pcs bent the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK X 8-13/16" WIDE A36 PLATE (2 pcs bent the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK A36 PLATE (3 pcs bend the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK X 84-11/16" WIDE A36 PLATE (1 pc bent the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK X 19-5/16" WIDE A36 PLATE (1 pc bend the Easy Way)

3/8" THICK X 12" WIDE A36 PLATE (2 pcs bent the Easy Way)

Why Use Curved Steel? 

Aesthetic Appeal

Curved steel provides a more modern, unique appearance and adds more dynamic dimension with minimized visual disruptions. Curved steel is more aesthetically appealing and attractive than "built-up" or "welded" sections. Curved steel creates flowing, uninterrupted lines that provide a sense of elegance and fluidity in design.

Structural Integrity

The AISC indicates that the bending process does not adversely affect the strength or structural integrity of steel. When a shape has been curved successfully, the strains the member will experience under actual service conditions will be much smaller than those associated with the curving operation.

Load Distribution

The maximum axial compression in an arch typically occurs under uniformly distributed loads across the full span. This efficient load-bearing mechanism enables the design of lighter structures that maintain structural integrity. Additionally, the inherent stiffness of curved steel elements contributes to the overall stability of structures, reducing the need for supplementary support materials.

Functional and Versitile Design

Curved shapes facilitate smoother transitions and more complex designs; enabling the creation of curved slab edges and unencumbered column-free spaces, providing elegant and cost-effective solutions. No other framing material matches structural steel's capacity to encourage freedom of expression and design creativity. 

Energy Efficiency

The AISC acknowledges that curved steel designs can enhance natural lighting in buildings. For instance, the use of curved steel and glass roofs can create expansive atriums that allow ample natural light to penetrate interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, contributing to overall energy savings.

Material Conservation 

Steel weighs half the amount of concrete resulting in a lighter, more sustainable building and less cost. According to the AISC, domestically produced structural steel typically contains between 90% and 100% recycled content. The industry average for recycled content in domestic structural steel is over 90%, the highest of any building framing material.

Aerodynamic

Curved structures can enhance aerodynamic properties by reducing wind resistance, minimizing turbulence, and decreasing drag. Studies have shown that incorporating curved elements, such as rounded corners, can enhance aerodynamic performance by reducing drag and mitigating wind-induced vibrations.

Click here for printable PDF! Why Use Curved Steel

Excited to share some photos of our work at the brand-new Hollywood Burbank Airport Terminal! Albina bent 421,030 lbs of steel for this project totaling 170 pcs of wide flange and HSS, both round and square. Material radii varied from 72’ 5 5/8” to 574’ 0”. The nearly $1.3 billion dollar project will include a new 355,000 square foot terminal with 14 gates, providing more space for passengers. Also being upgraded are security and baggage claim, as well as shopping and dining. The goal of building the new terminal is to give travelers a more “elevated” experience.

We are excited to have been a part of the Nugget Event Center, Sparks Forecourt Shade Structure project! The city of Sparks, Nevada held a ceremony in June 2024 to celebrate the completion of the forecourt project. The 11 custom curved steel shade structures provide shade for visitors and residents, and were installed with advanced LED lighting for the evening time. This project is located on Victorian Avenue, an incredibly popular street in Sparks, where many special events are held.

For this project, Albina bent
33 pieces of 6" SCH40 A500 GR B to multiple radii and configurations,
and 47 pieces of 6" XXH A53B to multiple radii and configurations.

Albina offers an expertise in curving structural steel, plate, and other metals to create spiral, circular and helical stair stringers meeting the diverse needs of industries worldwide. Albina has mastered the art of spiral bending with our in-house developed induction bending process. We are the leader in spiral bending in the US and Canada. Our induction heat source and increment bending method produce extremely tight spiral bends to industry leading quality AESS standards.

As a professional in the stair industry, staying current with evolving codes, technical innovations, and best practices is essential. The SMA (Stairbuilders & Manufacturers Association) stood out because it offers:

• Cutting-Edge Education: Whether it’s through the SMA Stair Academy or AIA Continuing Education programs, members gain access to specialized courses and certifications that help advance our expertise.
• Technical Resources: From the 3D Anatomy of a Stair to comprehensive manuals and visual interpretations of the stairbuilding codes, the SMA equips you with the tools to design safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing stairways.
• Networking Opportunities: Annual conferences, regional workshops, and an extensive member directory allow you to connect with fellow professionals—from builders and architects to code officials and designers.

We specialize in architectural exposure quality spiraling of tube steel, channel, plate and pipe to amazingly tight radii and steep pitches. We work on both commercial and residential applications. In addition to staircases and stringers, we produce a number of other ornamental products such as handrails, decorative gates and fences, as well as architecturally unique and appealing signage and entry-ways for commercial, residential, recreational and transportation applications.

SMA (Stiarbuilders & Manufacturers Association) is a vibrant community of professionals passionate about the art and science of stairbuilding. Deciding to join the SMA has opened doors to education, networking, and a wealth of industry knowledge.

The Winter Park Events Center in Florida stands as a testament to modern architectural excellence, offering a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. One of its most striking features is the monumental circular staircase that gracefully ascends to the Rooftop Terrace, providing guests with a unique and memorable experience.

This freestanding spiral staircase is not only a focal point of the interior design but also a marvel of engineering. Crafted with precision, the staircase was constructed using various steel components, each meticulously bent and shaped to achieve the desired curvature and structural integrity.

Key Materials and Specifications:

• TS 20" x 4" x .500" WALL A500 GR B:
• 2 pieces spiral bent the easy way to a 7’-10” radius (inside upper and lower stringer)
• 4 pieces spiral bent the easy way to a 10’-6” radius (outside upper and lower stringer)
• 1 landing section bent the easy way to a 7’-10” radius (inside landing section)
• 1 landing section bent the easy way to a 10’-6” radius (outside landing section)
• TS 6" x 4" x .500" WALL A500 GR B:
• 4 pieces spiral bent to a 10’-6” radius (outside upper and lower stringer sections)
• 1 landing section bent to a 10’-6” radius (outside landing section)
• FB ½" x 4" A36:
• 5 pieces rolled flat the hard way and pulled to pitch by the customer to a 122.45” radius (top and bottom plates)
• 1 landing section bent the hard way to a 7’-10” radius
• 2" x 2" x 3/16" ANGLE A36:
• 8 pieces rolled leg in to a 153.56” radius
• 2 pieces rolled leg in to an 11’-0” radius
• 6 pieces rolled leg out to a 117.90” radius
• 2 pieces rolled leg out to a 7’-4” radius
• TS 1½" x 1½" x .120" WALL A513:
• 4 pieces rolled to a 160” radius (outside handrailing)
• 3 pieces rolled to a 120” radius (inside handrailing)
• 1 piece rolled to a 10’-9” radius (outside handrailing at landing)
• 1 piece rolled to a 7’-7” radius (inside handrailing at landing)

The careful selection and manipulation of these materials ensure that the staircase is both a structural masterpiece and a visual delight. The use of rectangular and square tube steel (TS) components, along with flat bars (FB) and angle sections, allows for the creation of smooth, continuous curves that define the staircase's elegant spiral form.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the staircase serves a practical purpose, connecting the Grand Ballroom to the Rooftop Terrace. This design not only facilitates movement within the venue but also enhances the overall guest experience by providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Winter Park Events Center, with its innovative design and state-of-the-art facilities, is an ideal location for weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings. The combination of its architectural features, such as the spiral staircase, and its versatile event spaces make it a premier choice for hosting memorable events in Central Florida.

For more information or to inquire about hosting an event at the Winter Park Events Center, you can visit their official website. Photo credit: Staircrafters, Inc. 

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