Sikla siFramo vs. Unistrut Metal Framing, Which Is Best For You?

At Unistrut Midwest, we are proud distributors of both Unistrut and Sikla products. While each of these product lines have their own unique advantages, we’ve found that Unistrut and Sikla work best when their strengths are paired together to create an optimal solution.

What is Sikla siFramo?

We’re all familiar with Unistrut; it’s the original metal framing system featuring a weldless connection. By eliminating welding and drilling, Unistrut is infinitely configurable, 100% adjustable, and reusable. Similarly, Sikla siFramo is weldless, adjustable, and reusable.

Sikla siFramo is a perforated, metal framework system with individual pieces shaped like boxes, allowing for multidirectional connections. These box sections have a higher torsional resistance than conventional beams or strut and weigh significantly less.

Originally designed to support larger bore pipework, Sikla siFramo is a modular structural steelwork system that can hold heavier loads than metal framing systems. These components replace structures that have previously only been able to be supported by welded structural steel. Unlike welded steel, however, Sikla siFramo’s bolted system allows for quick modifications, endless design flexibility, and minimal installation time.

Similarities between Sikla siFramo and Unistrut

Both are modular systems without the need for welded connections

• Parts can be pre-fabricated off-site and assembled on-site

Modifications can easily be made on-site without any special tools

• Both Sikla and Unistrut use bolted connections, allowing supports to be built and adjusted with hand tools
• All frames can be adjusted in the field in order to adapt to any unexpected conditions

Weldless connection means reusable parts

• All components for both Sikla siFramo and Unistrut are reusable after disassembly

Various coatings are available to meet environmental and corrosion needs

• Sikla’s standard finish is hot-dipped galvanized, but other coatings are available
• See all of Unistrut’s finish options here

Components are fabricated off-site, reducing installation time and effort

• Unistrut Midwest’s fabrication team can build your Sikla, Unistrut, or combined solution in our warehouse and deliver either a finished product or one requiring minimal installation to your site

Differences between Sikla siFramo and Unistrut

Sikla siFramo allows for multidirectional connection

• Sikla siFramo sections are a closed box section with perforations on all four sides, allowing connections on all sides at the same point. The holes are staggered in the box section and the fittings are slotted to allow connections at any point on the beam section. The staggered holes will also allow volumetric racks to be assembled on the same plane which is not possible with other modular steel systems that through bolt.

Sikla has a higher torsional resistance and lower weight than Unistrut or welded beams

• The closed box design creates a high torsional resistance and optimal adjustment capability
• Solutions can be designed to handle heavier loads with a lower self-weight than traditional structures

Sikla uses only screws (no washers or nuts) to connect all pieces

• Thread-forming screws lock in place without the need for washers
• Creates a vibration-resistant connection

Bringing Sikla siFramo and Unistrut together

There is no structural challenge that the combination of Sikla siFramo and Unistrut can’t tackle. Sikla has an adapter specifically made for 1-⅝” strut, making connecting Sikla to Unistrut framework convenient and increasing the versatility of both systems.

Sikla’s channel adapter allows for a stiff and solid connection between the siFramo profile and Unistrut channel. Since it is equipped with automatically locking spring nuts, no additional hardware is required to connect the Unistrut channel. Not only is the channel securely connected to the siFramo profile, it can be easily adjusted to meet the demands of the complete system.

Our team has found that Sikla siFramo paired with Unistrut slotted channel is the ideal solution for most pipe support applications. Unistrut channel has limited capacity in larger pipe applications due to its inability to handle lateral forces caused by the expansion and contraction of a pipe. That’s where Sikla’s box section design steps in. It performs equally in all directions, making it the perfect fit for pipe support.

We’ve also found success pairing Sikla with Unistrut for racks in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing applications. Unistrut framing has been used for these racks in the past, but sometimes loading capacity exceeds what Unistrut 1-⅝” channel can support. Instead of welding structural support into the Unistrut system, we leverage the modular rack system developed by Unistrut and Sikla. This rack system uses Sikla’s strength and adaptability to create a seamless addition to any Unistrut solution.

Riser Racks - Sikla siFramo

Unistrut Midwest can design, fabricate, and supply Riser Racks for duct, piping, and other building services. Our Riser Racks utilize Sikla siFramo to build steel chassis from 20’ to 38’ long. The racks will be designed to load the piping/duct work off site, transported to the job site, and lifted into place. Sikla’s design team will consider all lifting and transport forces in our design calculations to make sure the rack will perform throughout prefabrication, transportation to the job site, and most importantly when the rack is rotated from the horizontal to vertical position.

Equipment Skids - Sikla siFramo

Along with Riser Racks, Unistrut Midwest also specializes in Sikla siFramo Equipment Skids, and Skid Racks. These horizontal structures are available in multiple configurations, for piping, pumps, and other building services. Equipment skids can be designed for load ranges from light duty (1000-2000lbf) to heavy duty (6000-16000lbf), and everything in between. These racks can be fabricated in sections off-site, and delivered to the job site ready to be installed. Like our Riser Racks, we consider all lifting and transportation forces in our design calculations so you can depend on us for a worry-free, turn-key solution. 

Unistrut Midwest has designers and structural engineers to take over the design work from our mechanical contracting partners. Rather than hire a 3rd party engineer to design and specify your racking system, Unistrut can be a one stop shop for structural design, P/E Stamped Drawings, Calculations, BIM Modeling, and Coordination.

Regardless of your project size or challenges, Unistrut Midwest can help you create the optimal combination of Sikla siFramo products and Unistrut channel to properly support your project while keeping costs and installation times down. Contact our team to get started.