How Armco Barriers Are Made

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Chris Caunce

Welder forging armco barrier

Armco barriers are vital safety measures for drivers and pedestrians, serving as strong protection against collisions and motor accidents.

This article will break down the straightforward steps involved in making Armco barriers, from the materials used, to the galvanisation process and final installation.

We’ll also discuss the history of Armco barriers and how some of the manufacturing processes have changed over the years.

History of Armco Barriers

Armco barriers were first developed by the Sheffield Steel Corporation of Kansas, USA, in 1933.

The iconic ‘W’ shape design was originally known as a Flex-Beam guard rail but became known as Armco barriers after the Armco Steel Corporation took over the company.

Over time, advancements in materials and technology have refined their design and functionality – including the addition of galvanised steel treatments to improve weatherproofing.

Initially used in military applications during World War II, these steel barriers gained popularity as road safety measures. These days, you’ll also find Armco barriers being used off-road, in car parks, factories, industrial warehouses and more.

 

How are Armco Barriers made?

The process of making Armco barriers is fairly straightforward, but every step must be carried out carefully to ensure the barriers effectively prevent accidents and protect people.

Here’s how we make Armco barriers at our manufacturing plant in Yorkshire:

  1. Raw materials

We start by sourcing the highest-quality mild steel for our Armco barriers.

CT Safety Barriers work with some of the best steel suppliers in the UK. Our strong relationship with these suppliers means we get materials at the lowest prices – which allows us to pass the savings on to our customers.

  1. Cutting

Next, the steel sheets are precision cut to the required lengths and shapes, using specialised cutting machines. These machines allow us to customise your Armco barriers to meet specific measurements, so the barrier fits perfectly in your space.

  1. Forming

The cut steel pieces then move on to the forming stage, where they are shaped into the distinctive profile of the Armco barrier.

Roll forming is a technique that involves passing the steel through a rolling machine that gradually moulds the sheet into the desired shape. This process ensures uniformity and precision in the final product.

After shaping, our Armco parts are also pre-stamped with the correctly sized and positioned holes needed for assembly.

  1. Galvanising

Galvanisation is a critical step in the manufacturing process of Armco barriers.

Hot dip galvanising is the process of coating iron or steel by immersing the steel in a bath of molten zinc at a temperature of around 450 °C.

The zinc prevents oxygen and water from reaching the steel, extending the life of Armco barriers and helping to protect them from corrosion

  1. Assembly

Following galvanisation, the individual parts of the Armco barriers – including posts and beams – are assembled. This involves welding or bolting the pieces together to create a sturdy and secure barrier.

The assembly phase is crucial in ensuring the integrity and strength of the final product. At CT Safety, our expert welders are qualified to BS 4872 standards, so you can be sure your barriers are assembled carefully and correctly.

  1. Installation

Finally, the barriers reach their destination and are installed according to safety guidelines.

Installation methods may vary based on the specific design and purpose of the barriers, but this is a crucial step, and it’s important to get right. If your barriers are incorrectly installed, they may not provide the right level of protection.

CT Safety Barriers can provide installation services for your Armco barrier. After all, who better to install it than the people who made it! We know everything there is to know about crash barriers and will make sure your barriers are securely installed.

 

Armco barriers made by CT Safety Barriers

At CT Safety Barriers, we design and manufacture each crash barrier at our own manufacturing facility in Yorkshire.

Every Armco barrier is made in Britain, using quality British steel and certified welders to ensure barriers meet your safety needs.

Use our armco calculator or give us a call to talk to us today about your crash barrier requirements.

Our dedicated experts are here to help, so why not get in contact today?
Our dedicated experts are here to help, so why not get in contact today?
Our dedicated experts are here to help, so why not get in contact today?
Our dedicated experts are here to help, so why not get in contact today?
Our dedicated experts are here to help, so why not get in contact today?