Product Donation Helps Students Learn About Curved Framing from Flex-Ability Concepts
Flex-Ability Concepts donated six 20-gauge 3-5/8-inch Flex-C Trac pieces and two 20-gauge 3-5/8-inch Flex-C Arch pieces to Fox Valley Technical College for use in its Construction Management Technology program.
Oklahoma City, OK – The students in the Construction Management Technology program at Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) in Appleton, Wisconsin are learning about curved walls, soffits and ceilings, thanks to a generous donation of product by
Flex-Ability Concepts. By using donated Flex-C Trac
and Flex-C Arch, the students have the opportunity to discover how a metal framing track curved by hand saves time and money—while improving safety—compared with traditional curved framing methods.
The two-year associate degree program teaches students about all aspects of managing a construction project and currently has 54 students enrolled in the program. FVTC has residential, commercial and industrial construction courses, with a wide variety
of options from degree and certificate programs to apprenticeships.
Robert Widmer, Director of Sales and Marketing at Flex-Ability Concepts, says, “We donated materials because we want students to have the opportunity to play with our products and learn how to create arches, curved soffits and walls, and architectural
clouds. We know that installing Flex-Ability Concepts tracks is easy, but students need to realize that too. Plus, it is always helpful to get comfortable with a product before any curve-related install.”
Flex-C Trac can be used for curved walls, columns, arches, S curves, domes and barrel vaults.
Rich Cass, LEED AP, Department Chair for Construction Management Technology at FVTC, says, “Donations to the program aid in reduced instructional supply expenses. Additionally, it assists in fortifying and identifying specific suppliers with products
that we utilize in the class that translate into use in the field.”
Flex-Ability Concepts donated six 20-gauge 3-5/8-inch Flex-C Trac pieces and two 20-gauge 3-5/8-inch Flex-C Arch pieces. Flex-C Trac, made of galvanized steel, is available in 20, 18 and 16 gauges and a variety of widths. It can be curved to virtually
any radius. Flex-C Trac can be used for curved walls, columns, arches, S curves, domes and barrel vaults. To create the right curve, you just need to draw the needed radius on a hard surface, such as concrete. Then the track is laid down and curved
by hand into position. The Hammer-Lock tabs are hammered into place to secure the shape (self-tapping screws can go into the sides for added strength). Next the track needs to be fastened to the ceiling or floor. Flex-C Arch is manufactured
of 20-gauge galvanized steel. Commercial widths are 2 ½, 3 ⅝, 4, 6 and 8 inches. The length is 7 ½ feet, and the minimum radius is 9 inches. Flex-C Arch, the ideal product to create arches in doorways or windows, is extremely well-suited
for making curved soffits and architectural clouds. It too locks into shape with Hammer-Lock tabs or by inserting screws, and it attaches to metal or wood studs.
Widmer adds, “Creating curves comes with a bit of unnecessary trepidation in the construction industry. Fox Valley Technical College does an exceptional job combining classroom and hands-on work to ease that hesitancy. We are delighted to support
their mission and the success of future construction crews.”
Cass notes, “Not all buildings are the same. Architectural features can include curved walls, soffits and bulkheads. The constructor must adapt to the requirements of the design and know that by design, not all elements are straight and square.
Utilizing proper material and techniques for unique architectural features is an important element in our class. Efficiencies are learned by the use of correct methods, which will translate into enhanced financial and time management for building
projects assigned to our graduates.”
For more information about Flex-Ability Concepts and its products for commercial and residential applications, visit www.flexabilityconcepts.com.
About Flex-Ability Concepts
Flex-Ability Concepts pioneered the development of flexible framing products. Patented Flex-C Trac
can be curved by hand on the jobsite and is the brand by which all others are measured. Flex-Ability Concepts has continued to add new sizes and gauges to its Flex-C Trac product offering. Other products include Flex-C Angle; Flex-C Arch; Flex-C Header;
Quick Qurve Plate; and Three Legged Dog, a complete line of deflection clips. For more information about Flex-Ability Concepts and its products for commercial and residential applications, call (866) 443-3539 or visit https://flexabilityconcepts.com.
