Metallikehys

Metallikehys, or metal frame, refers to a structural framework made from metal elements designed to carry loads and provide rigidity to a building, vehicle, or machine. It acts as a skeleton that transfers forces to foundations or supports, enabling stable shapes and open interior layouts.

In architecture and engineering, the frame typically consists of columns and beams connected at joints, with bracing to resist lateral forces such as wind or earthquakes. The frame may be reinforced with additional members to improve stiffness and resilience. Components are joined by welding, bolting, or riveting, and frames can be erected on site or assembled from prefabricated modules.

Common materials include steel for strength and ductility, aluminum for lightness, and a range of alloys; stainless steel is often used where corrosion resistance is important. The choice of material affects weight, cost, and durability, as well as fire performance and maintenance requirements.

Variants of metallikehys include tubular steel frames, which form a rigid “tube” around a structure, and space frames, which use interconnected struts and nodes to span large areas with minimal weight. Fire protection, seismic design, and corrosion control are important considerations in modern implementations.

Applications span buildings, bridges, aircraft and automotive frames, machinery housings, and furniture. Metal frames provide high strength-to-weight ratios, repeatable production, and relatively rapid assembly, making them a foundational choice in many engineering and design disciplines.