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Over the past year, many builders, developers and steel frame manufacturers across Western Australia have been asking the same question:
Is there a shortage of BlueScope TRUECORE® steel, and if so, what alternatives are available?
The answer is a little more complex than a simple yes or no.
While some manufacturers have experienced longer lead times or limited availability of certain coil sizes and thicknesses, Australia is not facing a long-term shortage of coated steel. In fact, BlueScope is investing heavily in expanding its manufacturing capability through its new Metal Coating Line 7 (MCL7) facility in New South Wales. Once fully operational, the new line will significantly increase production capacity for ZINCALUME®, TRUECORE® and COLORBOND® steel, strengthening long-term supply across Australia.
For builders in Western Australia, however, supply interruptions can still affect project schedules. This raises an important question:
Do projects have to stop if TRUECORE® is unavailable?
Fortunately, the answer is often no.
The key is understanding what engineers specify, what Australian Standards require, and which alternative materials are suitable for structural light steel framing.
TRUECORE® is BlueScope’s premium steel product, developed specifically for residential and commercial light-gauge steel framing.
The product combines:
These qualities have made TRUECORE® one of Australia’s most recognised framing materials.
However, it is important to understand that TRUECORE® is a brand name, not an Australian Standard.
What do Australian Standards require?
Australian Standards do not require a specific brand of steel.
Instead, engineers generally specify properties such as:
If another product meets these engineering requirements, it may be suitable for use, provided the project engineer approves the substitution.
This distinction is important because many builders assume TRUECORE® is the only compliant option, when compliance is based on engineering performance rather than branding.
Many Australian-produced steel coils share the same underlying coating technology as premium framing products.
Provided the material is G550 structural grade, AZ150 coated and Manufactured to AS 1397, it may perform similarly in many framing applications.
Engineering approval should always be obtained before substitution.
Advantages
Several steel producers in Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam manufacture high-quality structural steel coils that meet Australian Standards.
Many comply with G550, AZ150, and AS 1397.
These products are increasingly used throughout Australia.
The important consideration is ensuring the supplier provides:
One of the most interesting developments in steel technology is the growing use of zinc-aluminium-magnesium coatings.
Products such as POSMAC®, Magnelis®, Other ZM coated steels have demonstrated exceptional corrosion resistance, particularly around cut edges and fastener penetrations.
Unlike traditional aluminium-zinc coatings, magnesium actively helps protect exposed steel surfaces after cutting. For coastal environments common across Western Australia, this can provide significant durability advantages.
| Property | TRUECORE® | AZ150 | Zinc-Magnesium (ZAM) |
| Australian Standards Compliance | Yes | Yes (if certified) | Yes (when specified) |
| G550 Structural Steel | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Corrosion Protection | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent to outstanding |
| Cut Edge Protection | Very Good | Very Good | Outstanding |
| Coastal Performance | Excellent | Excellent | Often superior |
| Australian Technical Support | Excellent | Supplier dependent | Supplier dependent |
| Engineer Approval Required | Standard | Yes | Yes |
Western Australia presents some unique durability challenges.
Projects may be exposed to:
Material selection should therefore consider more than product availability.
The project engineer should assess:
In many inland locations, several compliant products may perform equally well.
For aggressive marine environments, Zinc-Aluminium-Magnesium coatings may offer improved long-term corrosion performance, although engineering approval remains essential.
At Frametec, our priority is to deliver framing systems that are structurally sound, compliant with Australian Standards and appropriate for each project’s environmental conditions.
Where TRUECORE® is specified and available, we continue to support its use as a proven, high-quality framing material.
Where alternative materials are considered, our view is that decisions should be guided by certified material properties, engineering assessment and long-term durability requirements rather than brand recognition alone.
Every project should be assessed individually, considering:
In practice, the best solution is the material that satisfies the specification, performs in the intended environment and is backed by the right documentation and engineering approval.
The Australian steel industry continues to evolve. BlueScope’s investment in expanding domestic production demonstrates confidence in the future of steel framing and should improve long-term supply reliability.
For Western Australian builders, this means supply challenges do not necessarily have to delay projects, provided any alternative material is properly certified, engineered and suited to the project environment.
If you would like advice on selecting the most appropriate framing material for your next project, the Frametec team is always happy to help.
Whether it’s a query or a quote, pick up the phone & call us today or visit our contact page or send us an email.
Call: (08) 6182 4916 Email: admin@frametec.com.au
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