IBR vs Widespan vs Corrugated Sheet

1. IBR Sheet (Inverted Box Rib)

Description

IBR is a trapezoidal profile sheet with angular ribs designed for strength and water drainage.

Typical Width

• Effective cover width:
  • 686 mm (IBR 686)
  • Sometimes 890 mm variants

Advantages

• High structural strength
• Good for long spans
• Modern appearance
• Excellent drainage
• Strong wind resistance
• Suitable for low roof slopes

Disadvantages

• More expensive than corrugated
• Slightly heavier profile

Common Uses

• Warehouses
• Factories
• Shopping centers
• Commercial buildings
• Modern homes

Best For

Industrial and commercial roofing.

2. Widespan Sheet

Description

Widespan is a larger trapezoidal roofing profile designed for very large roofs and longer spans.

Typical Width

• Effective cover width:
  • Around 762 mm

Advantages

• Covers larger area faster
• Fewer overlaps
• Excellent span capability
• Economical for large projects
• Strong industrial performance

Disadvantages

• Requires stronger support structure
• Less common in residential buildings
• Usually higher material cost

Common Uses

• Large factories
• Distribution centers
• Airports
• Shopping malls
• Large warehouses

Best For

Very large industrial and commercial structures.

3. Corrugated Sheet

Description

Corrugated sheet has a wave-shaped profile and is the oldest and most traditional roofing type.

Typical Width

• Effective cover width:
  • Around 762 mm

Advantages

• Cheapest option
• Lightweight
• Easy installation
• Widely available
• Suitable for small projects

Disadvantages

• Lower span strength
• Less modern appearance
• More vibration/noise
• Not ideal for very large spans

Common Uses

• Houses
• Rural buildings
• Sheds
• Carports
• Fencing

Best For

Budget and residential roofing.

How to Manufacture IBR Sheets, Widespan Sheets, and Corrugated Sheets

Metal roofing sheets such as IBR sheets, Widespan sheets, and Corrugated sheets are manufactured using a process called roll forming. In this process, metal coils are continuously fed through a series of rollers that gradually shape the flat steel into the required roofing profile. Although the three sheet types have different profile shapes, their manufacturing principles are very similar. The main differences are found in the roller design, rib geometry, and forming configuration.

The roofing sheet manufacturing industry is highly developed in Southern Africa because of strong demand from residential, industrial, mining, agricultural, and commercial construction sectors. Manufacturers typically use galvanized steel, Aluzinc steel, Zincalume steel, aluminum, or color-coated steel coils as raw materials.

1. Raw Materials Used

The first step in roofing sheet production is selecting the raw material coil.

Common Materials

Common Coil Thickness

• 0.25 mm
• 0.30 mm
• 0.40 mm
• 0.47 mm
• 0.50 mm
• 0.60 mm
• 0.80 mm

The coil width depends on the roofing profile being produced.

A complete roofing sheet production line usually includes:

Manufacturing Process

Step 1: Coil Loading

The steel coil is loaded onto the decoiler.

Step 2: Feeding

The sheet enters the roll forming machine.

Step 3: Roll Forming

Typical roof profile:

Step 4: Length Cutting

Hydraulic cutter cuts sheets according to preset lengths.

Step 5: Output Collection

Finished sheets move to the receiving table.

Machine recommend

If you want to save costs, IBR Sheets, Widespan Sheets, and Corrugated Sheets, any two of the three patterns can be made into a double-layer machine, saving space and costs; however, if you want to increase production efficiency, then choose a separate machine.

Conclusion

IBR sheets, Widespan sheets, and Corrugated sheets are all produced through roll forming technology, but each profile requires different roller designs and machine configurations. Corrugated sheets are easier and cheaper to manufacture, making them suitable for residential and rural markets. IBR sheets provide higher strength and modern appearance for industrial and commercial buildings. Widespan sheets are designed for very large structures requiring long-span capability and rapid installation.

Successful roofing sheet manufacturing depends on high-quality raw materials, precision roll forming equipment, accurate cutting systems, and proper quality control throughout the production process.