So What Exactly Is Steel Fabrication Anyway?

Everywhere you look around you’ll see products made from steel, and indeed because of its strength, quality, and versatility, steel is one of the most widely used materials in construction today. However, if we didn’t have steel fabricators then we wouldn’t be able to benefit from the many benefits that steel provides.

What exactly do steel fabricators do?

Steel fabricators use a variety of tools and techniques to turn manufactured steel sections into various predefined shapes which are ready for erection and installation. Working from detailed drawings they need to have a thorough understanding of the steel, working with accuracy and precision to ensure they supply installation-ready parts on time.

High tech software

High tech computer software is widely used in most industries and steel fabrication is no exception. Computer systems are able to control and monitors the workings of such machines as welders, routers, and laser cutters while 3D imagery has made it fas easier to visualise complex parts.

Some of the most common techniques that a steel fabricator will use include:

Shot blasting

This prepares the steel for fabrication by blasting it with shot. Not only does it ensure a clean finish that’s easy to weld but also a rough surface that can be painted.

Cutting

It’s easier to work with steel sections when they’ve been cut to length, and this is usually done before fabrication using a variety of techniques such as plasma cutting, circular saws, and flame cutting.

Bending

Modern architecture often stands out with its beautifully curved steel elements and to achieve this a fabricator needs to deploy various rolling and bending methods. Often bending rolls are used with the steels passed through a set of rolls several times until the desired curve is achieved, other times press braking is used for more straightforward types of bends.

Welding

Fabrication involves plenty of welding to attach fittings and fixtures. This method uses intense heat to melt the material along with whatever it’s being attached to. As the weld solidifies, it joins the two pieces together.

Coatings

Coatings are most commonly applied towards the end of the fabrication process and are intended for aesthetic purposes as well as practical needs. High tech coatings can provide additional resistance to corrosion and fire as well as giving a designer the custom look they require.

Who uses steel fabricators?

Any industry that uses metal will require the services of a steel fabricator. As well as playing an important role in the residential and commercial sectors, fabricators also work with auto manufacturers, ship builders, and miners. An example of some of the most commonly fabricated items include ladders, platforms, universal beams and columns, pipe racks, bar joists, and gratings.

If you need steel fabrication then contact Metro Steel. Our team of highly skilled professionals consistently deliver fabrication to the highest standards, in accordance with your specifications, and most importantly, delivered on time. Call us today on 07 3204 1000 or drop by and see us at our site in Deception Bay.