What is happens in the process of steel fabrication?
You have a stunning steel gate, balcony, or staircase… but have you ever wondered how it was made?
Steel fabrication is when a piece of steel is transformed into a fully functional product. It’s a fine art form, with steel fabricators using their extensive skill set and several tools to transform a simple piece of metal into something extraordinary.
As steel fabrication experts, we know a lot about the fabrication process, and we’re always happy to talk about how we create stunning steel products for our customers.
Join us as we look at the steel fabrication process in more detail and how steel fabrication is used across a variety of different industries.
Find out more about steel fabrication and why steel is a popular choice with our clients.
When is steel fabrication used?
Any industry that makes use of steel will use steel fabricators. Steel fabricators can create anything from large steel frame buildings to tiny nuts and bolts!
Steel fabricators are often found working in the construction, transport, automotive, and civil infrastructure sectors. As steel is durable, low-maintenance, and affordable, it’s the ideal choice for many different industries.
Go for a drive in your car, and you’ll see many things that were created using steel fabrication; buildings, bridges, pylons, pipework… even your vehicle!
Is fabrication the same as manufacturing?
Not quite. Fabrication is when you combine different parts to make a finished product, while manufacturing is all about putting different parts through a process to make a finished product.
In steel fabrication, you start with a sheet of steel, and end up creating a steel product, whether that’s a gate, pillar, or staircase. The manufacturing of steel involves mixing carbon and iron together to create a steel alloy. That steel may then be used in the fabrication process.
What steps are taken in steel fabrication?
As you can see, no two products created in the steel fabrication process are alike. One day our team may create a steel beam for a construction project, the next day, an ornate balustrade for someone’s home!
This means different processes are used to create different products. However, as a general rule, here are the main steps we follow when creating steel products for our clients.
1. The design
First, we work with our client to determine what they want and how it needs to be designed. Some clients come to us with specific drawings for us to use, and others come to us with an idea and ask us to create the design for them.
We use computer-aided design, or CAD, to design our products. This allows us to create detailed 3D images that we can use to steer the fabrication process.
2. The shot blasting
Depending on the final use, some steel is shot blasted before cutting begins. Shot blasting is when tiny steel beads are used to clean and prepare the metal.
Shot blasting helps make the steel easier to weld and provides a roughened surface that is easy to treat and paint.
3. The cutting
When the client signs off on the design, we programme the design into a computer, which uses lasers to cut the steel metal into the required shapes.
4. The punching and bending
Machines are used to perforate and bend the steel into the required shape. Steel is the second strongest metal behind tungsten, so a lot of force is needed to shape it.
5. The welding
Some fabrications require parts to be stuck to each other. Welding uses extreme heat to fuse two or more pieces of steel together.
The steel melts and hardens as it cools, creating a secure bond that can withstand large amounts of pressure.
6. The assembly and final finish
The final finishing touches are added to the fabrication. For example, multiple parts may be attached to each other using nuts or bolts, or the steel may be painted a particular colour. Galvanisation, where the steel is coated with zinc to prevent corrosion, is also popular.
The fabrication is thoroughly tested, and once our quality control team is happy with it, it’s ready to install.
Why are so many machines used in steel fabrication?
In the past, steel fabrication was done entirely by hand. However, as technology became more prevalent, computers and machines started to be used more frequently.
Machines make the process faster, meaning your piece will be with you sooner rather than later, especially if it’s more complicated or ornate. Plus, machines help guarantee accuracy. After all, you don’t want to receive your brand new steel gates only to find they’re a millimetre too wide!
Blue Cube Fabrications: your steel fabrication specialists
Every steel product we supply is fabricated at our in-house manufacturing and design facility in Berkshire. This means you get a high-quality product tailored to your bespoke requirements.
We have experience in creating automated steel gates, steel railings, and steel staircases, as well as any custom steel fabrications you need.
Our specialists can create any fabrication you want, whether large or small, simple or complex, modern or traditional. Plus, with a ten-year guarantee on all the metalwork we create, you’ll have peace of mind that it will look great and function as it should in the years to come.
Find out more about our steel fabrication services and get in touch today to speak to one of our experts.
