What is steel fabrication?
Metal fabrication is the transformation of a piece of metal into a functional shape. Any industry that uses metal will rely on steel fabricators to create usable and serviceable steel components and structures – for example the automobile, construction, marine and aeronautical industries.
Steel fabricators bend, cut and weld steel to build a structure. Structural steel fabricators are highly skilled technicians experienced in transforming raw components into marketable construction products – not just anyone can fabricate structural steel. Unlike other kinds of welding where steel alloy is simply repaired or strengthened, steel fabrication is the assembling of steel sections to create different types of structures, usually to a predefined specification. These structures vary enormously: from the heaviest of industrial projects to the smallest nuts and bolts.
What’s so special about steel?
Steel is wonderfully versatile, extremely strong, durable, inexpensive and often beautiful. It is also recyclable, and its use across industries has helped to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Steel has a very high tensile strength, making it a fantastic choice for structural designers. It’s a very economic choice for lots of products: it’s cheaper than some other metals (aluminium, copper), most wood and concrete. It’s highly portable: many components of products such as staircases, railings or balustrades can be sourced and built off-site, all ready to be assembled on location. It’s also incredibly robust: around five times stronger than concrete. Finally, steel is much more versatile than concrete or wood – you can create extremely detailed and complex structures from steel, be they sleek and contemporary or highly detailed and ornate. This hard-working metal can do it all.
What kinds of products do steel fabricators make?
From balconies and staircases to all manner of structural steel components for vehicles, buildings and aircraft, steel fabricators can turn their hands to pretty much anything! Steel plays a central role not only in the automobile and construction industries as we have mentioned, but also in appliance manufacturing and the food industry. But let’s take a look at the role steel fabrication can play in the home.
Staircases
Staircases are usually made from concrete or steel, and steel is increasing in popularity. Not only is it durable and affordable but steel can be incredibly attractive, too. Spiral, straight, cantilever or helical, a steel staircase can be the perfect embodiment of functional beauty.
Balustrades
Combining strength with elegance, steel balustrades will complement any outdoor staircase or decking area. At Blue Cube Fabrications we also make balustrades from metal, pressure-treated wood, glass or even stone. Stainless steel balustrades can look fantastic indoors, too.
Balconies and railings
Balconies and railings are frequently constructed from steel thanks to its sturdy durability and visual appeal. Steel can be galvanised so that it won’t rust and will withstand all weather conditions.
Steel beams and columns
Steel is used for beams and columns to create the structural shell of new buildings or to support extra floors. Thanks to its immense load bearing capabilities, its durability and its relatively low cost, steel is the go-to metal for many construction projects.
Custom metalwork designs and bespoke structural steel products
If you are looking for experienced welders to repair or create any metal or steel products, for superior structural steel services of any size project or for any other steel fabrication work, look no further than Blue Cube Fabrications. From the concept and early design stages through to manufacture and installation of the final product, our expert team of steel fabrication engineers, craftsmen and artisanal metalworkers will take care of it all.
Contact us today to find out more.
