What is steel fabrication?
Steel fabrication is the process of bending, cutting, and modelling steel to form a structure. For structural steel fabrication pieces of steel are put together to make different structures that are usually of predefined sizes and shapes.
It is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge, skills, and resources to complete successfully.
The structural fabrication process involves multiple stages. This process requires skilled and experienced technicians who can take raw components and transform them into quality products.
These stages are :
- Ideation, blueprint and shop drawings.
- Cutting, bending and drilling.
- Engraving and assembly.
- Shipping preparation and component finishing.
- Site delivery and erection.
Let’s dive and explore the elephant of the room, i.e, the benefits of steel fabrication.
Benefits of steel fabrication
- Corrosion-free stainless steel
Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy that contains chromium. Carbon, nickel, titanium, aluminium, silicon, and nitrogen are other elements that are found in stainless steel. This metal is ductile, magnetic and resistant to corrosion, abrasion, erosion and electricity.
This is a popular choice across a wide range of industries because of stainless steel’s high corrosion-resistant properties, and its ability to withstand long-term exposure to a variety of environments. Custom steel fabrication is used in medical device manufacturing and a variety of other industries where caustic chemicals are involved.
- On-site and cost-effective fabrication
Structural steel usually arrives in the pre-fabrication phase and is fabricated on-site. Pre-fabrications reduce how much work needs to be done on-site, fast-tracking projects.
Its components are built off-site, thereby reducing the chances of any accidents on-site. It is resistant to molds and termites which makes it a good choice.
Moreover, structural steel is cost-effective when compared to other metals such as copper, silver, gold, aluminum and magnesium.
Steel provides significant cost savings, ROI for structural steel is closely associated with its strength and reliability.
- Easy installation
The components of structural steel are easy to install after fabrication, so with increased efficiency in the installation process, a considerable amount of money and time is saved.
- Allows fabrication of a plethora of varieties
Steel metallurgical properties enable it to be fabricated into any shape and size with ease. Steel structures are fabricated by welding or bolting them together.
Structural steel is a practical choice for a wide range of designs from simple to complex.
- Steel is fire-resistant
Structural steel is coated with a fire-resistant material which makes it is highly resistant to fire. It is water-resistant It can withstand storms, and earthquakes if built properly.
Moreover, it is easily recyclable and is, therefore, an environment-friendly option for metal fabricators.
Summary
A top reason why steel fabrication is in demand is that it's a sustainable building material. Structural steel can simplify and accelerate the building process due to its multiple cost-efficient qualities. Steel is also one of the green materials out there since it is recyclable and reusable.
Steel has numerous benefits that make it apt for fabrication.
