Steel and its derivatives are renowned for their strength, versatility, and value. They have been used in construction for hundreds of years. The steel fabricators are essential for the successful implementation of steel in buildings. What is a steel fabricator? Let’s take an in-depth look.
Every industry that works with metal needs fabrication. Without fabricators, steel implementation would be impossible. Here are the essential skills a steel fabricator should have.
The Craft of Steel Fabricators
Steel fabricators in Melbourne employ various techniques to transform primary steel sections into predetermined shapes that can be used in construction. Fabricators are closely associated with steel drafters and detailers. These people provide detailed drawings and designs that fabricators bring to life. This requires an eye for detail, a variety of tools and techniques, as well as a thorough knowledge of the steel properties. The steel fabricator must ensure that the products arrive ready for installation.
Steel Fabrication Processes
Since steel was first made into mass production in 1775, the processes used by steel fabricators have advanced significantly. Computer Numerical Control (CNC), which monitors and controls the movement of machine tools used by fabricators, like routers, welders, and laser cutters, is a major advancement in computer technology. It is now possible to visualize even the most complicated components using 3D modeling.
Here are some of the most common manipulation techniques that steel fabricators use:
Shot blasting
Shot blasting involves blasting sections of steel with small steel beads to remove impurities and prepare the metal for fabrication. Shot blasting is essential for providing a smooth finish that is easy to weld, and a surface that is suitable to accept paint. This technique is used in many industries including construction, auto, shipbuilding, and production of various steel structures such as silos, tanks, and pipelines.
Cutting
This term is pretty self-explanatory. Steel cutting refers to the process of cutting steel sections prior to fabrication. There are many ways to cut steel sections, including plasma cutting, flame cutting, and circular saw cutting.
Bending
Modern architecture and construction requires more complex steel shapes and elements. This can be achieved by many techniques and tools. One common example is to repeatedly pass a section of steel through a roll bender until you achieve the desired arc. For more simple bends, such as those involving steel lengths up to 12 m long, press braking is an option.
Welding
Master welders are steel fabricators. High heat is used to melt the parent material and attach any attachments. The two materials fuse when the weld pool is solidified. This is a common technique in steel fabrication.
Coating
Coating steel is often required for aesthetic and practical reasons. Galvanization, which is the coating of the steel surface with zinc in order to prevent corrosion, is a very common process. An architect may request custom colours or looks. This requires painting. This is usually done at the end or the fabrication process.
Who uses steel fabricators?
A steel fabricator is required for any industry that uses metal. These are some of the most common industries that need steel fabrication
* Construction
* Shipbuilding
*Auto manufacturing
* Mining
* Civil infrastructure
Here are some examples of products that are frequently manufactured:
* Universal beams
* Universal columns
* Bar joists
* Platforms
* Ladders
* Pipe racks
* Trusses
* Grating
* Skids
* Custom steel projects
Do you need a steel fabricator?
Our skilled and knowledgeable team will make sure that everything you require is fabricated to the highest standard, according to your requirements, and delivered when and where you need it.