What are the Processes Involved in Structural Steel Fabrication?

15/04/20

When you are looking to manipulate steel to either bend, cut or shape it in a way that forms a particular mould or product, this process is known as structural steel fabrication. In order to conduct structural steel fabrication, there a certain skills and knowledge you require before undertaking this process. For a contractor to successfully construct specialised equipment, components or structural beams, the following processes need to be followed:

1. Creating the Idea
2. Drawing the Idea
3. Convert Drawings into Shop Drawings
4. Constructing the Materials from Drawing
5. Etching onto the Steel
6. Assemble the Components
7. Create Any Custom Components
8. Finishing Touches

1. Creating the Idea

Before any fabrication can occur, the client must first understand what particular product they exactly require for their project. You also need to work with the fabricator in order for them to understand your projects specific requirements.

2. Drawing the Idea

Once an idea has been formulated, the fabricator will then draw up a blueprint of your design using specialised computer software. This allows for changes to be made instantaneously. If you have your own drawings or blueprints you can bring them in, and the fabricator can utilise them.

3. Convert Blueprints into Shop Drawings

Once you are satisfied with the blueprints, the fabricator will then transfer the blueprint into shop drawings, allowing for your project to be brought to life. These drawings will outline the logistics of the project including the projects deadline and budget.

4. Constructing the Materials from the Drawings

The fabricator will then start the process of constructing the project utilising steel beams. This process involves special fabrication tools such as lasers, punches saws, notches, shears and plasmas to cut accurate shapes according to the drawings.

5. Etching on the Steel

Etching each piece of the project at this stage is ideal as is reduces delays to the overall project. If etching doesn’t occur, final assembly can be a nightmare with costly mix-ups, significantly reducing project efficiency.

6. Assemble the Components

When your fabricator has completed etching and cutting the components into their required shapes, a team will then conduct welding and assemble all the required pieces together. This process also allows for the team to analyse if the components are the correct fit.

7. Create Any Custom Components

If you require any further components in order for your project to be successful, this is the stage to request them. Custom components are ideal if you need components to fit a certain structure, or you need an extra component for aesthetics.

8. Finishing Touches

At the final stage, your project is complete. Disassembly will occur to prepare for either direct shipping or component finishing. If your project is going to direct shipping, the fabricator will package the assembly pieces in a way that reduces erection time. If you require finishing on your components, this will require more time. Components finishing is where a specialised coat of paint, powder coat, sandblasting or another finish is added to each piece. Once this process is finished, your project will then be directly shipped to you.

Looking for Structural Steel Fabrication? Contact Truline Engineering

If you are in the market for a caged ladder or structural beams to support your project, get in touch with the team at Truline today for free quote!

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