A More Elaborate Look into Steel Fabrication and Its Uses
Steel is one of the most commonly used materials in construction. This comes as no surprise since it offers many benefits, including strength, versatility, quality, and value.
The steel fabrication process takes you from steel raw materials to the finished product. The process varies depending on the need and the product involved, but the overall objective is to turn raw steel into a final product.
Several steps are involved in the fabrication process. Here is an overview of what goes into each to give you a better idea.
Cutting the Steel
The steel is cut to the correct size to begin the process. Traditionally, this is accomplished with a hot plasma torch, though lasers have increased substantially in the past decade. With either tool, precision is of the utmost importance.
The cuts must be accurate and precise. This ensures that there is no chance of mistakes in assembly and any later manufacturing processes. The quality of the cut also impacts the strength of the product. The more precise it is, the more durable the product will be.
Bending the Steel
Once the steel has been cut to the required size, it can be bent to create the needed shape. This typically involves placing it into a machine that will spread the steel and make it flat. This is done to allow for the bending process.
The bending process can be very complex, depending on the desired shape of the product. It can involve such things as moulds, dies, and presses. The product form determines the bends.
Everyone involved in the manufacturing and entire steel fabrication process must know what to do. This includes who is supposed to be doing the bending, guiding the bending process, and monitoring the work. This ensures that the products come out correctly and quickly.
Welding
The most common welding technique is arc welding. The process involves striking an electromagnetic arc between an electrode and the work, protected by a shielding gas.
This produces a small, hot spot on the surface of the steel. Welders use a shielding gas to protect the rest of the steel from the heat and the elements.
The process requires a lot of skill. The welder must strike an arc, control the heat, and move the electrode smoothly. It takes years to learn these skills.
Painting
A variety of different coatings can be applied to steel. These include paints, baked-on coatings, and powder coatings. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. They also provide different levels of protection.
After being baked or coated, the steel is left for some time to allow the coating to harden. They can then be polished and ready for use. Before anyone begins working on the steel, they must be trained on the brand of coating being used.
Conclusion
Many different operations are involved in steel fabrication. As such, there are other opportunities to make mistakes. Every member of the manufacturing team must be passionate about the quality of their work and product. They must be focused on leaving no room for error to ensure the best results.
Are you looking for steel fabricators in Perth? Turn to CSM Fabrication Welding. Our experienced team can work with a broad range of steel types. Give us a call today.