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What is steel fabrication?

In the world of structural construction, fabrication is a vital process. Fabrication involves turning raw materials into usable components for building projects. For example, imagine trying to build something like an office without any metal framework—you’d be stuck with piles of bricks that wouldn’t hold up anything! Although many types of metals are used in fabrication, steel is one of the most common due to its strength and durability. Fabrication can include various tasks, including surface cleaning, cutting, bending, fastening, etc. 

Let’s take a look at the Steel Fabrication Process to get a better idea of what I & R can do for you! 

The steel fabrication process

Surface Cleaning

If steel is left untreated will be prone to corrosive effects of rust, dust, grime, and many other things that can come during the manufacturing processes. Contaminants & foreign material can damage steel if left unchecked. Rust being the most common form of corrosion, Pitted corrosion can make entire sections of a steel beam useless. Mill scale is the hot flakes of steel that will occur when heating steel that can fall away and get in the way of any coating. When removed, the mill scale leaves uncoated areas vulnerable to contamination. In addition, oil, Grease, dust, & many other items can get in the way of a proper coating job.  

Solvent cleaning is the first step in any steel fabrication process. These can include Acetone, Alcohol, and other industrial types of cleaning materials. These can be applied with a variety of power tools that assist in getting the job done! These can include grinders, brushes, sanding, and a few others.

Cutting & Machining

Cutting & machining is the process of shaping and cutting steel to meet the goal you need in your project. This can include removing any excess material left over from fabrication, including grinding and cutting. Another form of cutting in the steel industry is laser cutting; this process uses a CAD file to guide the laser cutter to get the perfect cuts every time! 

Hole punching & drilling

Hole punching & drilling is also included in the fabrication process. This includes putting holes in steel beams. These two are similar, but the two are not the same thing. With both techniques, you can reach the same goal. However, punching is a more relied-on method within a standard steel fabrication shop. 

Straightening, bending & rolling

Rolling & bending consists of curving your steel with the correct machines. This also means you can use this process to straighten out any form of steel needed for your project. This can assist you in fitting any piece, anywhere. 

Fastening

This is a crucial stage in the fabrication process. At this point, all the steel pieces will be connected in place; this can be done by welding and bolting everything together. This guarantees a strong structure for the final installments.

Finishing

Finishing involves coating your steel surface to protect it for future use. Different steel can get different treatments depending on its use; for example, Exterior steel will go through a process called galvanizing, which is used mainly for your exterior steel to help protect it from any weather or harmful material such as rust. This method can be commonly seen in our day-to-day lives, with traffic light poles, street light poles, stop signs, and much more!   

Your interior steel does not require galvanization as it is not exposed to harmful elements such as exterior steel. This steel goes through a different process & finish; this includes shop primer. This will protect your steel during storage, Transportation, and erection.    

Quality control

Quality control for finished steel products is where our work is thoroughly inspected for any irregularities to meet the standards of the steel industry and our customers. Our team is well trained in examining all steel products that leave I&R Steel. This ensures our customers they are constantly receiving the best products.   

Transportation

After all steel parts have been assembled, your steel needs to securely make it to its job site without any issues. The proper parts will be assembled during this process for the most simple transport schedule. Then, after all, has been fully set, the finished product will be sent to the site to be erected! 

We hope this article has helped you understand steel fabrication and why it’s essential for your project. If you want to learn more about our services or wish to speak with one of our experts about how we can help with your next project, don’t hesitate to contact us today!  

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