Steel is a versatile material and is widely used in industries as diverse as house construction, car manufacturing, shipbuilding and mining. With the amount of sheet steel manufacturing taking place every day, you might be forgiven for thinking that everyone is familiar with the capabilities of steel fabrication, but that isn't always the case. There is always a temptation to stick with what you know. 

There is security in creating more of the same rather than branching out and trying something different. While that type of thinking is alluring, it is also unnecessarily restrictive and can stifle business growth. Why not discover more about what you can really do with steel and see how you can use steel fabrication more effectively in your business? 

How does steel fabrication start?

Steel fabricators take a basic steel sheet and turn that sheet into predefined shapes that can then be assembled together or erected on site to form part of a larger structure. Steel fabrication is a skilled job that requires not just careful attention to detail but also a detailed knowledge of steel and how the properties of the metal allow it to be shaped and fashioned. Today, most steel fabrication companies make use of 3D modelling and advanced computer technology to visualise the completed steel fabrication and ensure that it will fit perfectly into the intended design before they start work. Once the design has been successfully modelled, the machinery will be set-up to create the steel fabrication in the real world.

How will the sheet metal manufacturing proceed?

Steel fabrication involves manipulating the metal to create the desired shape. The metal is often shot blasted before being cut using flame or plasma cutting, or even just a circular saw. To create a curved shape, the steel can be run through bending rolls until the appropriate angle of curve has been achieved. For simple bends, a press-brake may be employed.

Final work

Once the individual pieces of steel have been created, they may be welded together. It is common for fixtures and fitting to be attached to the piece prior to the item being dispatched to the customer. Many steel fabrications will also receive a coating to protect the fabrication from the environment. This might be an anti-corrosion coating or something to protect the steel from fire or water damage depending on the way the steel fabrication will be used.

However, you want to use steel in your business, an understanding of steel fabrication processes can show you what is possible and help foster new ideas that can lead to innovation and growth.