Metal fabrication is one of the most critical processes for manufacturing. From manufacturing nuts and bolts to parts for aircraft, metal fabrication is of great significance. It finds its application in various industries such as aerospace, construction, mining, and alternative energy. In this article, we will be specifically discussing the utility of metal fabrication in the construction industry.
What is Metal Fabrication?
Metal fabrication is the process of making metal components by performing various techniques on a sheet of metal. In the construction industry, structural steel is one of the most widely used construction raw material. Structural steel is used in the construction of industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. Also, as steel is the most versatile and flexible metal for fabrications works, many structures and tools that are used in the construction industry are fabricated using steel.
Metal Fabrication and its Application in the Construction Industry?
Steel is preferred by many engineers, designers, and contractors because of its numerous benefits. The fact that it is recyclable, cost-effective and reusable makes it desirable for many construction operations. Many operations involved in construction processes require structural steel beams, ladders, and trusses. Steel fabrication is used for the fabrication of beams, ladders, and trusses. These structural element and tools hold a great significance in accomplishing significant and minor construction projects.
Fabrication of Structural Steel Beam
A structural steel beam is used to erect structures that people depend on every day. There are three types of structural steel beams, namely I-beam, H-beam and T-beam. Fabrication of structural steel beams may seem simple but requires a lot of research, experience and different competencies. Fabricators must be able to interpret blueprints and engineering drawings, utilize modern techniques and computer-aided software that is used for the fabrication of steel beams. Also, the fabricators must have a good idea of which type of steel will be suitable for the purpose steel beams are supposed to serve. Having sufficient knowledge and experience ensures that the beams are built with utmost precision and accuracy and makes a job far more manageable. Fabrication of the steel beam is not only dependent upon the purpose but also the region. Many other factors need to be considered while producing them. Furthermore, different compliance methods are outlined for a particular area and to ensure the safety of the structure being built. This makes it very important for a fabricator to be thoroughly familiar with the relevant standards of compliance right from fabricating to assembling.
Fabrication of Steel Ladders
Steel ladders are used in many industrial operations. This steel structure allows workers to easily and safely access different parts of a facility. As workers rely on steel ladders to access dangerous parts of the facility, they are fabricated to ensure maximum safety. Fabricators need to consider essential points for the appropriate fabrication of steel ladders. To ensure that steel ladders are strong and durable they use high-grade steel to help steel ladders to withstand hard industrial conditions. They are rigorously tested to check if they meet the safety standards.
Apart from considering the height and strength of steel ladders, many aspects are considered during its fabrication. Type and finish of ladder, dimensions, treads on the steps, guards, and handrails, accessories and installation are essential points that need to be considered. Once a fabricator has a clear idea of the type, dimensions, and other important information, the fabrication process starts. The structure of a steel ladder is design in a computer-aided designing software such as CAD and CAM as per the specifications. With the help of such software, steel fabricators create a 3D prototype of a ladder. The next stage is fabrication where steel ladders are built according to the design with the help of right fabrication tools and fabrication techniques. After a ladder is fabricated, it undergoes finishing and assembling to ensure a ladder works appropriately.
Fabrication of Structural Steel Trusses
Many structures rely on trusses for strength, reliability, and durability making it an essential substructure of building a big structure. In this section we will discuss how are structural steel beams, ladders and trusses are fabricated using steel fabrication.
Fabrication of structural steel trusses is a complicated process as special skill sets, tools, and techniques are needed for the same. Steel fabricators perform the fabrication of steel trusses in three stages, namely cutting, forming and assembly. They use high tech tools such as plasma cutters, lasers, and water jets to cut steel into the desired shape and size. After fabricators have cut steel into the desired shape, the process begins. In the next process, fabricators use press baking and rolling for the formation of trusses. These techniques allow steel to be moulded into particular thickness, shape, and size for a wide range of applications. Trusses are customized to suit the purpose it will be used for. The last process is the assembly in which the fabricator needs to have insights such as the type of truss, location, desired roof slope, and wind exposure span to properly assemble and join the steel. This process includes welding to join the pieces together correctly and make the truss ready to serve its purpose.
At Northern Weldarc, we specialize in steel fabrication. It may seem a complex task to fabricated structures such as steel beams, ladders, and trusses but not for our fabricators. We have a team of experienced fabricators who are well versed with various steel fabrication processes, techniques, technologies, and standards of compliance. If you are looking for hiring steel fabricators in Edmonton for your next project, get in touch with us.
