Fabrication is the term used to describe the process of manipulation of raw materials like steel and turning it into something useful. Steel is a viral material used to make various structures including small parts of large structures mainly because of its sturdy and robust nature. Cutting, bending, welding and assembling are just some of the processes that steel undergoes. Although it may seem as if fabrication of steel is just another process of using steel as a material, it plays a huge role in the success of the manufacturing industry, particularly that of construction.
Whether it is the safety pin you used at work today or the steel structure where you go to on a daily basis, all of these make use of steel fabrication. Its fabrication has several products that are used in various industries. From the smallest to the most significant form of steel fabrication, they contribute to the sectors where they are used. More importantly, they make the lives of consumers so much easier.
What are the various types of processes involved in the use of steel fabrication? Here are some of them in a list:
- Cutting steel is considered one of the oldest methods of using steel in the process of manufacture. In fact, the tools that are used for cutting steel has evolved with it through time. Saw used to be the most popular, but modern methods are now employed more. The use of waterjet, plasma, and even laser are three of the most popular forms of cutting steel. They differ only in the complexity of the process, not to mention its overall cost.
- Folding is also one of the ways steel can be fabricated. When there are parts that need to be curved or bent, folding using the brake press is the first option that comes to mind. The brake press comes with dies that help form the creases in metal by merely pinching it. This method is only used for specific cases and mainly involves parts of various structures the require steel that comes in a particular shape or form.
- Machining, on the other hand, is the manipulation of metal by its removal from existing material. A drill or a lathe is used to get this done. This process is to be done only by professionals who have the skills and experience needed in handling steel. The range of motion as well the rotation of the steel needs be done with utmost care and ease to ensure safety.
The process of steel fabrication has indeed gone through various changes over the years. What used to be complicated has become simpler and much easier to do with the right machinery, tools, and skills. With the advancements in technology, there is nothing that can be done to make something good out of steel.
