The Job of the Fabricator
When it comes to materials that stand the test of time, steel remains unbeaten. Famous for its strength, versatility, quality, and value, steel is still one of the most widely used materials in any number of construction projects.
Yet, for all of the steel’s functionality and dependability, it simply wouldn’t be possible to enjoy those many benefits without the essential work of fabricators. A steel fabricator worth their weight will be the fulcrum on which a successful construction project pivots - for better or for worse. A great fabricator will take a given job and turn it into a masterpiece ready for installation. A poor fabrication job can lead to mistakes, loss of valuable materials, and the ultimate cost - time and money.
What are the essential elements that make up a great steel fabricator job? Let’s take a look at what structural steel fabrication is, the processes involved, as well as a few of the products commonly produced by these vital links in the project chain.
Craftsmanship
The most important characteristic of a fabricator is craftsmanship. Most fabricators use a variety of techniques to transform basic sections of manufactured steel into predefined shapes that are ready to erect and install. Working from the precise drawings created by steel detailers, the fabricator will work diligently to bring those plans to life. This process requires extensive knowledge of the various properties of steel, as well as an extremely keen eye for detail.
Not only do steel materials need to be crafted with absolute precision so that they are ready to install at the point of delivery, but they also must also arrive on-site in the order that they are needed. This takes a level of craftsmanship that may be unexpected when thinking of a steel fabricator - yet this is why choosing the right fabricator is one of the most important decisions you will make in the process of your project.
Steel Cutting
One of the fabricator’s most common jobs is the cutting of steel into the specifications required by the detailer’s plans. Steel sections are easier to work with by a crew when they are cut to length prior to fabrication. This cutting can be accomplished in a number of ways, including using circular saws, flame-cutting, or plasma cutting techniques. These various techniques are skill-dependent, so a great fabricator will have training and experience in a variety of cutting methods.
Bending
Many of today’s modern structures incorporate beautifully-curved steel elements. To achieve this characteristic “bend” requires the fabricator to utilize various rolling and bending techniques when working with the steel material.
For example, a piece of steel can be passed through a set of bending rolls numerous times until the right level of curve has been established. Similarly, a method known as “press braking” can also be used for more creating more straightforward bends involving lengths of steel up to 12 metres long.
Welding
When you imagine the work of a steel fabricator, it is likely that you see sparks flying under a welding mask. The work of steel fabrication involves a whole lot of welding for nearly every make and style of fabricating. For instance, welding is often used to attach fixtures and fittings as well as to prepare connections for quick and effective installation on site. Welding uses high levels of precision-aimed heat to melt the parent steel material to attach it to whatever element is being attached to it. This process allows for the weld pool to solidify the two materials that are fused together.
Coating
Another important element of a fabrication job is coating. Coatings are applied to steel for both practical and aesthetic purposes and are most commonly applied towards the end of the entire fabrication process. As a benefit to the entire construction, high-tech coatings can protect the steel against corrosion as well as fire. Coatings can also be used to provide a custom look when requested by the architect or steel designer.
Indiana Steel Fabricating - Your Structural Steel Fabrication Experts
Are you in need of quality steel fabrication for a construction project? To access the best fabrication team in the region, contact Indiana Steel Fabricating today. Our team of expert steel fabricators has the experience and knowledge necessary to answer any of your questions, and our experience in the field will ensure that you find the best solution to suit your unique needs.
At Indiana Steel Fabricating, we pride ourselves on our reputation and years of experience dealing with nearly every aspect of a job. Our team’s expertise has helped us complete countless projects for a variety of industries. Contact us today to find out more. At Indiana Steel Fabricating, no one knows steel like we do.
