Steel is one of the most used metals for fabrication. This metal finds an extensive use in manufacturing a wider spectrum of infrastructural components. Steel is a preferred metal due to its strength and durability. Steel-made components contribute to different sectors including transportation, construction, renewable energy and other utilities.
What are Different Processes in Steel Fabrication?
Cutting and Shaping: This is the basic step of steel fabrication. Steel fabrication manufacturers perform cutting to create specified shapes and sizes from the metal plates. They usually use shearing, sawing or CNC (Computerized Numerical Control)to cut and shape metal plates according to custom order.
Welding and Assembly: After cutting and shaping, welding techniques are employed to assemble steel pieces together. Welding helps in joining different metallic pieces to create the desired structure. The process demands expertise in a wide range of welding processes including metal inert gas welding, arc welding, tungsten inert gas welding etc.
Surface Treatment and Final Touch: After assembly, fabricated steel is often put through surface treatments for perfect finishing. This adds shine and appeal, while making the finished product highly resistant to corrosion and extending its lifespan in the process.
Surface treatment employs sandblasting at high velocity against a surface. Steel fabrication manufacturers utilize this process to remove contaminants. Surface treatment also prepares the metal surface for painting, powder coating, galvanising or applying other types of protective coatings such as epoxy, polyurethane etc. Coating or painting improves a metal’s resistance to corrosion or abrasion.
What are different types of steel used for metal fabrication?
Steel fabrication for infrastructure utilizes different types of steel. Each type has specific properties and hence, is used for specific purposes. Followings are some most common types of steel used for fabrication:
Stainless Steel: This type of steel, used in infrastructure elements, remains exposed to corrosion and extreme temperatures. Stainless steel is used in handrails, architectural elements and bridges.
Structural Steel: This type, due to its amazing weldability and strength, is an ideal choice for structural components. Hence, it has got the name. This type of steel is mostly used in columns, beams, angles and plates of bridges and buildings.
Carbon Steel: This type is versatile and affordable. Hence, it finds extensive use. Carbon steel contains different percentages of carbon, depending on the requirements of end applications. As a result, fabricated steel becomes strong and suitable for various applications such as buildings, bridges and pipelines.
Tool Steel: This type is known for its high heat resistance, high hardness, durability and shape stability. Though hardly used in general infrastructure, tool steel is used for specialized construction tools and equipment.
Alloy Steel: This type comprises different alloying elements such as chromium, manganese or nickel. Alloy steels exhibit unique properties such as toughness, corrosion resistance, fatigue strength, improved strength etc. This type of steel is mostly used in important infrastructure components such as pipelines and structural supports.
Reinforcing Steel: Also known as rebar, reinforcing steel reinforces concrete in infrastructural projects such as, buildings, bridges, highways etc. It lends tensile strength and ductility to RCC structures, improving their load-bearing capacity and durability.
