Steel fabrication is the process of making raw steel into a product or an item that can be used in construction or assembly. Steel is an alloy of iron and other metals - and there are many kinds of steel - which are used in structural and fabrication operations. Fabrication is basically making the metal into the shape you need.
Steel fabrication can involve taking raw materials and making them into the shape that is wanted. The raw materials are melted down and mixed into steel before being made into the shape needed. Another method is one of recycling the steel by melting it down and making the new piece into the desired shape.
Basic methods of fabricating include cutting or burning; forming; machining or welding. Here is how each one of those work.
- Cutting or burning involves cutting or burning the metal into the shape that is desired. Sheering, or metalworking, is the most common method. Special saws designed for cutting metal can also be used. Specialized torches can be used to cut and shape metal as well.
- Forming is another method used to change or fabricate steel. This is done by applying force, such as hammering or beating it into the shape that is wanted. This can be combined with welding in some specialized settings.
- Machining is using a specialized piece of equipment to shave away parts of the metal to make it into the shape that is needed. Lathes, mills, and drills are some of the tools that are used.
- Welding is the most common method of steel fabrication. Welding is used to bend or to combine pieces to make them one larger and stronger piece.
For more information about steel fabricators, contact Midwest Steel today.