Steel fabrication is the process of converting steel into steel structures that can eventually be used in construction or assembly. The main forms of steel fabrication include cutting, forming, machining or welding. Additional processes such as finishing and heat treatment are also available. The fabrication process is completed by highly trained specialist steel fabricators and welders. For more information click here.

A steel frame is a building technique with a "skeleton frame" of vertical steel columns and horizontal  steel beams, constructed in a rectangular grid to support the floors, roof and walls of a building which are all attached to the frame. The steel beams are connected to the columns using bolts and threaded fasteners. These types of buildings have become an increasingly popular choice on many construction projects as they provide strength and durability as well as flexibility.

Steel sections offer structural support to a range of infrastructure projects. There are five main types of steel sections widely available, each with their own specific uses. The first are angle sections, sometimes known as L-shaped sections. These are best known by their equal or unequal sizes, with both types featuring right angles. These sections are highly effective in resisting  tension under point loads and are used in braces, connecting members for built-up sections. The second are I-Beams and H-Beams, which are heavily used steel sections in the construction sector. These sections feature an I or H shape and provide strength and support for various load combinations. They are widely used as beams, girders, and columns on buildings, bridges, and other structures. The third are channels, sometimes known as C-beams or U-beams. These are popular thanks to their combination of strength of cost-effectiveness, making them ideal supports in various smaller projects. The fourth are hollow structural sections. These come available as circular, rectangular and square. They are often used in load-bearing columns, welded steel frames, and industrial equipment. Their hollow design provides efficient strength-to-weight ratios, making them suitable for multi-axis loading applications. The fifth, and last, are steel plates. These are highly popular because they can be produced in different shapes and sizes. The plates are commonly used to reinforce structures or attached to other steel sections.

Structural steel fabrication is the process of manufacturing steel components that can then be used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures. The process involves cutting, shaping, and assembling  steel components to create a final product that can then be used for construction. For more information on structural steel fabricators click here.

When fabricating steel products, it’s also important to consider the finish that needs to be applied to the product. The two most common steel finishes are galvanising and powder coating. Galvanising is the process whereby the steel is submerged is dipped into a bath of molten zinc. The zinc creates a thick layer around the steel, helping to guard against corrosion. Powder coating is a dry process which requires an electrostatic charge in the metal to allow the powder to bind to the surface of the metal. The metal then undergoes a baking process; the heat enables the powder to complete the binding process, forming a protective layer against the elements. While galvanising and powder coating are two very distinct processes, they are both equally good at protecting the structural steel beams and columns from corrosion.

Fabricating structural steel involves a number of steps such as cutting, shaping, and assembling steel components. The fabrication process typically begins with the creation of detailed plans and drawings, which are used to guide the fabrication process. The steel components are then cut and shaped using saws, plasma cutters, and bending machines. Once the fabricated steel components have been cut and shaped, they are assembled using welding or bolting methods. For more information on structural steel fabricators in Loughborough click here.