Steel Fabricators and Manufacturers

Steel fabrication is the cutting, bending and assembling processes involved in handling of metal. Steel fabricators specialise in the cutting, fabricating and fitting of steel sheets or parts.

Cutting is performed by methods of sawing, shearing or chiseling using a hand held torch such as an oxy fuel or plasma torch. To bend the steel, it must be hammered. This task can be performed manually or automatically and assembling is completed by welding the steel pieces together. Steel fabricators use these three basic methods to perform a number of services including customising, repetitive engineering fabrication, fabrication and welding. Specialised services can include high strength steel fabrication, optics, robotics and rotary cutting. More detailed fabrication processes can include JIT, drilling, laser profiling and slitting.

Steel Fabricators work in the industrial and commercial industries and must be able to interpret complex engineering drawings. Tools and equipment used in the fabrication process include brake presses, augers, bolts and band saws, and is a trade also utilised in the blacksmithing field. Steel manufacturing companies also use steel fabricators to cut sheet steel. Industrial steel fabrication is used in large scale projects where there is a considerable requirement for steel supplies such as assembling bridge structures, cranes and ships and is used to make beams, masts, fuel tanks and guttering. Steel suppliers employ steel fabricators to cut, bend and assemble steel to meet specific customer requirements.