Main Steps of Structural Steel Fabrication Process

Steps of structural steel fabrication process include design preparation, steel cutting and drilling, bending and welding, quality check, delivery, assembly, and installation.

Main Steps of Structural Steel Fabrication Process

1. Design Preparation:

The first step in any structural steel fabrication process is design preparation. This is where the drawings and specifications for the project are created and agreed. Once the design is complete, the draftsman can start creating the exact Bill of Material (BOM) and Bill of Operations (BOO) to prepare the information needed for purchase and production.

2. Steel Cutting and Drilling:

The next step is to cut and drill the steel. The steel is first cut to the correct length and then drilled to create the holes needed for the project. Steel cutting can be performed by circular saw machines, laser cutting machines, water-jet machines, or plasma cutting machines.

3. Bending and welding:

Various bending processes such as section bending, roll bending, plate bending, and tube bending are performed to create the desired shape. The steel is then welded together using either MMA welding or MAG welding. The welding can be performed by hand or with a machine.

4. Quality Check:

The quality check ensures that the steel meets all the required specifications. It includes visual inspections, dimensional inspections, and mechanical tests. Non-destructive testing (NBT) is also performed to ensure that the welded parts are free from hidden defects and cracks.

5. Finishing:

After the quality check is complete, the steel is then sandblasted and painted. This is done to protect the steel from corrosion. The finishing process is performed before installation to reduce the installation time and cost.

6. Delivery, Assembly, and Installation:

In the final step, the steel is delivered to the site and assembled as per the required design. The fabricated steel parts must be handled carefully to avoid any damage. Installation can be performed by using heavy-duty cranes.