No matter the sector, industry type, or production line you’re working on, there will be challenges at some point or some stage in the process; it’s inevitable.
However, what makes the real difference between disaster and overcoming these challenges is how these are managed.
The steel fabrication process is no exception to challenges and obstacles. And at Morfab, we work hard to continuously improve our processes and update our procedures, implementing innovations and quality control procedures that benefit our clients.
Why not visit us to find out more.
Structural steel fabrication
Structural steel plays many roles, providing robust and reliable structures as well as strong and durable architecture. This means that it must be of high quality, meet all structural steel erection tolerances, and look good.
Structural steel is vital in various construction projects as a strong material with numerous benefits. However, structural steel fabrication is challenging, making it difficult to adapt to market changes quickly.
When we look at the challenges in fabrication processes, it’s important to note that some issues are due to human error, and others can be external factors.
In order to maximise the benefits and limit the obstacles, it’s important to understand what you can be up against during the fabrication process.
To help:
- Fabricators must be provided with all of the information about the project from the beginning, so this can be built into each fabrication stage.
- Fabricators must meet all industry standards to minimise the risk of poor quality.
- Ensure a full breakdown of all costs.
Most common obstacles during structural steel processes
Damage to Materials
Scratches, burrs, chips, and marks can appear on structural steel as you’re working on it due to the techniques and processes the metal goes through.
These chips and scratches can lead to further significant problems such as corrosion and a negative effect on aesthetics.
To overcome this, structural steel fabricators will appropriately clean the steel before working on the sheet and carry out quality checks at the end of each fabrication stage to check for any errors.
Problems with Welding
Welding is a very precise and technical fabrication process that requires a great deal of skill.
Because of this, welding can cause defects as the heat from the weld can diminish the steel composition, which in some cases can affect the structural steel tolerances as outlined in the specifications.
To combat this, fabricators will build steel tolerances into design specifications and fabrication processes. And again, we would always advise that you work with an experienced and qualified team in this area to ensure quality.
Springback after fabrication
Even after fabrication, structural steel will naturally try to spring back to its original shape and position, causing deformation to the finished steel structure.
To combat this, fabricators must consider the angles of the punch and the die, using these steel fabrication tolerances to predict the spring back and the degree of the bend radius; for example, the larger the radius of the bend, the greater the spring back.
Price of Raw Materials
Completely out of your control, the price of raw materials can affect structural steel fabrication processes and put considerable pressure on steel margins.
There isn’t a lot of negotiation on the pricing of raw materials, so this can be a difficult obstacle to overcome; however, always work to your budget and match this with the quality services with which you are provided.
Problems with Tools and Equipment
The right tools and equipment are crucial to achieving high-quality structural steel.
Machinery, tools, and equipment should be well maintained and serviced at regular intervals.
Advances in technology and new equipment should be considered where appropriate, and quality should be checked and assured.
Meeting Deadlines
Delivering work on time and to agreed deadlines can be an obstacle caused by varying factors throughout the fabrication process, from fabricators off sick to materials not being delivered on time to a breakdown in equipment.
Contingencies should be built into all procedures, which are realistic and communicated to everyone so everyone knows that delays are possible.
Harsh Work Environments
The fabrication of structural steel can be a challenging environment for workers, and their safety should always be of the utmost importance.
Machinery and equipment should be well maintained and regularly checked, PPE should be provided for all workers, and full training should be provided.
If structural steel fabrication tolerances are to be maintained, then overcoming harsh work environments by managing worker safety and well-being is essential.
Structural Steel Contractors
We understand that production and fabrication lines need to flow to be effective and efficient, which means they must be managed. We also appreciate that steel processes can be quite rigid, making change sometimes a larger obstacle.
We also know the importance of working with a team that not only knows the obstacles and challenges of fabricating structural steel but also has processes and solutions in place to overcome them.
At Morfabrication, our structural steel fabricators continually look to improve processes, embrace emerging technologies and carry out quality inspections for proactive solutions.
If you have a structural steel project, you would like further support on, please contact a Morfab team member today at 01918 162718.