Structural Steel Fabrication: Everything You Need to Know

Steel fabrication is an integral part of our economy and infrastructure. Prefabricated steel products are used in all kinds of industries, including construction, shipbuilding, aerospace, auto manufacturing, mining, and more. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the steel fabrication process and how to choose a steel fabricator for your unique needs. 

What is structural steel fabrication?

Structural steel fabrication involves cutting, bending, shaping, and assembling steel into different types of products to be used in larger structures. The fabrication process transforms raw materials into steel components ready to install once they arrive at the construction site. Apartment buildings, office complexes, arenas, hospitals, warehouses, shopping centers, bridges, ships, industrial and agricultural equipment, wind turbines, and more need structural steel fabrication. 

Steel fabrication is also used to construct smaller components like staircases and handrails. Fabricated steel components can include standard sizes and shapes or completely customized forms. When it comes to creative applications of fabricated steel, the possibilities are nearly limitless. 

Fabricated steel is a popular building material because it offers superior strength and durability. It is long-lasting, requires much less maintenance, and it is less vulnerable to the elements than other building materials like wood. Steel is as malleable as it is strong, so that it can be manipulated into all different kinds of shapes and forms depending on your needs. Structural steel can also be an extremely cost-effective option as a building material. 

What do structural steel fabricators do?

A structural steel fabricator must be able to read and interpret blueprints in order to ensure precision and accuracy. In conjunction with architects, contractors, drafters, and designers, steel fabricators use various tools and techniques to create steel beams and other large prefab structures according to the designer’s specifications. Steel fabricators often use advanced technology such as computer numerical control (CNC), 3D modeling software, and heavy cutting, welding, and bending machines. 

The structural steel fabrication process

• Shop Drawings – All steel fabrication jobs begin with a set of blueprints, or drawings. Blueprints are then converted into a set of shop drawings used by the fabricator. Shop drawings include details of the structure, measurements and specifications, building codes, budget, and more.
• Cutting – Steel fabricators use various tools and heavy machinery to cut steel components into the appropriate shapes and sizes for the project. Cutting tools include laser cutters, plasma torches, saws, chisels, and others. CNC technology is used to ensure precision and accuracy.
• Processing – Your steel fabricator will also perform bending, forming, rolling, punching, and drilling to manipulate the steel based on the blueprints and shop drawings’ specifications. This may be done manually or with the use of machinery.
• Welding – Once the steel components have been processed, welding may be required. Final assembly is usually done at the construction site.
• Finishing – Different types of finishes can be applied to steel products to create certain aesthetic effects or fire-proofing. Examples include sand-blasting, galvanizing, powder coating, heat treating, and painting.
• Delivery – The final stage is shipping and delivery to the building site, where the structural steel components will be installed.

What to look for in a structural steel fabricator

The best way to ensure you receive high-quality steel fabrication at a fair price is to choose the right steel fabrication and supply company for your project. How do you find a good steel fabricator? Consider the following factors: 

• Experience – When it comes to structural steel fabrication, experience counts. An experienced company with a solid reputation can provide expert guidance throughout the fabrication process. Look for a company that has experience handling a wide variety of steel applications in different industries and specific experience with the type of project you want. An experienced steel fabricator can also give you a more accurate cost estimate because they know what to expect during the project.
• Customer Satisfaction – To get a true sense of what it will be like to work with a company, look to their past client experiences. Do some due diligence by checking out their client testimonials. Ask for references from clients whose needs or steel applications are similar to your own.
• Capability – The right steel fabrication partner will possess the right capabilities for the scale and scope of your project. Look for a company that carries a large inventory of products and can perform a wide variety of different value-added services.
• Turnaround Time – A fabricator with a fleet of trucks will help ensure on-time delivery, reduce costs, and minimize delays. Your steel fabricator should take the time to understand your business and your needs to create a solution that works for you.
• Quality – Ultimately, you’ll want to have confidence in the craft and materials employed in your project. Choose a company with a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and quality assurance. They should maintain a quality management system in compliance with their ISO 9001 certification.

How to estimate steel fabrication cost

The cost of your structural steel fabrication project will depend on the materials required, the labor involved, and the costs of any specialized finishes, delivery, and other factors. A reliable steel fabricator can provide an accurate, detailed estimate before beginning work. 

When estimating costs, consider your steel fabricator’s inventory. If the company has a large inventory and has your necessary materials in stock, you’ll save time and money because they won’t need to order materials from a third party. Likewise, a company that is agile and flexible can help save you money. 

About Westfield Steel

Westfield Steel has been a trusted, family-owned Indiana steel supplier since 1977. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work, the caliber of our customer service, and the capabilities of our team. From prefab steel products and value-added services to custom projects and hauling services, we can help. We value our customer relationships and will take the time to understand your business and needs to deliver the best possible solutions. 

The longevity of our company is owed to our commitment to continuous improvement and quality control. We operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to accommodate your needs and offer the fastest turnaround time. We also have a dedicated fleet of trucks to ensure on-time delivery and prevent delays that can cost your business time and money. 

Contact us today to begin the consultation or estimate process and discover how we can help you make your steel fabrication goals a reality. 

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