Learn about the three common steel fabricating processes

Steel design and fabrication is an industrial term that refers to the building of structures by cutting, shaping, and assembling the components made out of steel. Fabrication of structural steel is usually preformed using manually operated techniques. However, with the advent in technology special purpose machines have emerged that make steel fabrication process faster and easier.

Given below are the three most commonly used steel fabrication processes, work hardening, machining, and welding.

1. Work hardening - It is the process of strengthening the material through deformation. Compared to other varieties of steel, stainless steel hardens quickly, though the exact rate depends on the specific grade of the alloy. The hardening rate of stainless steel is slightly higher than that of carbon steel and is commonly used grade series in fabrication process. Since stainless steel can be hardened through cold working, a thermal treatment process is applied to other grades of steel. Work hardening also helps increase the magnetism of stainless steel. While its magnetism tends to be relatively low, grades with higher work hardening rates exhibit higher levels of magnetic capacity after treatment. Stainless steel has the ability to undergo greater deformation at slower forming speeds. This requires high-speed forming processes to be slowed down to improve their work hardening efficiency.
   
   

2. Machining - Certain grades of stainless steel, such as grades 303, 430, 410 and 416 achieve resistance to chipping when alloyed with manganese sulphide. Addition of manganese sulphide results in decreased ductility and corrosion resistance of these grades, resulting in limited machining applications. In order to overcome the limits of machining these grades of stainless steel, some steel fabricators adopt exclusive steel melting techniques. These techniques help improve the machinability of austenitic steel grades. For machining stainless steel, coolants and lubricants are applied to the equipment, large tools are used to dissipate heat, chip breakers are used to deflect debris, machine tools are used to reduce vibration, and cutting edge is kept sharp at all times.. Light cuts and constant feeds are maintained throughout the machining process.
   
   

3. Welding - Most varieties of steel can be welded, but the degree of efficiency depends on its grade. Austenitic grades of steel are well suited for welding. Since thicker products are susceptible to sensitization and inner-granular corrosion, low carbon grades are used for projects that involve welding of thick materials. Martensitic grades are also good for welding but they may be prone to breaking. To reduce the likelihood of fractures, the material is pre-heated and post-heated. Supplementary austenitic filler rods also prove useful.
   
   

If you are looking for steel fabrication and design in Bayswater, choose a reliable and experienced steel fabricator. Make sure the steel fabricator has essential equipment and is aware of the correct techniques of fabrication, depending on your individual project requirements and steel grade used.