Three Things to Understand before Working with a Steel Fabrication Company

If you need to work with a steel fabrication company then you might think that metal fabrication is a simple process involving the cutting and forming of metal to the desired shape. While that is certainly a part of the steel fabrication process, it is not as simple as you might think and there are numerous processes involved. To work more effectively with your steel fabrication company it can help to have a clear understanding of what steel fabrication involves and what the limitations of the process might be. Here are three things that you need to know.

Steel fabrication is a multi-stage process

Don't make the mistake of thinking of steel fabrication as a quick process. While most firms will try to offer you the fastest service that they can your project will still need to pass through numerous stages before it is completed. First, the sheet metal will need to be cut or sheared to size then there could be machining, welding or forming to be completed as well. Once these primary processes have taken place it's probable that there will need to be secondary processes such as deburring, sandblasting, anodizing and plating before the finished item is ready for dispatch.

Not everything is possible

A steel fabrication company will always try to meet your requirements but every company has limitations. These limitations could relate to the skill of their workforce, but it's more likely that their machinery can't cope with what you need or that what you need simply isn't possible with the material you want to use. Whatever project you are planning it is important that you discuss your needs with the steel fabrication company. They will be able to explain what they are able to achieve, which materials they can work with and how long the work will take to complete. If you do hit a problem they should be able to offer an alternative option.

Not all metals are the same

If your product needs to be created from a particular metal then you will need to work within the limitations of that material. Your fabricator will be able to explain which fabrication processes will work best with which materials. They will also be able to explain the relative strengths and weaknesses of each metal and how they can be most effectively used. Understanding more about the material you are proposing to use is the best way to achieve the right result for your fabrication project.

Reach out to a steel fabrication company today for more information.