Find the Best Steel Fabrication Services Near You

Steel fabrication is the process of taking raw materials and then shaping them into the desired form. It starts with melting the raw materials and then mixing them into steel before it is constructed into any shape as a finished product. Steel fabrication is a process that requires the skills of an experienced technician who can easily work with raw components and transform them into marketable products. It is a job that leaves very little room for error. Industrial facilities create various products from vehicular parts to household appliances and more with the use of stainless steel fabrication.

First, the fabricator will gauge the original shape or the starting forms of the raw materials, including a flat plate, reshaped channels, pipe and other forms. The steel is then processed. The fabricator will then determine the shape of the resulting product – this step depends on two factors. The first factor is the software package, and the second factor is the equipment available in the machine shop. To make this step easier, most metal fabrication companies will use cutting-edge technology to keep track of their operations and to both maintain and improve the proficiency of their custom steel fabrication process.

The following are the five different types of fabrication:

• Cutting - This is one of the most commonly used fabrication processes in the market. Here, sheets of metal are split into halves, thirds or even smaller sections. Many types of machinery can perform cutes, from lasers to plasma torches and other more high-tech machinery.
• Folding - Folding is where a metal surface is manipulated into shape at specified angles. It is a more complicated process that may only be performed in facilities that are equipped with high-tech and specific equipment. Although, more often than not, when a fold is needed, joining two metal panels at certain angles is actually a more practical alternative.
• Welding - This is another popular metal fabrication process that involves the joining of separate metal parts. This application will need any parts that are made of metal, including sheets, panels, bars, shapes etc. Many tools can be used for welding. Most of the time, it is done through the application of heat on the points where the two pieces are joined together.
• Machining - It’s a process that uses a machine to remove portions from a piece of metal. Usually, the process is done on a lathe, which rotates the metal against tools that trim corners and edges to cut the metal down to the desired size or shape.
• Punching - This process places metals under a dye and submits it to a punch-through by a drill, thus the name punching. Punching has two subcategories, (1) by punching holes into a panel of metal to fasten brackets or foreign parts, and (2) by blanking where the whole area is explicitly separated from the bigger panel to shape a smaller bit component.
• Shearing - This is the process used when sheets of metal require long cuts. Some applications feed the sheet through a metal-cutting machine horizontally, while others are applied vertically against the whole length of a flat metal sheet.
• Stamping - This process is used to form specific shapes, images or letters within a metal sheet or a panel. It’s similar to relief carving in wood or marble. Examples of stamping are coins where currency amounts, words or faces of presidents are stamped on each surface.
• Casting - An old type of metal fabrication where molten metal is poured into a mould and then left to solidify in a specific form. It is a flexible method of fabrication that is ideal for a variety of complex shape-making.

Generally, steel fabrication projects will require around three weeks. But there are two factors to consider when trying to determine how long your stainless steel fabrication will take. These are (1) the fabricator’s efficiency and (2) the complexity of the process.

In Australia, the steel fabrication cost is around $4,850 +GST per tonne for mild steel that is supplied, fabricated and installed with a coat of primer (including crane costs if required).

iseekplant has a nationwide network of quality steel fabrication suppliers operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer steel fabrication in all major towns and cities from Cairns down to Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Geelong.

Search for steel fabricators on iseekplant today to find your nearest suppliers! We are Australia’s largest online construction hire marketplace, so you can find everything you need for your project in one place. Use our Get a Quote tool today and tell us what you need, and we’ll share your request with your nearest suppliers and get them to send you quotes directly. Talk to us today by calling 1300 691 912 or emailing projects@iseekplant.com.au.

Steel is used in fabrication to create a wide range of structural components and products. Its versatility, strength, and durability make it ideal for constructing buildings, bridges, machinery, and other infrastructure. Steel can be easily cut, shaped and welded, allowing fabricators to produce precise and complex parts. Additionally, steel's recyclability makes it a sustainable choice for many industries. The use of steel in fabrication ensures that structures and products can withstand significant stress and environmental factors, providing long-term reliability.

A steel fabricator's job involves cutting, shaping, and assembling steel components to create structures or products according to specific designs. They use various tools and machinery, such as welders, saws, and presses, to perform their tasks. Fabricators read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings to ensure accuracy in their work. They also inspect and test the final products to guarantee they meet quality and safety standards. The role requires precision, attention to detail and a strong understanding of metalworking techniques.

The purpose of fabrication is to create custom products, components or structures from raw materials, typically metals like steel or aluminium. Fabrication transforms these materials into specific shapes and sizes to meet the needs of various industries, such as construction, manufacturing and automotive. This process involves cutting, bending, welding and assembling to produce items that are tailored to precise specifications. Fabrication enhances the functionality, durability and aesthetic appeal of the final products. It plays a crucial role in turning design concepts into tangible, usable items.

The best steel for fabrication depends on the specific requirements of the project, but common choices include carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel. Carbon steel is widely used due to its strength, affordability, and ease of welding and forming. Stainless steel is preferred for projects requiring corrosion resistance, such as in food processing or medical equipment. Alloy steel, which contains additional elements like chromium, nickel, or manganese, offers enhanced mechanical properties and is ideal for high-stress applications. Each type of steel offers unique benefits, making it important to select the right one based on the project's needs.

Yes, steel fabrication is considered a part of the manufacturing process. Manufacturing involves the production of goods from raw materials through various processes, and fabrication is a key step in this chain. Steel fabrication specifically refers to creating metal structures and components by cutting, bending, and assembling steel. This process is integral to producing a wide range of products used in construction, automotive, aerospace, and other industries. Fabrication transforms raw steel into finished goods, contributing to the overall manufacturing cycle.

Fabrication and welding are related but distinct processes in metalworking. Fabrication involves a broader range of activities, including cutting, bending, forming, and assembling metal components to create a final product. Welding, on the other hand, is a specific technique used within the fabrication process to join metal pieces together by melting their edges and adding a filler material. While welding is a crucial step in many fabrication projects, fabrication encompasses the entire process of constructing metal structures or components. Both are essential in producing high-quality metal products and structures.

Steel fabrication services cover the design, cutting, shaping, and assembly of steel components for construction, industrial, and commercial projects. Common services include:

• Cutting and profiling: Laser, plasma, or waterjet cutting to create precise shapes.
• Bending and forming: Shaping steel beams, sheets, or tubes to project specifications.
• Welding and assembly: Joining components to form frames, structures, or machinery.
• Surface finishing: Painting, galvanising, powder coating, or other protective treatments.
• Custom fabrication: Producing bespoke steel structures or components to client designs.

These services can be tailored to project size and complexity, from simple parts to large-scale structural steelwork.

Yes, many steel fabricators offer engineering services to support the design and planning of steel structures. This can include structural analysis, drafting, and technical consultation to ensure the fabricated components meet project specifications and safety standards.

Engineering services often cover:

• Design and drafting: Creating detailed plans and CAD drawings.
• Structural calculations: Verifying load-bearing capacity and compliance with building codes.
• Material selection advice: Recommending suitable steel types and grades for durability and performance.

These services help streamline fabrication and installation, reducing errors and ensuring projects are built to specification.

Yes, fabricated steel can be hot-dip galvanised, which involves coating the steel in molten zinc to protect it from corrosion. This process is commonly used for structural steel, fencing, and outdoor equipment to extend its lifespan and reduce maintenance.

Hot-dip galvanising can be applied to most fabricated steel components, including beams, frames, and small parts, provided they are properly cleaned and prepared beforehand. The process produces a durable, long-lasting finish that is suitable for both industrial and commercial applications.

The turnaround time for steel fabrication depends on the complexity of the project, the type of steel, and the finishing requirements. Simple components or standard structural elements can often be fabricated within one to four weeks, while complex or custom designs may take several months.

Factors influencing turnaround include material availability, design intricacy, order size, labour capacity, and specialised processes such as cutting, welding, or coating. Effective planning and communication with the fabricator can help ensure timelines are met.