Quality Steel Ltd.

Unit 2 Roman Industrial Estate
Tait Road CR0 2TD, Croydon,
London, United Kingdom

Tel. 0208 665 1936
E-mail : office@quality-steel.co.uk
Website: https://quality-steel.co.uk/


THE INDUSTRY

The process of steel fabrication involves the manufacturing of specific steel components that will eventually be assembled and joined together to create a complete frame. Steel fabrication can be used to create loose parts, structural frames of buildings, or even heavy equipment. Fabrication bears some similarities (in terms of shape and function) with other types of metalworking, e.g. machining, forging, metal stamping, and casting, but these processes are not classified as fabrication.

Designers can usually rely on a relatively wide range of standard section shapes and sizes when designing their frame, but may occasionally commission specialized items for a unique project. (Modern steel fabrication equipment can produce complex and individualistic designs, but greater complexity typically incurs greater production costs). Designers should provide clear and specific instructions when providing their steel fabrication specifications and requirements.

Steel fabrication usually involves cutting, bending, and assembling, which are all usually executed within the same plant. The centralization of the various processes within a one-stop metal fabrication shop eliminates the need for a client to work with several vendors to complete a relatively complicated project. The cutting of steel is carried out through sawing, shearing or chiselling, which can be done via manual and powered cutting tools. On the other hand, torching is done with hand-held torches, e.g. oxy-fuel torches or plasma torches. Finally, bending is carried out by hammering (via manual or electric means), or via press brakes and equivalent tools.

Press brakes are utilised to air-bend or coin a metal sheet into the form specified by the designer. Computer numerical control (CNC) allow for each bend line and cut to be accurately positioned, by controlling the back gauges to utilise hard stops. The advent of offline programming software has markedly increased the efficiency and seamlessness of CNC-controlled press brakes, providing an example of how machinery has replaced hand-held tape measurements to improve quality, speed and accuracy in the modern steel fabrication industry. Recent advances in the quality of steel construction can be mostly attributed to the advances made by steel fabrication equipment manufacturers, who have benefited from their foresight in investing heavily research and development.

The assembly of the separate steel parts is completed by welding, riveting, threaded fasteners, binding with adhesives, or even additional bending via the form of a crimped seam. Welding wire, flux and fasteners are typically used to join the cut segments of structural steel and steel metal, via a manufacturing process that typically relies on the synergy between human labour and automation. Welding is a core activity within steel fabrication; it is utilised to prepare joints to be attachment with other fittings and fixtures, and to be connected to other joints on site.

In recent years, the problems faced by the UK steel industry have benefited the nation’s metal fabricators, who can now access supplies of steel for significantly lower prices. This is a welcomed development since the decline in the industry in the 1990s and 2000s, which caused a reduction in the number of apprenticeships and training opportunities for welders. The metal fabrication industry on the whole is nevertheless highly dependent on the automotive, aerospace, construction, and energy industries, and its health hinges on the market and economic factors that influence the growth – or stagnation – of these sectors. For now, the economic rebound since the 2008 recession, has allowed the industry the opportunity to grow, innovate and prepare for future challenges.


ABOUT US

Based in Croydon, London, Quality Steel provides a wide range of steel-related services. Since its establishment in 2004, it has provided reliable and quality steel to clients in the construction industry across the nation. It was founded by Leszek Ulewicz and Piotr Fostyk, two ironwork and engineering veterans who place client satisfaction as their foremost priority.

By strictly adhering to all British Standards and enforcing effective quality control measures, the company has lived up to its named as it manufactured archways, stairs and mesh reinforcements for over a decade. With our diverse array of tools and specialised machinery – e.g. the Pegas 500 x 750 Horizontal X band saw and the Geka Hydracrop 55a – we can provide you with the best steel fabrication services in the market.

We are best known for our consistent inability to cut corners, ensuring that the steel that becomes part of your structure will be of the highest quality. When working with Quality Steel, you can always be assured that additional care, time and effort will be invested in the manufacturing process to ensure that your final structure will be free of flaws, blemishes, oversights and shortcomings.

Furthermore, we provide additional services that speed up the process of you getting your completed steel structure. We have containers and pallets that can be used to transport any necessary components.
With our technical support team perpetually ready at hand, any (rare) problems you encounter throughout the process will be swiftly and directly addressed.