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Structural Steel Fabricators in Toronto: FAQs

May 20, 2016

Structural steel fabricators in Toronto offer many benefits to construction projects. Technology exists today in the form of 3D imaging and building information modeling to allow a close collaboration between the design engineer and structural steel fabricators regarding structural steel fabrication and erection of building structures. Technology has allowed huge savings in time and money during the fabrication and construction process because design models are more closely analyzed.

The process of structural steel fabrication

Fabrication shops in Toronto and structural steel fabricators work round the clock to supply our great city’s demand for ongoing construction. Most prefer structural steel fabrication to take place right in the construction site to save on the cost of transport, particularly when the parts are excessively large and heavy. The methods used by structural steel fabricators in Toronto as well as the GTA adhere to strict quality control. When fabricating off site, the benefits include the presence of sophisticated machines and equipment. The process of structural steel fabrication includes the following stages: surface treatment, cutting, straightening, bending and rolling, assembly, and finishing treatment.

  • Surface treatment – structural sections of steel that came directly from rolling mills require some sort of surface cleaning or abrasive blast cleaning to remove mill scale prior to the fabrication process and eventually the coating and surface finishing process. Blast cleaning is a typical way of cleaning structural steel in fabrication shops before the application of surface protection system.
  • Cutting – is a process where structural steel is cut to proper length and width through the use of various methods, depending on the shop’s equipment. For structural steel fabricators in Toronto and beyond, the cutting technology is dictated by the type of material, its thickness, how it will be applied, and the requirements of the client.
  • Punching and drilling – structural steel fabricators have different machines and equipment that can create holes internally and externally. There are traditional drilling machines but most fabrication shops today have CNC lathes and turning machines.
  • Assembly – the traditional process of assembly is welding, however there are other options that include the use of fasteners, bolts, and rivets. While welding is a cost effective method, there is also demand for structural members to be bolted to avoid welding stresses and distortion, or in instances when the component has to be taken apart for servicing.
  • Finishing – structural beams need to be finished to an even and smooth surface. Structural steelwork must be protected against corrosion through the application of protective coating. Coating is also used to enhance aesthetics.