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At FEM, we’re passionate about providing the best customer service and upholding the highest standards of security when handling any personal client data. With that in mind, we’re proud to announce that our team have worked hard to achieve the government-backed Cyber Essentials certification.

 

 

What does it mean to be Cyber Essentials certified?

Cyber Essentials is a scheme designed to help businesses better protect themselves and their customers from various potential online threats. By gaining this accreditation it means that FEM can demonstrate that we have the best cyber security measures in place, offering all customers that work with us complete assurance that their data is protected.

 

In addition, the certification means we are listed on the Cyber Essentials directory as a trusted company for online security. We have been verified by independent experts for our firewalls, user access control, malware protection, secure configuration, and patch management, as well as having general approval for our security processes.

 

 

Contact FEM for your metal fabrication needs

With increasing numbers of cyber-attacks and phishing scams on businesses and individuals today, we believe any business that handles and stores customer data no matter what it is, should take steps to ensure their cyber security procedures are as robust as possible.

 

We have built an impressive reputation for not only high-quality metal work in a wide range of sectors, but also our friendly and dedicated customer service and our commitment to undertaking Cyber Essentials certification is part of that.

 

We take digital data security seriously and want our customers to feel completely confident in us when handling their personal information. If you’re looking for specialist bespoke metal fabrication services in Sheffield, be sure to contact us to discuss your requirements.

Metal fabrication is the backbone of many industries due to its ability to create products with precision. This can either be done through bespoke fabrication or on a large scale. Regardless, skilled workers and cutting-edge automation ensures that work is completed to a high level of precision. Quality can be furthered with finishing processes and measures to meet industry regulation. 

While many industries use metal fabrication on occasion, for some it is a vital service. In this, blog we’ll be discussing the industries that currently rely on metal fabrications. 

 

Metal fabrication industries 

Steel fabrication work products can serve many purposes dictated by the materials used. For instance, where electrical components require conductive materials, it is often best to be housed within a material that is not. Through modern fabrication tools and technologies, companies can access products of varying sizes too.  

The list of industries that make use of metal fabrication services is large and ever growing. So, instead of featuring all of them, here are the top 3 industries relying on metal fabrication in their day-to-day operations. 

Construction 

Demand for steel fabrication is primarily driven by the construction industry. As a result, metal fabricators are experienced at working with architects and building engineers to provide structural steel fabrication services. Here, fabricators use their materials knowledge to provide recommendations on what will achieve the best results for the business. 

Large scale construction projects require fabricated steel beams, where smaller structures night require specialist metal support structures. Many government construction initiatives will also involve metal fabrication. From train tracks, to cabling, to bridges, to signage, structural steel features heavily in everyday life. 

Aerospace 

As an industry centred around highly technical products, aerospace requires precision engineering and precise metal fabrication. Demands are shared by commercial flying and military companies, both of which are significant. Bespoke metal fabrication services can prove particularly useful, as it enables the testing of prototypes. 

Where repairs and replacement parts are needed, they must fit seamlessly within the existing structure. This means metal fabrication is constantly used by the aerospace industry, even when new products are not being created.

Transport 

Practically all forms of transportation contain large amounts of metal fabricated components. For example, the body panels of cars, buses, trams, and trains are typically created using sheet metal fabrication. This is because it’s light weight and malleable. Also on these vehicles are poles, seats, gears, pipes, and more, all made from fabricated metal. 

Many parts utilised by the transport industry are made from aluminium to save weight and improve efficiency. Steel and steel alloys are then used in areas that are likely to be subjected to kinetic forces or high temperature. Lastly, copper fabrication features heavily on internal electrical components. This ensures the functionality of on-board computers, signals, lighting, and more. 

 

Expert metal fabrication work 

As a family run business that’s been operating since the 1980’s, FEM have partnered with companies in a wide range of industries. We provide metal fabrication, maintenance, and engineering services to help you get the best results from your metal products. Our 30,000 sq/ft facility gives us the capacity to meet your specifications and keep your project running to schedule. Contact us today. 

Metal fabrication is a big part of our society and everyday life, which means there needs to be standards in place. To ensure the safety of any metal fabrication projects being produced. This is especially the case for structural steel fabricated products which are deemed as “safety critical”. In this guide, we’ll be looking at the main standards that need to be met in metal fabrication. So, you can make sure you’re getting the best possible quality work for your bespoke steel fabrication projects that is fully compliant. 

 

History of metal standards 

In 1989 the Construction Products Directive (CPD) implemented a framework across the EU. That was designed to maintain the integrity of buildings and construction works. Following this in 2014, it was made a legal requirement through the CPD that any companies that manufactured or supplied steel products had to follow the terms of the BSEN 1090 standard. As well as making sure that the products are accurately CE marked. 

Another important standard when it comes to the manufacturing process of high-quality metal fabrication is the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). This is a representative body from various industries around the world that establish and implement regulatory guidelines. The most common standard for metal workers to adhere to is the ISO 9001. Read on to learn more about BS EN 1090 and ISO 9001 below.

 

What is BSEN 1090 and why is it important? 

The BSEN 1090 standard is made up of three parts that are designed to improve metal fabrication and the assembly of steel structures. 

• EN 1090-1 – CE Marking sets out the terms to be followed for assessing and verifying a product or service. 
• EN 1090-2 – outlines the requirements for manufacturing and assembling steel structures. 
• EN 1090-3 – outlines the requirements for manufacturing and assembling aluminium structures. 

BSEN 1090 is important because it sets a bar for compliance, traceability, and verification across all stages of the fabrication process. The standard looks at the following factors: 

• Auditing 
• Quality control and product testing 
• Material certification and suitable storage 
• Equipment set up and calibration 
• Accurate documents and records 
• Staff training, testing, and qualification 
• Consumable certification and control 
• Product marking/identification 
• Controlling products that don’t conform

Demonstrating welding competence 

To comply with BSEN 1090 standards, all welders are required to be fully qualified with welder approval test certificates. That are relevant to the type of welding being completed as well as adhering to BSEN 9606-1. Approval certificates are issued by an external test body and are valid for a maximum of three years. In addition, welders will have checks every 6 months to show that their welds are consistently being produced to the required standard. 

 

Why is ISO important in metal fabrication? 

ISO has a similar aim to BSEN 1090 as it is in place to make sure that fabrication projects are handled and managed, with the upmost safety and in compliance with the relevant industry. By having ISO in place, fabricators have a clear benchmark to reach and a high level of quality to achieve with every project they complete. 

For example, if an order needs duplicates of different shapes, materials, and cuts. The ISO standards are a valuable resource in helping them to come out precise and identical. This is because each standard in the ISO includes detailed instructions and drawings for workers to follow. 

Adhering to ISO standards ensures that every piece is alike, which informs the standard for each type of that particular product. When manufacturers don’t have to create their own standards and they’re already implemented, the fabrication process will be much smoother and easier no matter what project a company works on. 

ISO 9001 supports managers and staff to work more efficiently by: 

• Identifying the right manager 
• Dividing the processes into smaller steps and sequences to follow 
• Putting the workers into teams 
• The manager assigning the steps and sequences to the appropriate teams or individuals

 

Conclusion

If you’re searching steel fabricators near me and want a company who produces high quality products in accordance with the relevant standards, FEM can help. All our work is completed following the most up to date health and safety legislation, full risk assessments, and method statements. Customer satisfaction and the quality of our work are our highest priorities. Contact us today to discuss your specific fabrication needs and see how our specialist services can benefit you. 

 

 

Metal fabrication is one of the premier manufacturing processes used in sectors all over the world. Companies can use various types of metal fabrication to produce vital parts and components. Due to these widespread applications, the industry has the potential to significantly influence the environmental impact of a range of manufacturing. 

In this blog, we’ll be examining whether the metal fabrication industry is currently sustainable and if not, what can be done to make the process more sustainable. 

 

What’s involved in metal fabrication? 

Metal fabrication is a process that has the potential to consist of many different stages. These vary depending on the technicality and scope of the project. Therefore, companies in some industries may require bespoke metal fabrication that uses more or less of these stages than others to meet their needs. 

• Cutting – can be achieved using a variety of methods, including machining, water jet, shearing, laser cutting and more. 
• Forming – can include one or more of the following: bending, stamping, drilling, folding. 
• Assembling – the workpiece is joined together, either through screwing, riveting, or welding. 
• Finishing – products and components are treated with protective coatings. This could be a glaze, a powder, or a specialised type of paint. 

Sustainability issues arise due to the energy needed to change the shape of the metal. Even cold forming processes involve extreme force, which is typically generated by electricity-powered machinery. Also, some of the steps listed above are less sustainable than others. For example, welding operations can produce harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and ozone. 

Materials are also a consideration. Stronger materials are typically more difficult to form and assemble, thereby requiring greater energy input. Additionally, finishing may only be required for certain products. This step can produce environmentally harmful waste gases. 

 

Sustainability measures for metal fabrication 

Sustainability in metal fabrication means securing the present and future of the industry while protecting the environment.  

Waste 

Unfortunately, waste products are inevitable during metal fabrication. However, companies can be more sustainable by ensuring waste is disposed of safely. Measures that increase manufacturing efficiency are also likely to coincide with a reduction in waste. 

Recyclable materials 

Focusing on highly reusable materials can reduce the environmental impact of the metal fabrication process. Steel, for instance, is one of the most recycled materials in the world because its metallurgic properties are maintained. On the other hand, metals like aluminium possess qualities that are environmentally friendly. 

Long lasting products 

Producing products with long lifecycles removes the need for repair. This means metal fabrication services are required less often. 

Renewable energy 

Any of the energy supplied to metal fabrication facilities and equipment can be created by renewable sources. While this won’t prevent the effects of potentially damaging processes such as welding, it will help make cutting and forming more sustainable. 

 

Metal fabricators near me 

Some of FEMs core values are integrity, honesty, loyalty, and efficiency. This means we aim to complete your work to the best of our ability, in consideration of your needs. This includes how we can make your project as sustainable as possible. We are experienced metal fabricators based in Sheffield, the home of UK steel. Contact us today for a free quote. 

Steel beams are an essential part of the construction industry, providing the required support for a structure to be built. However, there isn’t simply one type of beam that is universally used for all types of projects. There are several different types of steel beams in a range of shapes and sizes with each one being more suited to specific applications. In this article, we’ll be exploring these types of beams, their design and manufacturing by structural steel fabricators, and how they are used in construction projects. 

 

Steel beam types and their uses 

Some of the most common types of steel beams include:

I beams/universal beams 

These beams are the most common type of steel beams used in construction. To create an I beam, the composition of the flanges (flat surfaces) and the web (vertical support) are hot rolled, and their shape resembles an I, hence the name. The steel columns are connected to the universal beams to carry the loads. They feature a higher stiffness in the vertical direction and the height of the section is greater than the width. 

H beams and W beams 

Similar to I beams, H beams feature a specific shape, but are typically heavier and longer. They have a H shaped cross section and often have equal thicknesses between the web and flange. W beams are commonly referred to as wide flange beams. They have straight and larger flanges that take the shape of a W. Like with I beams these steel beams are used for general construction projects rather than having dedicated uses. 

Plate girder 

A plate girder is a specific type of steel beam that is mostly used in the construction of bridges and railway lines. They are easily customisable which makes them ideal for bespoke projects with strict requirements. Plate girders are created by two flanges and the web being welded together. The design of these girders is not the same as other types of beams. Welding is extremely important as three plates are connected to form a plate girder. So, it has to be completed precisely ensuring high durability and strength. 

Gantry girder 

The gantry is a beam mechanical system that enables transfer of material from one location to another during a construction project. Gantry beams are identified as special types of beams. A system like this can be categorised based on the purpose of its use. For example, in ports they can be used to lift containers or in factories they are used to move goods from one area to another.

There can be further distribution of weight along the beam of a gantry as needed. The design of a gantry girder is often more complex than other types. Small and medium scale gantries can be made from hot rolled sections, but larger scale and more heavily loaded gantries could be used as plate girders.

Composite beams 

Composite beams bring together two or more different materials and are often more efficient steel beams that are used in construction structures. One example of composite beams is a steel beam that has been combined with the slab or a concrete beam. A composite beam of a steel beam and a slab is made by having shear studs welded to the steel beam which is then embedded in the concrete. 

Hollow steel sections 

Hollow sections are steel profiles with tubular style cross sections. The shapes can be rectangular, square, or circular depending on their intended use. Rectangular and circular hollow sections are particularly efficient in relation to local failures. So, whilst universal beams are sometimes more at risk of local buckling, a rectangular section is more resistant to it. Also, they are available in different sections, but aren’t produced by connecting steel plates like plate girders. 

 

Where can I find steel beam fabricators near me? 

If you have a project that requires bespoke, quality crafted steel beams, the team at FEM are on hand to support you. Our structural steel fabricators have many years of hands-on experience in metal fabrication to support your needs and fully meet the requirements of your project. No matter how big or small your bespoke steel fabrication is intended to be. Contact us today to discuss your needs and learn more about how our fabrication services can benefit you. 

Structural steel fabrication refers to the steps involved to turn simple steel materials into reliable and resilient structural products. There are several important and complex parts of the structural steel fabrication process. That ensure the final products are created to the highest possible standard. In this article we will be looking at the process in more detail, so you can develop a greater insight into the work that will be required for your structural steel projects.

 

Main steps in the structural steel fabrication process 

Design and preparation

Preparation and planning are the foundation of any structural steel fabrication project. Before any fabrication work can start, there will be drawings and ideas created of what the finished product will look like. Along with the elements required to make that happen. It will also need to be decided whether any custom steel parts will have to be created for the project. Or if standard steel components will work. As the process goes on, blueprint drawings will become more refined until a final design is settled upon. With all the necessary details established for the structural steel fabricators to work with.

Cutting and drilling the steel

Often carried out with a CNC machine, steel needs to be cut to the correct length. Then accurate holes are drilled into the metal to the specifications of the project. Steel cutting can be achieved using laser cutting, circular saw, waterjet, or plasma cutting machines. If any of the pieces are cut or drilled incorrectly, they won’t fit together. And fabricators would have to start again with a new piece of steel.

Bending and welding

Some steel components may need to be bent into a specific shape using a press brake or bending roller machine. Once the steel has been cut, drilled, and bent in the required way. The pieces will then need to be welded together. There are multiple different approaches that can be taken with welding including MIG and TIG. Welding can be carried out by hand or using a machine, but however it is done it needs to follow strict quality management conditions. In order to be certified under BSEN 287.

Quality check

Completing a quality check is essential to make sure that the finished product meets all the established specifications from the planning stage. The check can include visual and dimensional inspections as well as mechanical testing. Welded parts need to be tested to ensure that they don’t have any hidden cracks or defects.

Cleaning and painting

After a quality check is completed the structural steel product needs to be cleaned, and a decision made on any protective coatings or paints. That should be applied that will benefit it in its real-world application. Multiple cleaning methods can be used to get rid of anything that has gotten stuck on the surface during the other parts of the process.  

Examples include surface rusting and blasting machine treatment which ensure the steel is completely ready for painting. Anti-rust paints are very beneficial in withstanding severe weather conditions and general corrosion resistance. Steel structures typically have 1 layer of anti-rust paint and 2 layers of normal paint or coating. This can be fire resistant depending on the requirements of the structure.

Product delivery

The last stage of the process is to deliver the finished product safely and securely to the requested destination of the client. At FEM, we work with a well-established, specialist haulage company who move products across Europe.  

 

Benefits of structural steel fabrication

Structural steel fabrication offers several benefits in construction and many other projects and industries. These include: 

• Strength and durability – structural steel is renowned as one of the strongest metals with the added benefit of weighing up to a third less compared to other metals. Its strength also means it has impressive durability, which is key to a structural project.  
• Environmentally friendly – steel can be endlessly reused and recycled, making it very beneficial to the environment. Additionally, producing steel doesn’t demand as much energy and creates less carbon dioxide, so it is not damaging to create. 
• Malleability – structural steel is malleable, meaning it can easily be manipulated into any complex shape that is required for a project. Not only that but steel is an alloy, so the properties of the metal can be tweaked depending on its specific needs.  
• Low maintenance – steel doesn’t need as much maintenance in comparison to similar metal materials. It can easily be repaired if there is any damage, and its properties ensure its overall longevity. 
• Visual aesthetic – steel can create a sleek and modern look and be adapted to suit certain appearance requirements.  
• Affordability – steel is one of the most valuable and utilised metals in the fabrication industry due to the level of quality you get for a very affordable price.  
• Prefabrication – prefabrication can save a lot of time on a project and unlike other metals, steel can easily be prefabricated before final assembly on-site. For efficient fast tracking of a project structural steel can be beneficial for prefabrication.

 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for high quality, reliable structural steel, or general metal fabrication services the team at FEM are here to help. We’re a family-run business that specialises in helping clients with bespoke fabrication projects across a wide range of industries and applications. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and get a free quote from our fabrication specialists.

Steel is among the most abundant metals on earth, even though it’s not naturally occurring. There are thousands of steel grades and types, each with their own properties and subsequent uses. However, most everyday people will probably only know about stainless steel as it’s used in commercial settings. 

Mild steel is less well known as it’s ideal for manufacturing projects. In this blog we’ll be delving deeper into mild steel, its properties and how it gets used. 

 

What is mild steel?

Mild steel is a type of carbon steel made predominantly from iron and carbon. While this combination is normal for most steel metal, mild steel stands apart due to its chemical composition. Mild steel contains a very low amount of carbon – at most 0.25%. It can also feature trace amounts of other elements, such as silicon, phosphorus, and manganese. 

The process of making mild steel follows these steps: 

• Iron ore is melted in a blast furnace along with coal and lime. The latter is added to form a protective layer on top of the molten metal. 
• Scrap steel is then added, and oxygen is blown through the mixture. This reduces the carbon content of the steel. 
• The mixture can then be transferred to another blast furnace. Here, adjustments can be made to the steel’s chemical composition and impurities can be removed. 
• Following this, the metal undergoes initial forming through casting.  
• Once it has solidified, the mild steel slab gets formed further using forming methods such as hot and cold rolling. It’s at this stage the steel takes on many of its defining properties. 

 

Mild steel properties

High strength and durability

Mild steel can endure high levels of stress without breaking. It’s also ductile, meaning the metal will bend substantially before it does eventually break. This is ideal for structures that require a degree of flexibility alongside the ability to withstand strong forces.

High melting point

The melting point of mild steel is a stand-out feature. It is between 1350-1530°C (2462-2786F). It’s a material that’s therefore well suited to high temperature environments. As a result, mild steel is often used in construction to protect buildings against fire damage and meet certain health and safety standards. 

Versatile

Mild steel responds well to machining and welding. For instance, both MIG and TIG welding processes can achieve great results. As such, there are many techniques that can be used to shape products out of mild steel. Mild steel products are often fabricated to a high level of precision as a result. This also lets an experienced metal fabricator like FEM to select the processes that’ll produce the best results for your project. 

Cost effective 

The composition of mild steel contains fewer alloys than other types of steel and popular fabrication metals. As a result, its cost per pound is often less than that of stainless steel and aluminium. Mild steel tends to be an effective option for companies looking to control the costs of their fabrication project. 

 

Uses of mild steel

One of the key applications of mild steel is in steel fabrication work. Here, mild steel fabrication companies can use it to create products for use in a variety of industries. These include aerospace, food production, transportation, energy, and more. This is in turn because mild steel fabricated products can be used in a range of settings. Common mild steel products include: 

• Piping 
• Machinery parts 
• Household items – toasters, bed frames, ovens, etc. 
• Storage tanks 
• Fences and gates 
• Pressure vessels 

Mild steel is particularly useful in construction as mild steel structures can withstand heavy loads and adverse weather conditions. Here, it can be shaped into beams, columns, and other support structures. Mild steel can also be galvanised to increase its lifespan further. This is made possible by the coating present on galvanised mild steel that protects the metal from the effects of extreme weather. 

One pitfall of using mild steel is that the metal is susceptible to corrosion. As a result, it might not be the best choice for every fabrication project. FEM can offer expert advice for steel fabrication work. We can also use our experience and knowledge around materials to provide a suitable alternative too.

 

Common mild steel grades 

Mild steel has a range of grades, which is determined by the number of other elements within the metal. This can influence the material’s properties. 

EN 1.1121

A general-purpose steel, this grade has good formability and ductility. It contains between 0.08%-0.13% carbon and manganese ranging between 0.3%-0.6%. 

EN 1.0301

This mild steel grade is the most effective when it comes to weldability. It typically contains 0.1% carbon, 0.4% silicon and 0.4% manganese. The metal will also contain trace amounts of aluminium, copper, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. 

EN 1.0402

Often used in machinery parts, this grade balances strength, toughness, and ductility. Its carbon content ranges from 0.18%-0.23%, while it contains between 0.3%-0.6% of manganese. 

 

Metal fabrications near me

Mild steel is typically in high demand for fabrication projects and for good reason. At FEM, we put our knowledge and experience to use to determine if it’s right for your needs. We’re fully accredited, so you are safe knowing that our products meet industry standards and regulations. 

Contact us today and we’ll be happy to give you a free quote. 

Metal fabrication is everywhere in our modern society, whether you realise it or not. From an idea that began thousands of years ago with shaping mined copper into crude tools, fabrication has shaped and impacted a wide range of industries with the impressive products it has created. In this blog we’ll be exploring some of the amazing products that have been made using the process of metal fabrication and the role it has played in key industries. Some of these might surprise you! 

 

Medical equipment

The medical industry relies heavily on metal fabrication for vital tools and pieces of equipment, stainless steel in particular. By having products fabricated specifically for their requirements, hospitals and medical businesses can uphold the high standard of care they strive to provide – with metal products that are robust and long lasting, as well as easy to sterilise. Whether they need MRI machines, operating tables, surgical tools or much more. Metal fabrication fulfils their needs with precision and accuracy.

 

Kitchen utensils

When you think of products made by fabrication, the knives, forks, and spoons that are in your kitchen drawer probably aren’t the typical images that come to mind. However, they are a good example of stainless steel fabrication and sometimes other metals too. This is because they often require a lot of strength and durability with the heavy amount of use they get. Also, cutlery that is used in restaurants for example, typically have a shiny look which will have been achieved during the fabrication process.

 

Appliances

Staying on a similar theme with household products, metal fabrication is also a key element of important appliances. For example, fridges, ovens, dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines. If it wasn’t for metal fabrication, products like these wouldn’t exist how they are in their current form. Modern metal fabrication has offered a lot in terms of making everyday life easier for people. As well as improving the quality of what has become standard items found in the home.

 

Spiral staircases

Stainless steel staircases are another common example of products that are made from metal fabrication. The contemporary and stylish look of metal spiral staircases as well as the important safety properties have made them a popular option for many homes and offices. Their strength and longevity make them a great investment compared to other staircase materials.  

 

Agricultural equipment

Like with the medical industry, agriculture and farming is a specialist sector that requires specific equipment. This equipment is often made from high quality fabricated metals in order to produce and harvest the food we eat safely and effectively. From tractors and plows to milking equipment and a wide variety of other essential tools and equipment, metal fabrication has revolutionised this key industry over the years, making things more streamlined and efficient for farmers. So much so that practically every aspect of the farming process has an item that has been made with fabricated metal.

 

Transportation

Transportation is a large industry that covers various aspects, many of which rely on the useful properties of fabricated metal. One example is walkways and bridges that go over busy roads and railways. They need to be incredibly strong, durable, weather resistant, and safe to protect pedestrians from falling. Cars, trucks, trains, and other vehicles within the automotive industry often feature fabricated metals. In various parts of their design and construction. 

This is largely due to the strength of fabricated metal and its easy ability to be shaped and designed in line with specific requirements. It takes a skilled and precise workforce to accurately manufacture parts for vehicles. That’s why senior aluminium fabricators are often involved in metal fabrication projects for the transportation sector. 

 

Infrastructure 

There are so many aspects of infrastructure in modern living that we take for granted which utilise metal fabrication. Most notably things like sewer systems, pipework for our water supply, tunnels, and bridges all depend on fabricated metal to operate properly with the necessary properties to carry out their role effectively.

 

Architectural structures

Structural and stainless steel are two examples of commonly used materials in building construction. They’re robust, have a modern and versatile visual appeal, and they’re corrosion resistant. This makes them ideal for use in building long-lasting, attractive structures. Features that couldn’t be achieved without the metal fabrication process.

 

Conclusion

As we have seen, there are many products and industries that rely on metal fabrication in order to keep society running as it should. If you have an upcoming project that requires specialist metal fabrication services, be sure to contact the team at FEM. We have many years’ experience in creating the highest quality fabricated products for various industries and applications. Make sure you get a free quote from us. And see how our services can help you to meet your project specifications.  

Metal fabrication is highly sought after by many businesses to create structures and components with important roles. As such, choosing the right company to help you complete the fabrication work is crucial in ensuring the functionality of these products. But how do you separate the good from the bad? 

In this blog, we’ll help you choose the best fabrication company to help with your project. 

 

Identifying steel fabrication companies

Metal fabrication companies offer a range of fabrication services. These are designed to create products, structures, and components using a variety of techniques. This can result in the cutting, bending, drilling, machining, joining, or punching of the material. 

A metal fabrication company will typically offer: 

• On-site fabrication 
• Aluminium fabrication 
• Steel fabrication 
• Sheet metal fabrication 
• Mild steel fabrication 
• Structural steel fabrication 
• Finishing 

A fabrication company is made up of multiple professionals, specialising in a certain part of the fabrication process. For example, FEM has an expert welding department that can perform TIG welding, MIG welding, plasma arc welding, and more. We also provide all the services listed above. 

Many fabrication projects are large in scope, either requiring a big production volume or the creation of massive structures. As such, fabrication companies tend to have substantial capabilities in order to cater to the needs of multiple projects at once.

Types of fabrication projects

If you’re looking for the right metal fabrication company to handle your project, it’s first important to consider its needs. This will be influenced by the nature of the products and the industry they are intended to be used. For the latter, industry regulations may affect the fabrication process as additional standards must be considered.  

Projects can also be defined by the type of fabrication that’s used. However, other metal fabrication projects will focus on what is being provided for your business. These are: 

• Site services – these projects are characterised by work that primarily consists of on-site maintenance, repairs, or installations. 
• Public sector – supporting efforts that impact local communities for the better. This involves working alongside public institutions such as schools, libraries, and local authorities. 
• Bespoke projects – bespoke steel fabrications are predominantly informed by an initial design or idea. Technical decisions, such as materials and techniques, are then made to meet the unique requirements of the project, unless they are already stated in the design.

 

What makes a good metal fabrication company?

Choosing a metal fabrication company is very important, primarily as they will act as your project partner. The company is therefore responsible for executing the fabrication work to meet the needs of the project and adhere to industry standards. If they don’t have the relevant capabilities, there’s a risk the project won’t generate a return on investment. As a result, the factors that make up a good metal fabrication should instil trust in their services. 

Fabrication capabilities

A good metal fabrication company should have a large range of equipment that is regularly maintained. This includes tools, technologies, and facilities. It’s recommended to physically visit the production shop, so you can see the fabrication process first-hand. This will provide an insight into the company’s working practices, especially in areas of health & safety, cleanliness, and efficiency. 

For context, FEM in located in a 30,000 sq/ft manufacturing facility that is operated by trained platers, fitters, and welders. Our overhead cranes and fork trucks allow for jobs to progress smoothly. 

Experience

A great indicator of expertise is in a company’s history of work. You should be asking, how long have they been in the metal fabrication industry? And what types of fabrication projects have they carried out in the past? Evidence of a variety of work is good, however, you must ensure the company has done work similar to what you’re asking of them. If not, there isn’t a guarantee they will be able to do the job to a high standard. FEM started its business journey over 40 years ago, growing and evolving into the market leader it is today. 

Customer service

Communication is vital when outsourcing a large fabrication project. A good metal fabrication company should provide regular updates on how the work is progressing. They should also be reachable in the event anything unexpected happens. Transparency and honesty are excellent qualities to look for in company values. Before starting the project, you can also ask them how they would resolve certain issues if they were to arise. 

At FEM, we pride ourselves on having an open-door approach. Our employees and customers are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we give regular updates on our ongoing projects. We aim to foster lasting relationships with our customers through value for money and consistency. 

Reputation

Nowadays, there are many ways to check how a company is regarded within the industry. Online reviews, website testimonials, social media, and word of mouth are all channels that can provide information on how a company conducts its work. Without doing some research in these areas, it can be difficult to know what kind of company you are contacting. 

Knowledge of industry standards and regulations

The company should commit to creating quality products that function as intended. This can be evidenced by any accreditations and certifications the business has achieved. These are often be found on a company’s website or on official documents. The main standard to consider with fabrication is the ISO 9001 and BSEN 1090-3, both of which FEM does all its work to. 

 

Expert fabricators near me

Do you need help with a fabrication project? FEM can offer expert advice and guidance to help point you in the right direction. Our team has a wealth of experience in all kinds of metal fabrication projects, from small and bespoke to large scale construction. We’ll also give you a free quote to get you started. 

Contact us today. 

The automotive industry is one that makes great use of fabrication engineering in many processes. Of all the metals involved, aluminium is amongst the most used due to its beneficial properties. 

Find out how aluminium fabrication works, its uses in the automotive industry, and how it can be applied in a range of manufacturing projects. 

 

Aluminium Fabrication Explained 

Prior to fabrication, raw aluminium can be formed using the following processes: 

• Casting – molten metal allowed to cool in a desired shape. 
• Forging – the shaping of metal using compressive force. Can be done at a range of temperatures. 
• Rolling – metal is passed between specially designed rollers that shape aluminium by rotating in opposite directions. 
• Extrusion – forcing metal through an opening to create a shape. 

Aluminium fabrication then shapes the metal according to designs through bending, cutting, welding, drilling, or a combination of all four. Within this process there are many options available to businesses for how they want to go about aluminium fabrication. 

Bespoke metal fabrication can be used to manufacture a vast range of products. However, aluminium has many properties which make it especially useful for manufacturing technical products like cars. It’s impermeable, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, flexible, and has a high level of conductivity. 

 

Automotive applications of Aluminium Fabrication

The automotive industry is one of the biggest in the world, particularly when it comes to manufacturing. The global automotive manufacturing industry was worth $2.86 trillion in 2021, despite the Covid-19 pandemic causing a dip in car sales during 2020. The sales of electric cars are also predicted to rise to the point where they’ll contribute to 26% of all car sales. This is significant, as electrically powered vehicles use more aluminium than petrol vehicles due to their use of sensitive electrical components.  

The main aluminium alloys you’ll find being used in automotive manufacturing are: 1100, 2024, 3003, 3004, 3105, 4032, 5005, 5052, 5083, 5182, 5251, 5754, 6016, 6061, 6181, 7003 and 7046. These numbers refer to the metal’s temper grade. Here are the auto parts that aluminium fabrication is used for: 

 

Bodywork 

Aluminium alloys are lightweight and as such, they’re used in car bodies to improve fuel efficiency. They also help protect the vehicle from weather conditions and maintain surface finish. 

As aluminium is flexible, customisation options can easily be applied to bodywork with fabrication techniques like welding. Examples include spoilers and body skirts. 

 

Wiring 

Electrical components often use copper for its high conductivity. Aluminium’s electrical conductivity is lower, however, it has the added benefit of being lightweight. Aluminium fabrication can be used in the following auto systems: 

• Sensors 
• Interior and exterior lighting  
• Displays 
• Audio  
• Ignition  

 

Critical components  

Parts that are responsible for the functionality of a vehicle are designed to withstand stress, resist wear and tear, and malleability. Aluminium is therefore used in: 

• Engine parts 
• Transmission system 
• Cooling 
• Fuel supply systems 
• Braking 
• Power steering 
• Suspension 

 

Interior features 

Metal parts in car interiors like seats, flooring, airbags and insulators are typically made of aluminium. For this, 1100, 3105 and 5052 alloys can be used. 

 

Experienced Aluminium Fabricators 

 

If you’re looking for aluminium fabrication near me in the north of England, FEM can help. We offer bespoke metal fabrication services for businesses across a variety of sectors, in many types of projects. Have a look at our case studies. FEM experts can also carry out machining, design, and help with project management. 

Get in touch for a free quote today.