What’s the difference between structural and architectural steel fabrication?

Structural and architectural steel fabrication sound exactly the same and there’s no denying that they are similar. However, there are a few key differences worth noting that we’re going to cover in this guide. Before we get into that though, we need to explain what both of these fabrications are…

 

What is structural steel fabrication? 

Structural steel fabrication is the process of creating metal products with the intended purpose of being used for projects that require a reliable structure. It often involves cutting, bending, and assembling steel parts with exact precision to ensure the quality and longevity of the structure. You can see a more detailed look at these steps below: 

  • Cutting – fabricators must take a lot of care when cutting the steel parts to the exact sizes needed. Different methods of cutting can be used depending on the desired final product. 
  • Bending – sheet metal pieces can be bent to fit the requirements of bespoke projects using the best and most advanced technology. 
  • Assembling – when the parts have all been through strict quality checks, they are ready to be assembled into the final product. This will often involve welding and/or bolting. 
  • Cleaning and painting – the final steps are making sure the product is free of dirt or debris from the other steps in the process. And adding the finishing touches like protective paints and coatings that make the steel look how the client wants and adds additional corrosion prevention and protection from the weather for outdoor projects. 

Structural steel is often found in industrial equipment, high-rise buildings, construction tools, and much more. It is an essential part of our society and features in a wide range of big and small construction projects. In many cases, the look of the structural steel is not as important or the main focus of the project unlike in architectural fabrication. 

 

What is architectural steel fabrication? 

Whilst the process of architectural and structural steel is pretty much the same, architectural steel places much more importance on the visual aesthetic of the final product. Architectural steel normally has to be just as functional and reliable as structural steel with the added element of making it look as good as possible. Especially if it’s going to be on a public building that a lot of people will be seeing and using. 

An example of this is decorative railing, it often has to be designed to look nice and make an architectural statement, particularly on spiral staircases. But it is also highly functional and serves the purpose of protecting people from falling off stairs, landings, and walkways. Architectural metal normally brings together a support metal like steel and a finish metal to make its appearance more customisable for the required project. 

Sometimes though there doesn’t need to be a functional purpose. Architectural fabrication can be used for purely aesthetic reasons like art installations and other creative projects that don’t need to serve a functional purpose. 

 

What are the main differences between structural and architectural detailing? 

When examining the specifics of a project, the primary distinction between structural and architectural is that architectural detailing is used to illustrate the layout and aesthetics of a design. Whereas structural steel detailing is used to indicate the size, scale, and forces required. 

Architectural steel detailing is particularly useful for drafting more intricately detailed metal items like balconies, staircases, and balustrades. Structural steel engineers need to ensure that the foundations of the product are accurate so the end result will be functional and safe. 

 

How are structural and architectural fabrication similar? 

Both types of steel fabrication are often just as important as each other, depending on the specific needs of the client and the project. In many instances, fabricators can’t create steelwork based on solely structural or architectural detailing individually. Both areas of the process are needed for high quality steel products to be made safely and successfully. Whilst ensuring it has all the necessary features to make it efficient and long lasting for its intended use. 

 

Why choose FEM for your next metal fabrication project? 

FEM is a family-run business with specialists that have several years’ experience in creating bespoke steel fabrications for clients in a wide range of industries. We pride ourselves on providing the highest standard of metal fabrication services in a quick and efficient manner. Making the customer journey with us as smooth as possible. If you’ve got a fabrication project in mind, be sure to contact us today to discuss your requirements and see how we can help. 

A history of steel in Sheffield

FEM is proud to be based in Sheffield, which is still known to this day as the ‘steel city’. Looking back, it appears as though the city and its people were always destined to herald innovations in metalwork and fabrication. Sheffield was uniquely positioned to focus on this industry for several reasons though. Lets take a trip back in time and take a look at the history of steel in Sheffield.

Sheffield Geography

The city has always been well positioned to be a hub for steel production and manufacturing. The hills in Sheffield and the surrounding area contain coal, iron, and the other raw materials needed for create steel. This process involves combining iron ore with chromium, aluminium, cobalt, lead, copper, nickel, tin, magnesium and more to create steel alloys. The surrounding woodland also gave early metalworkers an abundance of fuel for smelting and blacksmithing.

What’s more, Sheffield contains five rivers – The Don, Loxley, Porter Brook, Sheaf, and Rivelin. Pre industrialisation, water power was used to operate equipment like blast furnace bellows and trip hammers. Furthermore, before railway networks were established, rivers were essential to transport goods/raw materials in and out of the city.

The Origins of Sheffield Steel

Sheffield steel had its humble origins in cutlery production, around 700 years ago. Probably the earliest mention of steel fabrication in Sheffield came from hearth tax records, which mention ‘Robert The Cutler’ in 1297. After this, a Sheffield-made knife was found at the Tower of London dating back to 1340. It was then mentioned in Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, describing one character as a Sheffield steel knife maker.

Metalworking would continue to grow in popularity in Sheffield between the late 14th century and into the 17th century. The steel industry was beginning to take its first steps, however, it was only with the introduction of ‘crucible steel’ in 1740 that steelmaking in Sheffield would expand. Discovered by Sheffield local Benjamin Huntsman, the process created the temperatures needed to melt pig iron, sand, glass, ashes and other materials. The demand for Huntsman steel throughout Europe heralded the major expansion of steelmaking factories in Sheffield.

The Industrial Revolution

The widespread adoption of fossil fuels brought many technological innovations that would form the basis of modern steel fabrication work. This, coupled with the steelmaking reputation Huntsman had laid the foundations of, led to an explosion of Sheffield steel production. A few decades after Huntsman’s breakthrough, the city was responsible for 40% of the steel being produced in Europe at the time. By the mid-1800’s annual steel production in Britain was around 50,000 tonnes per year, 85% of which came from Sheffield. Demand was in part helped by the advent of the Crimean war in 1853 and the subsequent need for weapons.

During this period, many processes were developed and implemented to improve the efficiency of steel production. Steel fabrication methods were also expanded upon to aid in the manufacturing of infrastructure and weapons. Prior to inventions like the Bessemer process, steel was too expensive to produce on a large scale. With the availability of steel however, mechanisation and steel products were seen in all parts of society. A prime example in farming and agriculture.

At the turn of the 20th century, steel mainly found use in the production of ammunition, household appliances, bridges, rail tracks, and vehicle bodies. This showed the importance of the metal fabrication process, as it was instrumental in creating a huge range of strong and durable products. Read the history of sheet metal fabrication.

The massive demand for steel in the 20th century meant the Sheffield’s production experienced consistent growth until the city was heavily bombed during WWII. The Sheffield steelworks would then be hit by repeated market downturns and the destructive policies of the Thatcher years. Nevertheless, Sheffield still continues to produce a vast array of steel products to this day.

Steel in Sheffield Today

There are many fabrication companies in Sheffield today. As such, if you’re looking to source steel for manufacturing projects there are lots of options around the city. For excellence and precision, choose FEM. We’re a business that was born and bred in the area, meaning we know metal fabrication through and through. Our metal fabrication work services extend beyond just steel too. If your project requires sheet metal fabrication, stainless steel fabrication, or aluminium fabrication, we can help with that too.

Contact us today.

Why use sheet metal?

Everywhere you look in fabrication you’ll probably see ‘sheet metal this’ and ‘sheet metal that’. Why? What makes sheet metal so well suited for an industrial process like fabrication? Where other materials will be best for producing more niche products, sheet metal is a great all-rounder. This makes it a solid choice for any business looking to create sturdy objects in cost-effective ways. 

In this blog we’ll cover why you should consider sheet metal fabrication for your next project.

 

What is Sheet Metal?

Sheet metal is a term that refers to flat pieces of metal, usually between 0.5 and 6mm thick. While it can be made from any metal, sheet metal is typically formed from copper, steel, aluminium, and stainless steel. A metal formed into a sheet will retain its properties. Sheet metal is manufactured and can be purchased by businesses readymade. 

Steel metal fabricators will sometimes measure the thickness of sheet metal using gauges, which range from 3-26. Gauges use weight per square foot to determine the thickness of sheet metal. 

 

The Benefits of Sheet Metal Fabrication

There are certain characteristics of sheet metal that make it ideal for use in the fabrication process. Using sheet metal has the following benefits: 

  •  Malleability – fabrication equipment can effortlessly mould sheet metal into a variety of shapes. Where other metals might crack under excessive bending, this isn’t an issue for sheet metal. 
  • Durability – sheet metal can have many uses due to its strength and resistance. Sheet metal is also ductile, meaning it doesn’t lose durability after it has been moulded. 
  • Ease of repair – structures created out of sheet metal can often have pieces removed compromising overall integrity. As a result, sheet metal repair can be done without dismantling the entire structure. 
  • Affordability – sheet metals typically use less raw materials than other fabrication methods. This means businesses can cut down on costs. Furthermore, the malleability of sheet metal means there isn’t a need for a casting mould. In the event of replacements being needed, creating a new mould can be expensive. 
  • Precision – due to its malleability, strength and ease of repair, sheet metal fabrication is often used in high precision projects. This is because the accuracy and low risk of sheet metal fabrication can reduce time investment without compromising quality. Read about the importance of precision in steel fabrication. 

 

Applications of Sheet Metal Fabrication

Sheet metal fabrication is a versatile process that can be used across many different projects, in a variety of industries. This is because sheet metal is used to manufacture objects with everyday applications. Here are just some of examples of things that can be created with sheet metal fabrication services: 

  •  Indoor and outdoor furniture 
  • Household appliances 
  • Food production equipment 
  • Storage solutions 
  • Retail infrastructure 
  • Kitchen accessories 
  • Surgical instruments  
  • Prototypes

 

Expert Sheet Metal Fabricators 

Looking for professional sheet metal fabrication near me? FEM is a Sheffield based sheet metal fabricator built on integrity, loyalty and efficiency. Our skilled team offers a range of fabrication services to ensure you get the best outcome for your project. 

Get in touch today and we’ll get you started with a free quote. 

  

 

 

What is the process of duct fabrication?

Duct fabrication for commercial and residential properties follows the same broad process. Most duct systems use sheet metal and as a result, require sheet metal fabrication processes. However, differences may arise when it comes to the scope of the metal fabrication. 

Review regulations 

Before any manufacturing processes begin, it’s necessary to review building regulation law for ventilation requirements in England. Depending on the project, this can dictate aspects of air ducts to ensure the proper levels of indoor air quality are being upheld. 

Measurements and conceptualisation

Measurements should be taken at the installation site so duct dimensions can be confirmed and double checked. This includes the length of the ventilation system, location of wall entrance-and-exit points and distance from the wall. From here, accurately detailed installation sketches can be created. 

Select materials

For air ducts there are four main types to choose from – sheet metal, fiberboard, fiberglass and flexible. The latter is made from a combination of plastic polymer and metal wiring. Sheet metal duct fabrication typically uses galvanised stainless steel or aluminium.

Duct construction

Once all preliminary checks, selections, considerations and calibrations have been made it’s time to do the fabrication work. How each of the following stages gets completed will depend on the duct system: 

  • Make and follow cutting lines. Cutting methods include Hydraulic (water jet cutting), Thermal (oxygen cutting, plasma, laser cutting) , Mechanical (machine operated shearing, cutting, drilling and punching). 
  • Chamfer metal edges. 
  • Fold the duct closed. 
  • Use appropriate joining techniques on necessary parts. 
  • Apply reinforcements where necessary. 

Quality checks

After construction, steps should be taken to ensure the duct system is functioning properly. All panels, grooves and openings should line up exactly. This is doubly important as some areas will be tested under government law, such as duct leakage testing. 

 

Common uses for ducts

Ducts can be used in commercial buildings by companies within a myriad of industries. An air duct system is an essential part of climate control. It helps commercial tenants save on energy costs and improve workforce comfort through the even distribution of air. 

  •  Air supply – some technical processes need access to an air supply to work properly. Combustion reactions for example, require oxygen as fuel. A low air supply in this case can pose a health risk through the production of carbon monoxide. 
  • Exhaust systems – similarly, processes that create potentially harmful waste-gases need to have exhaust systems. They work by extracting air from internal spaces. 
  • Air conditioning – allows for the cooling of individual rooms within a building or the entire structure. Air conditioning can help combat the heat that’s often given off by manufacturing processes. 
  • Air heating – in duct systems, air heating can be achieved with a heated coil that warms the air as it passes through from the outside. 

 

Get duct fabrication support with FEM 

Looking for metal fabrication Sheffield? FEM offers a wide range of services for application in fabrication projects. We’re amongst the most experienced fabrication companies in Sheffield, so you know we can be trusted. Plus, FEM has worked on duct projects before. 

 

Last of all, FEM offers free quote for fabrication work. Get started today. 

Benefits of stainless steel air ducts

Stainless steel is an increasingly popular material for a wide range of uses including air ducts. This is due to its versatility and other useful properties it has for that environment. In this guide, we’ll be looking at the benefits of stainless steel fabrication in air ducts. As well as their importance in specific applications that require high performance and other key features. 

 

Why stainless steel for air ducts?

Stainless steel isn’t the only metal that can be used for air ducts, but it is certainly the most popular. Ducting is often installed for odour extraction, fume extraction, and dust extraction. This can be in very hot and humid environments and in order to successfully transport the air out of the system. The metal being used needs to be able to withstand heat and resist corrosion for a long period of time. 

This type of steel ticks these boxes which is why it is so popular. In addition, it tends to be the go-to metal for areas that are rich in air compounds. That could be damaging to traditional metal options like galvanised steel. With its ability to effectively perform in hazardous spaces where corrosion is extremely likely. Stainless steel has become the top choice for engineers creating air duct systems. 

 

What are the benefits of stainless steel air ducts?

Long term cost effectiveness

Even though stainless steel can come at a slightly higher price in comparison to the likes of galvanised steel and aluminium. It will pay for itself over and over in the long term. This is because of its durability and quality to work in challenging environments both indoors and outdoors. 

You will find with stainless steel that it gets rid of the need for replacements and expensive maintenance and repairs over the years. It will save you time and money in the long run to spend a bit more at the start on stainless steel fabrication work for your ducting system. 

Easy fabrication process

Another factor that makes stainless steel the ideal material for air ducts is it’s easy to fabricate to the requirements of ducting systems. By comparison, aluminium is quite malleable which makes it challenging to manufacture and install. Even with the specific welding techniques it requires. Not only that, but the end cost for aluminium air ducts will also be higher than stainless steel once you have factored in the extra time and work involved. 

Keeping its strength in extreme temperatures

One reason why stainless steel works so well for air ducts and can last a long time is because of its strength in extreme temperatures. It won’t change shape or deteriorate in any way when faced with especially high or low temperatures. Which is relevant to many key sectors that operate in this way. 

Impressive corrosion resistance

We mentioned it briefly above, but the benefit of stainless steel’s corrosion resistance cannot be understated. If you consider the applications air ducts are often used for, like in the food industry or pharmaceuticals. It involves a lot of contact with damaging substances such as salt which would be incredibly destructive to many metals. Stainless steel is more than capable of maintaining its quality against not just corrosion. But also, the abrasive texture of the substances that need to be ventilated and doing so in large volumes of air. 

Environmentally friendly

As many industries strive to reduce their carbon footprint and become more eco-friendly, stainless steel air ducts play a key role in achieving this. It is fully recyclable so when the ducts can no longer be used, they won’t take up space in landfills. And they can make a big difference in trying to reduce energy consumption. Also, ductwork made from stainless steel won’t develop any condensation or moisture from the air passing through it. This means there won’t be an opportunity for mould to grow and so provides the perfect solution for industries using duct systems for air conditioning where moisture is drawn out of the air. 

 

What are the main applications for stainless steel air ducts?

There are many industries and businesses that utilise stainless steel ductwork including: 

  • Food/beverage processing 
  • Nuclear industry 
  • Waste and energy from waste 
  • Chemical processing/pharmaceutical industry 
  • Waste water equipment 
  • Anaerobic digestion 

 

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has given you a better understanding of the important role stainless steel plays in air duct fabrication. Of course, there will be instances where other materials might be preferable or more suitable for example in smaller scale commercial businesses. However, if you work in a large-scale facility and need extensive ducting for hostile spaces, stainless steel is likely to be the best option for you. 

The team at FEM are specialists in high quality steel fabrication in Sheffield – so no matter the needs of your project we can work to you and supply fabricated metal that meets your exact requirements. Contact us today to discuss your needs and find out how our metal fabrication services can benefit you. 

What is the role of steel fabrication in the rail industry?

The rail industry has a lot of specific parts that perform certain functions and roles in order for the process has a whole to run smoothly. This means specially fabricated metal is needed to meet the precise requirements of the industry and to help workers complete their jobs effectively. Steel is often the metal of choice because railway fabrication demands a robust material that can withstand a significant amount of weight and other external factors without deteriorating. In this guide we’ll be looking at where steel fabrication fits into the industry as well as some projects that FEM have worked on for clients working in the sector. 

How is steel fabrication used in the rail industry? 

When you picture fabrication for the rail industry you’d immediately think about the big things like the tracks. Even though that is a part of the steel fabrication needs for this industry it’s not the only role it has. There are the railcars themselves, bogie manufacturing, gate and railing fabrication, railroad bolts, fasteners, and spikes that hold everything together. 

A lot goes into creating parts for the rail industry, it plays such a vital role that it can even be described as the backbone. If rail businesses didn’t have custom metal fabrication parts, they wouldn’t be able to fulfil their role of providing safe and efficient transport to commuters and travellers across the country. 

What work has FEM done for the rail industry? 

As experienced fabrication engineers, the team at FEM has worked on a wide range of bespoke projects for the railway industry. You can find our full range of work on our case studies page but below we will be looking at a few examples. 

Trainwash 

A client in the rail and transportation industry approached FEM because they needed a large structure that could clean trains as they passed through. Our fabricators used stainless steel and galvanised steel to create the trainwash. Galvanisation adds extra corrosion and rust resistance to the metal, which is key for structures like this that will be in regular contact with water. It’s a service we are happy to provide if customers request it. Like all our projects this work was fabricated to BSEN1090 standards and our ISO 9001 management system.

Parts for the rail industry 

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of trains in operation in the UK, which means a greater demand for regular complex fabrication. Not only are we railcar manufacturers, but we also have experience with creating a range of parts for the industry. One example is a large transfer car for carrying train carriages. Tolerancing was a vital part of this project as every part had to be perfect in order for it to securely fix to the underside of the train. Not matter how big or small the work is, tolerancing is specified in customer drawings and is always completed accurately by our skilled engineers. 

Train turntables 

Turntables are a key part of the rail industry and at FEM, we have rolled, fabricated, and welded 4, 3.4 metre diameter turntables for the UK rail industry. As always, the work was carried out to ISO 9001 quality standards and a detailed inspection was done to ensure the finished products worked smoothly and effectively, before they were delivered to the client. 

Conclusion 

The relationship between metal fabrication and the rail industry is an extremely close and important one and one that will continue long into the future. If you operate in the rail sector and require specific, custom steel fabrication, FEM can help. As you can see from the above examples our team are very familiar with the rail industry and have worked on a number of projects in that area before. Contact us today to discuss your fabrication needs and see how our services can benefit you. 

 

How important is stainless steel in the nuclear industry?

The nuclear is highly specialised and involves complicated processes that demand specifically designed power plants, equipment, and materials in order to complete them safely and effectively. Conditions in nuclear power plants are very dangerous and hostile, so not just any metal can be used. That’s where stainless steel comes in as it has several properties that make it the perfect fit for the strict requirements of nuclear fabrication. In this guide we’ll be exploring how stainless steel is used in nuclear power plants and its overall importance to the industry. 

How is stainless steel fabrication used in the nuclear industry? 

Specially crafted stainless steel parts can be found throughout standard nuclear power plants whether it is big or small. Nuclear reactors will generally contain the components below – which are almost always made from stainless steel or a type of stainless steel. 

  • Containment vessels – these are one of the biggest stainless steel parts in a nuclear plant. They have the extremely important job of protecting the reactor from outside factors and workers from radiation effects. 
  • Rods – they control nuclear reactions and are located within the reactor core. Their purpose is to absorb neutrons using either boron, cadmium, or hafnium. 
  • Steam generators – the majority of reactors will have multiple steam generators. Turbines are powered by steam created from a pressurised coolant when the reactor generates heat. 
  • Moderators – the moderator can be graphite or water and is situated in the reactor core to slow fission-produced neutrons. 
  • Pressure tubes – they contain fuel or coolants and are generally made from stainless steel. 
  • Fuel or coolants – uranium oxide balls are kept in tubes (see above) to fuel the plant. At the same time cool circulates around the core to stop it from overheating. 

Both austenitic and ferritic stainless steels are present in the nuclear industry, but it is austenitic that is the favoured choice for engineers. This is because it’s often considered to be the most effective in highly corrosive and hot environments. So, you will typically see it in pipes and other process-related vessels. Not only that but it is easily available, simple to fabricate and weld, very impact resistant at a range of temperatures from hot to cold to name just a few of its impressive benefits. 

The importance of stainless steel in the nuclear industry 

From what we have explored above, we can see that stainless steel has a strong presence throughout nuclear sites. The importance of nuclear steel fabrication isn’t just a relevant factor now but also will continue to be in the future. Many experts believe that there will be a growing demand for nuclear energy in the future as a result of the increasing use of clean energy resources and the efforts being made to reduce the impacts of climate change. 

As the industry develops further so too will the need for more high temperature reactors and equipment that is able to withstand increasingly hostile and hazardous environments. This means there is a clear opportunity for stainless steel manufacturing and fabrication to grow with the industry and rise to the challenge of making nuclear energy more sustainable and safer. Taking all this into account, it’s clear to see just how vital stainless steel is to the nuclear sector and it will carry on being that way for many years to come.

Conclusion 

Looking for high quality, professional nuclear steel fabrication? FEM can help. Our team of experienced and skilled engineers understand the rigorous requirements of the nuclear industry and the precise work needed to ensure the complete safety and effectiveness of the products created. Contact us today to discuss your project needs and find out how our services can help you.  

 

Benefits of fabrication in the oil and gas industry

The oil and gas sector is highly dependent on fabrication for its operations. Fabricated steel is often the material of choice to create the necessary equipment and structures to explore, extract, and refine the resources. Read on to learn the key benefits of fabrication in this industry as well as some specific examples of applications that cannot be produced without the work of high-quality welding and fabrication. 

Fabrication benefits in the oil and gas industry

Quicker construction process 

Fabrication processes are completed in a controlled environment, which means external variables that can slow down construction when it is done outside on-site, like the weather, are not a factor. Also, manufacturing parts in a separate location means certain jobs can be carried out at the same time. This significantly shortens the timeline of a project and offers more flexibility for fabricators to perfect the requirements with exact precision and detailed accuracy. 

High quality workmanship and results

When you use experienced industry experts for your fabrication you can be assured that all our work adheres to quality assurance standards. All processes are carried out under ideal working conditions and equipment is effectively tested and evaluated before being installed. So, if you needed threaded steel pipe for example, we would make sure that the finished product is tested to ensure quality and longevity in its real-world application. 

Testing ensures that any defects are found and fixed before the product is installed and causes any downtime or safety problems. The oil and gas industry is a complex one with strict health and safety guidelines, so the last thing a business working in this sector needs is faulty equipment from poor fabrication. 

Cost effective 

Fabrication is cost effective for the oil and gas industry because it ensures an efficient workflow. Engineers who understand the industry in detail will know the type of work that needs to be carried out for things like pipeline fabrication and storage tank fabrication for instance, which businesses in that line of work often require. This helps to make the process smoother with no labour hours or materials cost being wasted unnecessarily – it is fully streamlined. 

How is fabrication used in the oil and gas industry?

Infrastructure 

Whilst the foundations and requirements might be quite similar for oil and gas infrastructure, it can vary for different operations. This is based on how complex a project is, ranging from single on-land oil rigs to large offshore platforms that need processing facilities and employee housing. So, the demands for fabrication can change depending on the scale of what the business needs. The below examples are oil platforms that are made using custom fabrication materials like steel floors, legs, girders, hollow sections and more. 

  • Drill ships 
  • Gravity-based structures 
  • Jack-up drilling rigs 
  • Spar platforms 
  • Compliant towers 
  • Tension-leg platforms 
  • Fixed platforms 
  • Floating production systems 
  • Semi-submersible platforms 

 

Equipment 

Like with infrastructure, there is always a need for perfectly fabricated parts to be used in oil and gas equipment. There are a number of different processes within the industry with extracting and drilling, and refining and storing being just a few examples. These processes all need specialised machinery and components to work properly and reliably, which makes accurate fabrication essential. You can find instances of metal fabrication in equipment like: 

  • Pressure vessels 
  • Conveyors 
  • Storage tanks 
  • Air coolers 
  • Pipes, valves, and fittings 
  • Heat exchangers 
  • Evaporators 
  • Oil and gas separators 

Conclusion 

If your business is in the oil and gas industry and you need help with fabrication projects that meet specific and detailed requirements, FEM can help. Our team of experienced engineers have extensive knowledge and skills in creating bespoke metal parts for clients in this industry and have a clear understanding of the type of work involved. Contact us today to discuss your needs or if you have any questions about how our services can help you. 

Jib crane: What is it and how does it work?

A jib crane is a device designed mainly for use in production operations as it features an arm/boom that extends out and away from the body (known as the mast or pillar) of the crane to lift heavy loads to heights that are unmanageable for workers. It is ideal for factories, warehouses, or other facilities where you are required to move heavy items around the space quickly and efficiently without risk of injury to the workers. Jib cranes can lift loads ranging from 250 pounds all the way up to 15 tonnes in some applications. Read on to learn more about jib these highly useful cranes.