Contracting custom steel fabrication is an important part of any building process, but there are a few things to consider before you decide on who to trust with getting the job done. Any custom engineering project will have a variety of challenges associated with it, so you need to know that the company you choose will be up to the task.
After your steel constructions are fabricated, you will need to decide how to protect them from corrosion. There are many ways to do this, and two of the most common are powder coating and wet paint spraying. Both these methods will protect the steel, and to some degree they can be used interchangeably.
Traditional Galvanising, Hot Zinc Spraying
Raw steel needs to be protected from the elements to prevent corrosion. There are many ways to achieve this protection, each with benefits for specific purposes. Here at GLW Engineering we can help you to get the right coating for your custom steel work, and make sure that it lasts a long time.
One of the most common methods for treating steel is[...]
Media blasting is how we clean up steel after fabrication. When we go to blast steel components there are a lot of options and they all have something different to offer. Grit blasting is a blanket term for using an abrasive that is shot at high velocity, which will clean or alter the metal's surface. Media blasting can be used to varying effects,[...]
If you are commissioning custom steel fabrication for commercial or civil construction, you may be wondering if you need to have a CE marking on the work. There are many conflicting ideas that surround these regulations, but we can offer you a simple answer.
How To Protect Metal Railings From CorrosionApril 01, 2021 - 04:50 PM
Rust can not only affect the appearance of metal railings, but also their structural integrity, posing a potential safety hazard to users. It isn’t just visible corrosion you need to watch out for. If appropriate preventive steps are not taken, rusting may even occur from the inside, seriously compromising the strength of the railings and causing[...]
How To Avoid Rust On Your Steel BalustradesMarch 25, 2021 - 04:29 PM
Steel is an excellent choice of metal for balustrades, as it offers decent resistance to rust and tarnishing as well as an eye-catching appearance that is both sleek and contemporary. However, despite its weather resistant properties, steel is not totally free from corrosion, particularly if it is poorly maintained.
Aluminium Or Steel Balustrades: Which Is The Most Sustainable Option?March 18, 2021 - 04:06 PM
When you’re choosing balustrades, handrails, and railings for a project, there are many reasons why you may opt for one material over another. For example, you may prioritise appearance, durability, corrosion resistance, or cost, with the decision likely to be influenced by factors such as the location of the metalwork, the environmental[...]
3 Ways That Shot Blasting Can Improve Your MetalworkMarch 11, 2021 - 03:37 PM
Shot blasting is an abrasive ‘blast’ surface treatment that uses round metal shots that are propelled under high velocity, commonly to polish a metal substrate, to strengthen it, or to repair damaged metalwork by closing cracks or tiny tears. The force required to propel the particles is achieved using a centrifuge or wheel, spun at high[...]
Paint Vs Powder Coating For Steel FabricationsMarch 04, 2021 - 03:14 PM
Surface finishing is vital for coating reactive metals such as steel. Without a suitable finish, oxidation can cause rust to form, which is not only unsightly but also threatens to weaken the structure, hastening its premature failure. Surface coatings are, therefore, more than just a way to improve the aesthetics of a steel fabricated object, as[...]
The Latest Trends In Laser Welding And How It Can Save You MoneyNovember 13, 2020 - 11:00 AM
With the rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent years, many aspects of manufacture and fabrication will likely be revolutionised in the not-too-distant future. The fully automated laser welding machine, for example, could be on the horizon sooner than you think: able to decide for itself where and how to weld, to identify[...]
Manufacturing Or Fabrication? What Are The Differences, And Do They Matter?November 06, 2020 - 11:00 AM
To many non-specialists, manufacturing and fabrication are simply two workshop-based processes that use various techniques to assemble or produce metal products. Often, the two terms are used interchangeably, with little awareness of the differences. While many of the methods used in manufacturing and fabrication may be similar, the difference[...]
How To Guarantee Quality Results From Your Welding & Metal Fabrication ContractorOctober 30, 2020 - 11:00 AM
The quality of the weld is extremely important in any fabrication project, as it guarantees the integrity, durability, and longevity of any structure. Quality control checks during and after welding are vital to ensure that high standards have been achieved. Any weakness in the weld, from tiny holes to splits or cracks, could be disastrous in the[...]
Fabrication Using Sheet Metal: Why Thickness Matters For Metal Fabrication ProjectsOctober 23, 2020 - 11:00 AM
The fabrication of sheet metal is a highly specialised task, requiring expert knowledge, skills, and equipment. If you’re planning to outsource the architectural steelwork for a civil engineering, commercial, or construction project, it’s vital to employ the services of a competent fabricator who can guarantee high-quality finishing that complies[...]
What Are The Most Effective Corrosion Prevention Coatings?October 16, 2020 - 04:48 PM
Traditional galvanisation and newer hot zinc spray technologies are standard anti-corrosion treatments for vulnerable metals. However, they may not always be desirable or even necessary. Several other corrosion-resistant treatments are found in the form of coatings. The suitability of these will depend on several factors, such as aesthetics,[...]