If you’re looking to purchase metal trolleys, you may be pondering what kind of metal to use – or whether it makes much difference. The first point is: it does matter which material you use, because different metals have different properties. So, bearing in mind that carbon steel and stainless steel are the two most popular options for trolleys,[...]
Plasma cutting is a state-of-the-art technique employed to cut metals with superior precision and accuracy. Though once an expensive option, recent advances mean the plasma-cutting process can now deliver ultra-sharp cutting performance with optimal efficiency, which makes the pricing extremely competitive.
The fourteenth Parsons Drove Custom and Classic Vehicle Show and Shine takes place on the 18th and 19th of July, 2020 – and, as a local business, we'll be attending this popular event. So, what makes this show so special? How can you make sure that you don't miss out on the chance to discuss your next restoration project with us while you're there?
Computer-aided design (CAD) has revolutionised the bespoke metal fabrication industry. Designers and engineers need no longer rely on technical drawings – precisely, but painstakingly, created by hand – to turn their customer’s bespoke metalwork designs into reality. They can turn, instead, to fast, versatile and sophisticated CAD software. This[...]
The quick answer is yes – for the foreseeable future at least, and beyond this for companies trading with the EU. The main regulatory regime affecting the fabrication and assembly of steel structures is the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), a piece of European Union (EU) legislation that was incorporated into UK law in July 2014. The CPR[...]
Since 2010, any staircase built or maintained in the United Kingdom has been governed by an extensive, stringent set of legally-binding safety and quality control regulations. These regulations control the height, length, safety features, materials, and joinery used in every new and renovated staircase in Britain as well as their surroundings.[...]
Notwithstanding the different properties of stainless steel when compared with, say, carbon steel, the techniques for welding the two alloys are not dissimilar. However, stainless steel has a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity, so the temperature of both the base metal and the weld metal must be carefully controlled. Similarly, any filler[...]
The March Steam and Vintage Show has become a must-attend event for fans of steam and vintage vehicles in Cambridgeshire and we're really looking forward to this year's edition. Read on to discover more about this fantastic show and find out how you can ensure you see us while you're there.
When you hire a steel fabrication company to provide structural or architectural metalwork, the aim is to receive a quality service and to complete your project in a cost-effective and timely manner. However, if you want to get the most out of your partnership, it's important to take a constructive and collaborative approach to project management.[...]
Coating steel surfaces can be a cost-effective way of protecting them from damage, but if not done properly, several issues can occur. Your coating may develop defects, such as thin patches, drips, and bumps, reducing its effectiveness and negatively affecting its appearance. So, how can you minimise the number of coating defects that you get?
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,[...]