--- title: GLW Engineering Blog | Geoffrey White (9) description: Check out our blog for the latest news and updates and learn more about the world of steel fabrication! (9) --- Call us: 01945 464 637 [![GLW Engineering & Construction Ltd](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/GLW%20Engineering%20Dec2016/Image/glw-logo21-300x80.png)](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/) # The GLW Engineering Blog ## Geoffrey White ### Recent Posts ## [5 Benefits Of Powder Coating Your Wheels](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/benefits-of-powder-coating-your-wheels) [![5 Benefits Of Powder Coating Your Wheels](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/5%20Benefits%20Of%20Powder%20Coating%20Your%20Wheels.jpg) ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/benefits-of-powder-coating-your-wheels) Attractive wheel rims catch the eye and [powder coating](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-guide-to-shot-blasting-powder-coating-pillar-page) them makes an otherwise dull car much more appealing. You know that damaged, dirty and dull rims pull even the most expensive car down. Powder coating has an uplifting effect and is well worth the effort. There are some very good reasons why powder coating alloy wheels makes sense: [Read more](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/benefits-of-powder-coating-your-wheels) April 05, 2019 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white) [Handrailing Fabrication](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/handrailing-fabrication) ## [UK Building Regulations For Handrails: A Quick Guide To Everything You Need To Know](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/uk-building-regulations-for-handrails) [![UK Building Regulations For Handrails - A Quick Guide To Everything You Need To Know - Copy](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/UK%20Building%20Regulations%20For%20Handrails%20-%20A%20Quick%20Guide%20To%20Everything%20You%20Need%20To%20Know%20-%20Copy.jpg) ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/uk-building-regulations-for-handrails) Whether you need guardrails and handrails for the stairs of a commercial office development, or for a new mezzanine floor in factory or warehouse, [there is a raft of specifications required by UK Building Regulations to ensure your handrails and railings meet required legislation for safety and building compliance.](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-guide-to-railings-handrails) [Read more](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/uk-building-regulations-for-handrails) March 21, 2019 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white) [Metal Fabrication in Norwich](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/metal-fabrication-in-norwich), [Handrailing Fabrication](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/handrailing-fabrication) ## [The Fabrication Process For Handrailings](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/fabrication-process-for-handrailings) [![The Fabrication Process For Handrailings - Copy](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/The%20Fabrication%20Process%20For%20Handrailings%20-%20Copy.jpg) ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/fabrication-process-for-handrailings) No matter how modern the ‘cost is no object’ interior of your client’s new office complex, the pièce de résistance is often the contemporary sweeping stairway with its glass balustrades and [stainless steel handrails leading up to a mezzanine floor](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/common-metals-used-to-fabricate-railings) and surrounding balcony. In other areas of the business, such as warehouse or factory floor,[...] [Read more](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/fabrication-process-for-handrailings) March 20, 2019 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white) [Structural Steel Fabrication](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/structural-steel-fabrication) ## [Why You Should Avoid Cheap Metal Fabrication Companies](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/why-you-should-avoid-cheap-metal-fabrication-companies) [![Why You Should Avoid Cheap Metal Fabrication Companies](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/Why%20You%20Should%20Avoid%20Cheap%20Metal%20Fabrication%20Companies.png) ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/why-you-should-avoid-cheap-metal-fabrication-companies) You are entrusting your[ architectural steel fabrication](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/fabrication-2/) to a third party, so you really hope you have made a good choice. [Metal fabrication companies](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/where-to-find-the-best-metal-fabrication-company-in-norwich) are like any other industry in that the range of standards and quality can be anything from truly excellent to extremely poor. It’s the latter you want to avoid at all costs because the outcome of[...] [Read more](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/why-you-should-avoid-cheap-metal-fabrication-companies) March 20, 2019 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white) [Structural Steel Fabrication](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/structural-steel-fabrication), [Metal Fabrication in Norwich](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/metal-fabrication-in-norwich) ## [5 Most Common Metals Used To Fabricate Railings & Handrails](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/common-metals-used-to-fabricate-railings) [![5 Most Common Metals Used To Fabricate Railings & Handrails](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/5%20Most%20Common%20Metals%20Used%20To%20Fabricate%20Railings%20%26%20Handrails.jpg) ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/common-metals-used-to-fabricate-railings) From building and reinforcing, to internal, decorative safety features; metal, in one form or other, plays an important part in the construction and fitting out of commercial properties. Handrails and railings are a case in point. Where some years ago, spindles and banisters would have been manufactured almost exclusively from timber, [today they[...]](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-guide-to-railings-handrails) [Read more](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/common-metals-used-to-fabricate-railings) March 13, 2019 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white) [Sand Blasting](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/sand-blasting) ## [Maintenance Solutions For Sand Blasted Surfaces](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/sand-blasted-surfaces-maintenance) [![sand blasting services](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/sand%20blasting%20services.jpg) ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/sand-blasted-surfaces-maintenance) The question of how to maintain clean sand blasted surfaces before the coating process is a familiar one. [Read more](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/sand-blasted-surfaces-maintenance) November 21, 2018 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white) [Shot Blasting](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/shot-blasting) ## [How Shot Blasting Can Give Your Equipment A New Lease Of Life](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/refreshing-equipment-with-shot-blasting) [![shot blasting - figure 3](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/shot%20blasting%20-%20figure%203.jpg) ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/refreshing-equipment-with-shot-blasting) Shot blasting is a fast and cost effective process for smoothening rough metal surfaces. It is commonly employed to restore old equipment and steelwork, removing dirt, grease, rust and old paint in preparation for repainting. Our [shot blasting gallery](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/shot-blasting/) shows several examples of how we have applied this in practice. [Read more](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/refreshing-equipment-with-shot-blasting) November 13, 2018 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white) [Shot Blasting](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/shot-blasting) ## [5 Reasons Why Shot Blasting Is Better Than Chemical Cleaners](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/shot-blasting-vs-chemical-cleaners) [![shot blasting](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/shot%20blasting.jpg) ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/shot-blasting-vs-chemical-cleaners) [Shot blasting](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/soda-blasting/) has recently become an essential part of the metal and steel fabrication industry since it is cost effective and leave good finish. Shot blasting is used when preparing architectural or structural steel component for finishing. [Read more](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/shot-blasting-vs-chemical-cleaners) November 06, 2018 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white) [Blasting Methods](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/blasting-methods), [Grit Blasting](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/grit-blasting) ## [The Grit Blasting Process Explained](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-grit-blasting-process-explained) [![The Grit Blasting Process Explained](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/The%20Grit%20Blasting%20Process%20Explained.jpg) ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-grit-blasting-process-explained) Grit blasting is an extremely popular method of preparing the surface of an object for subsequent finishing, such as with painting, powder coating and others. By abrading the surface of a target object with a high speed stream of abrasive particles, dirt and rust are removed, and grit blasting can even impart a texture to the surface if required. [Read more](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-grit-blasting-process-explained) September 07, 2018 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white) [Powder Coating](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/powder-coating) ## [How To Maintain Powder Coated Surfaces](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-maintain-powder-coated-surfaces) [![How To Maintain Powder Coated Surfaces](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/How%20To%20Maintain%20Powder%20Coated%20Surfaces.jpg) ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-maintain-powder-coated-surfaces) [Powder coated finishes](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/powder-coating/) are very robust and long lasting and normally require very little cleaning or maintenance. Some applications naturally receive more wear and tear than others and will show signs of ageing faster as a result. For example, a powder coated handrail on a busy staircase receives transfer of body oils, grime and dirt perhaps[...] [Read more](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-maintain-powder-coated-surfaces) August 31, 2018 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white) [1](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white/page/1) [...](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white/page/4) [7](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white/page/7) [8](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white/page/8) [9](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white/page/9) [10](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white/page/10) [11](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white/page/11) [...](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white/page/14) [14](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white/page/14) Page 9 of 14 [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2730834/fdece9bc-51e5-43b3-8faa-397370d93e3c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/fdece9bc-51e5-43b3-8faa-397370d93e3c) ### Subscribe to Email Updates [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2730834/a5d320f6-811f-48df-ae6c-a627a63dea3d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/a5d320f6-811f-48df-ae6c-a627a63dea3d) ### Latest Posts - [![How To Protect Metal Railings From Corrosion](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/metal-railing.jpg "How To Protect Metal Railings From Corrosion") **How To Protect Metal Railings From CorrosionApril 01, 2021 - 04:50 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-protect-metal-railings-from-corrosion) Rust can not only affect the appearance of [metal railings](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-guide-to-railings-handrails), 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 Balustrades](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/rusty-railing.jpg "How To Avoid Rust On Your Steel Balustrades") **How To Avoid Rust On Your Steel BalustradesMarch 25, 2021 - 04:29 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-avoid-rust-on-your-steel-balustrades) [Steel is an excellent choice of metal for balustrades](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/suitable-type-of-metal-for-outdoor-railings-and-handrails), 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?](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/metal-balustrades.jpg "Aluminium Or Steel Balustrades: Which Is The Most Sustainable Option?") **Aluminium Or Steel Balustrades: Which Is The Most Sustainable Option?March 18, 2021 - 04:06 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/aluminium-or-steel-balustrades-sustainable-option) 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 Metalwork](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/rusted-metal-blasting.jpg "3 Ways That Shot Blasting Can Improve Your Metalwork") **3 Ways That Shot Blasting Can Improve Your MetalworkMarch 11, 2021 - 03:37 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/3-ways-that-shot-blasting-can-improve-your-metalwork) 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](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/refreshing-equipment-with-shot-blasting) 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 Fabrications](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/paint-cans.jpg "Paint Vs Powder Coating For Steel Fabrications") **Paint Vs Powder Coating For Steel FabricationsMarch 04, 2021 - 03:14 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/paint-vs-powder-coating-for-steel-fabrications) 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 ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/steel-staircase-fabrication-guide)object, as[...] - [![The Latest Trends In Laser Welding And How It Can Save You Money](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/filipa-saldanha-TtOdr8tYtUU-unsplash.jpg "The Latest Trends In Laser Welding And How It Can Save You Money") **The Latest Trends In Laser Welding And How It Can Save You MoneyNovember 13, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-latest-trends-in-laser-welding-and-how-it-can-save-you-money) 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?](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/daniel-smyth-03TaAgmtXwM-unsplash.jpg "Manufacturing Or Fabrication? What Are The Differences, And Do They Matter?") **Manufacturing Or Fabrication? What Are The Differences, And Do They Matter?November 06, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/manufacturing-or-fabrication-what-are-the-differences-and-do-they-matter) 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 Contractor](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/glenn-hansen-VW4xiLRr-do-unsplash.jpg "How To Guarantee Quality Results From Your Welding & Metal Fabrication Contractor") **How To Guarantee Quality Results From Your Welding & Metal Fabrication ContractorOctober 30, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-guarantee-quality-results-from-your-welding-metal-fabrication-contractor) 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 Projects](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/craig-davis-sL0TGOevb78-unsplash.jpg "Fabrication Using Sheet Metal: Why Thickness Matters For Metal Fabrication Projects") **Fabrication Using Sheet Metal: Why Thickness Matters For Metal Fabrication ProjectsOctober 23, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/fabrication-using-sheet-metal-why-thickness-matters-for-metal-fabrication-projects) 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?](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/chain-4239167_1920.jpg "What Are The Most Effective Corrosion Prevention Coatings?") **What Are The Most Effective Corrosion Prevention Coatings?October 16, 2020 - 04:48 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/what-are-the-most-effective-corrosion-prevention-coatings) 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,[...] ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Structural Steel Fabrication (44)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/structural-steel-fabrication) - [Powder Coating (31)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/powder-coating) - [Handrailing Fabrication (15)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/handrailing-fabrication) - [Shot Blasting (13)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/shot-blasting) - [Metal Fabrication in Norwich (12)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/metal-fabrication-in-norwich) - [Grit Blasting (6)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/grit-blasting) - [Soda Blasting (6)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/soda-blasting) - [Insider (5)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/insider) - [Sand Blasting (5)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/sand-blasting) - [Abrasive Blast Cleaning Methods (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/abrasive-blast-cleaning-methods) - [Balustrade Fabrication (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/balustrade-fabrication) - [Hot Zinc Spraying (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/hot-zinc-spraying) - [Plasma Cutting (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/plasma-cutting) - [Security Gates (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/security-gates) - [Steel Staircase (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/steel-staircase) - [Blasting Methods (3)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/blasting-methods) - [Security Gates & Barriers (3)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/security-gates-barriers) - [Welding (3)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/welding) - [Traditional Galvanising (2)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/traditional-galvanising) - [Vacancies (2)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/vacancies) - [Bicycle Park (1)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/bicycle-park) - [Trolleys (1)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/trolleys) [see all](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white/page/9#) Search this site on Google Search Google © Copyright - GLW Engineering & Construction Ltd - Developed by [Viscribe Ltd](http://www.viscribe.co.uk) - [T & C’s](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/t-cs/) - [Privacy](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/privacy/) - [Smartwater](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/smartwater/)