Project scope

We received a request from our customer to quote for fabricated steel supply. They accepted our quote, and we started working immediately.

Sometimes drawings are required but on this occasion the customer has already provided them. So, we could send the job direct to the yard for steel manufacturing.

Let the steel fabrication process begin!

Our cutting and saw operators checked the cutting list and cut steels to the required measurements. Once we cut the steel material and checked the lengths, we transported it by a fork lift to the steel fabrication area. That’s when our experienced fabrication team come to play and start the project.

This job had a quite a special requirement called the cup. We made this piece from one solid steel block called a billet. Steel billets are semi-finished steel products that are typically larger than steel bars. They are made from molten steel. Steel fabricators shape them into a square or rectangular cross-section through steel casting. Steel bars, on the other hand, are finished products that have been rolled or drawn into a specific shape and size.

This is where the precision milling gets involved. From a solid steel block (billet) we produced the following to mm perfection.

Steel precision milling refers to the meticulous process of shaping and refining steel components with exceptional accuracy and detail. This specialised machining technique involves the use of advanced milling equipment. This includes computer numerical control (CNC) machines, to remove material from steel workpieces to achieve precise dimensions, tight tolerances, and smooth surface finishes. Steel precision milling is commonly employed in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and engineering. It’s the areas where exacting standards for component quality and performance are essential. By utilising high-speed cutting tools and sophisticated machining strategies, steel precision milling enables the production of intricate parts and components that meet the stringent requirements of modern applications.

You might ask, what’s the difference between steel precision milling, precision machining and precision engineering?

Steel precision milling is a specific subset of precision machining and precision engineering. Precision machining encompasses a broader range of manufacturing processes, including milling, turning, drilling, grinding, and electrical discharge machining (EDM), among others. It involves the use of advanced machinery and tools to fabricate parts with extremely tight tolerances and high accuracy.

On the other hand, precision engineering involves the design, manufacturing, and assembly of complex systems or components with a focus on achieving exact specifications and performance requirements. Precision engineering often incorporates various machining techniques. It also includes milling, turning, and grinding, along with other processes such as welding, forging, and casting, to produce intricate and high-quality products.

Steel precision milling specifically refers to the process of milling steel components with exceptional accuracy and detail, using advanced milling techniques and equipment. It is a specialised form of precision machining. It focuses specifically on steel shaping and refining steel workpieces to meet precise dimensional requirements and surface finish specifications.

In summary, precision machining encompasses a broader range of machining processes. Precision engineering involves the design and manufacturing of complex systems or components with a focus on achieving exact specifications. Steel precision milling is a specific subset of precision machining that specialises in milling steel components with high accuracy and detail.

Steel fabrication for a car company

So, before our steel fabrication team start, our in-house inspector checks all material. Only after that they issue the steel to a fabricator so they can start.

Our fabricators use various techniques to fabricate steel into desired shapes and structures. These methods include steel cutting, where saws, shears, lasers, or plasma torches. Structural steel fabricators use it to cut steel into required sizes and shapes. Bending and forming machines like press brakes or rollers are utilised to shape steel into curves, angles, and other complex geometries. Welding is crucial, joining steel pieces together using techniques like MIG, TIG, or stick welding. Machining involves removing material from steel with cutting tools such as drills, mills, lathes, and CNC machines to achieve precise shapes and dimensions. Fabricators assemble steel components using bolts, rivets, adhesives, or welding, and finish the products with processes like grinding, sandblasting, painting, or galvanising to enhance appearance and durability. Besides, correctly executed finishes protect fabricated steel from corrosion.

Throughout these processes, adherence to engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards is critical to ensure the final products meet required structural integrity, dimensional accuracy, and aesthetic appeal.

Steel Delivery and Installation

Once the fabricators manufacture the steel, we check it again to the exact specifications. The job is then taken outside ready to be loaded on the correct vehicle.

Once we arrive on site, the steel is then checked and the job is signed off, we then place the steel where they want it. This time it was directly into the new workshop.

Our customer can now install the engine stands and get the new workshop up and running!