A Full Manufacturer's Guide to Steel Framing in Cambridge
Steel framing is one part of a larger fabrication process, but that doesn’t make it any less essential. Structural steel framing is the backbone of many construction and industrial applications, determining the power and reliability of the finished product. It is the component which lays the groundwork for high strength and stability. In this manufacturer’s guide, we’ll take you through the various processes for building a steel frame, and cover important aspects to consider for your project.
How Steel Framing is Made
Fabricating steel framing may seem like a straightforward process, but there’s multiple methods available to get the job done.
At Ball Service Group, we house cutting-edge fabrication technologies, helping us deliver top quality work while also speeding up project completion. Each piece of equipment has its advantages, and we consider what your project needs in order to determine what fabrication method to use.
Here are some of the ways we manufacture steel framing at Ball Service Group:
Laser Cutting
Let’s start with laser cutting. We have an in-house industrial laser cutting machine which we use for making clean cuts with high tolerances. A focused laser beam following a pre-set CNC program cuts the steel pieces to the desired length and width. If applicable, the laser cutting machine can also replicate highly-detailed designs if programmed into the CNC file. Though this isn’t usually the case for steel framing, some structural steel projects require extra aesthetic enhancements, making laser cutting a great choice.
Plasma Cutting
For projects that require a thicker steel frame, such as automotive manufacturing projects, we’ll usually turn to our plasma cutting machine. The machine has an ionized gas jet which cuts through the steel quickly and efficiently, perfect for large steel parts and high-volume production runs.
Plasma cutting is faster than laser cutting, but it can’t replicate the same high quality cuts. We only choose it when cut quality isn’t a major factor of the project, like making steel framing for heavy machinery.
Shearing
Some steel parts, if too big, require pre-processing. We use a shear machine to cut large steel sheets into more manageable sizes and trim off excess material. Our shear can quickly create a perfectly straight cut to alter the length and width. This prepares the steel to be bent, welded, or assembled.
Brake Press
Shearing can prepare the steel workpiece for the brake press. After the shear cuts the metal parts to size, a brake press bends the material by applying hydraulic pressure. This bending process helps it achieve the necessary angles and shapes for steel framing beams, braces, and connectors.
Drill Press
The drill press is a piece of equipment used to drill holes with precise placement for fasteners or connections (and more rarely, aesthetic purposes). Our drill press is capable of the accuracy and repeatability needed for safe and secure connections. It helps parts come together seamlessly during assembly.
Robotic Welder
We have a robotic welder which welds steel components with unparalleled accuracy and consistency. Automating the welding work speeds up the process while also ensuring that welds are uniform and strong. Robotic welding also enables higher speeds for large productions without sacrificing weld quality.
What Steel is Used for Structural Steel Framing?
Traditionally, carbon steel is commonly used for structural steel framing. Carbon steel is one of the easiest steel types to fabricate because its low alloy content makes it incredibly stable when using methods like welding. Additionally, carbon steel’s high-strength and cost-effectiveness give it a high-level of durability and reliability at a reasonable price.
If not carbon steel, high-strength low-alloy steel (HSLA) is also a popular choice. HSLA steel is made up of enhanced properties that improve its strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Since it is generally more durable than carbon steel, this is what most steel frame fabricators will choose for projects that require heavy-load bearing.
Other than carbon and HSLA steel, alloy steel, corten steel, mild steel, and galvanized steel are also sometimes chosen for steel framing projects.
Steel Framing in Cambridge: What Fabrication Projects It's Needed For
Construction Projects: Unsurprisingly, Steel framing plays a big role in most construction projects, ensuring structures are safe and dependable. Our steel framing fabrication can create custom load-bearing elements designed to carry heavier weights.
Automotive Projects: We create steel frameworks for material handling equipment, ensuring this equipment can carry heavy loads.
Mining Projects: The mining industry needs reliable manufacturing that can survive in the harsh environments miners operate in. Our steel framing services are used to build ruggedized structures built to last.
Manufacturing Projects: We can create highly-accurate and durable framing for manufacturing equipment, assembly stations, and structures built for the production process.
Home Renovation Projects: We can easily deliver high-quality steel framing for residential use. From fencing and railings to window framing and gazebos.
Top Manufacturer of Steel Framing in Cambridge: BSG Inc.
When it’s time to outsource a reliable steel framing provider in Cambridge, many locals turn to BSG Inc. as their trusted manufacturing partner. Our services and capabilities are comprehensive, enabling us to tackle any project with tailored fabrication and machining solutions. We’re known across Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge for our unbeatable quality and speed when taking on both one-off projects and large production runs.
We’re proud of our stand-out reputation in the industry, with a family of long-term clients who’ve trusted our ability to deliver top-quality products and services since 1987. We’re not just equipped to take on your steel framing project, we also have the experience, skills, and customer service to do it right.
Want to learn about our competitive pricing? Request a Quote today!