Although the construction of steel buildings dates back to the 20th century, it wasn’t until World War II that it became common practice. After the war ended, steel buildings expanded significantly as steel became more readily available. Today, companies like PRV Engineering benefit from modern technology, state-of-the-art machinery and computer-aided design software that have taken steel fabrication to the next level.

What Is Steel Fabrication?

Structural steel fabrication is a specialised process that requires expert knowledge, skills and resources. The process involves converting steel into structures or parts through various processes to meet customer specifications and stringent quality criteria. Steel fabrication involves the implementation of various manufacturing processes from bending and cutting to grinding, brazing, casting, stamping, steel extrusion and welding.

Where Is Steel Fabrication Mostly Used?

Many industries rely on stainless steel for its durability and affordability. Some examples include components for aircraft, railways, wind turbines and other large parts. PRV Engineering fabricates products in all materials from basic mild steels to the more exotic Monel, Inconel, Hastelloy and Titanium. Steel framed structures are common in many different construction projects including the following:

  • High-rise buildings
  • Industrial buildings
  • Warehouse buildings
  • Residential buildings
  • Temporary Structures

Recommended: ‘High-End Mezzanine Floors At PRV Engineering

What Is Light Gauge Steel Construction?

Light-gauge steel framing involves the fabrication of structural frames using cold-formed steel sections. That means the sections are formed, or given shape at room temperature. Due to the robustness of the material, it’s used throughout structures, including load-bearing exterior walls, non-load bearing interior walls, floor joists, curtain walls and roof trusses. It’s a popular choice for residential buildings in particular.

Benefits Of Steel Fabrication In Construction

In manufacturing, production cost, quality and speed are the three components that determine success. While each component is important in their own right, manufacturers must fully commit to all three and steel fabrication is no different. So, why is steel such a popular metal in the construction world? Here are some of the benefits:

  • Structurally sound and manufactured to strict specifications and tolerances
  • Energy-efficient and any excess material is 100% recyclable
  • Steel does not warp, buckle, twist or bend and is therefore easy to modify
  • Cost-effective and rarely fluctuates in price
  • Allows for improved quality of construction and less maintenance

The use of steel-framed buildings in construction also offers environmental and social benefits. Steel lasts a long time, it is reusable and can also be recycled repeatedly without affecting its properties. When used alongside other enhancements, steel-framed buildings can be especially energy-efficient.

Structural Steel Fabrication Compliance (BSEN1090 Ex3)

CE Marking of construction products is mandatory in all EU Member states and the UK. Anyone involved with structural steel fabrication must demonstrate BS EN 1090-1 compliance. They also need to prove product conformance through mandatory CE marking.

Fabrication compliance allows businesses to continue manufacturing and selling their products within the EU. Companies who don’t conform to the standards and trade without a legitimate CE Mark can face criminal charges. Visit en1090cert.org to find out more about the certification process where you’ll also see FAQs.

Why Customers Prefer PRV Engineering 

With more than 20 years of supplying steel fabrication services to the construction industry, our expert staff can manage your project from start to finish. We manufacture for several industries including constructionautomotiveaerospacedefence and rail among others.

PRV offers a first-class steel framework fabrication and concreting service with a ‘One-Stop-Shop’ approach. By doing everything in-house, customers not only save money but also nullifies additional risk in terms of sub-par workmanship from less than reputable sub-contractors.

Steel suppliers and fabricators should be certified and have a highly-skilled, well-equipped workforce. They must employ the highest standards throughout the entire production chain. PRV Engineering is vastly experienced in structural steelwork, architectural steelwork and groundworks.

We offer a complete service from the design and structural details to the manufacture and installation, groundworks, amenities and electrical Installations.

Steel Fabrication Services At PRV Engineering

Our facility in Pontypool caters for one-off’s, large batch production, Rapid Prototyping and offer a stocking service to some of our customers. This helps reduce their stock and call items as and when required in line with KanBanVMI, Consignment and JIT philosophies.

Whether it’s an extension, a new building, building support or roofing steelwork, our team has the necessary skills in structural steel fabrication to deliver the highest quality service. Here are some of the bespoke fabrication services we offer:

  • Steel Balustrades
  • Steel Staircases
  • Juliet Balconies
  • Steel Fire Escapes
  • Mezzanine Floors
  • Steel Framework
  • Steel Gates
  • Bespoke Fabrications
  • Steel Framework
  • Steel Fence Panels
  • High Load Steel Racking
  • Steel Stillage
  • Steel Walkways

For more information about what we do, visit our website and follow our blog for all the latest in technology, engineering and manufacturing. Don’t forget to find us on social media and join the conversation using the hashtag #PRVtech.