What is Fabrication Work in Construction?

Fabrication work in the construction industry is a process of joining materials or parts to produce machined workpieces. Generally, the parts are joined by welding or brazing metal, but machining processes such as milling and drilling are also used.  Brazing of metals are done using specific induction brazing equipment that can join the metals together. Fabrication work is needed for every stage of construction, from the initial concept, design, and planning stage to building sites.

Mechanical engineering is a core subject in fabrication work as it involves the working of iron, steel, copper, and other materials. Workshops in fabrication are typically found on construction sites where they are used for all kinds of fabrication work ranging from erecting buildings, bridges, and others. The workforce involved in mechanical engineering also consists of welders and metalworkers who undertake fabrication work, utilizing tools like a centroid calculator by SkyCiv for precise measurements and balance in their structures. Some of the common fabrication processes used in construction include machining, milling, drilling, and welding.

Fabrication work in construction is usually carried out by skilled professionals like the Wiley Metal Fabricating Inc — industrial fabrication services in Indiana,  who have a sound knowledge and experience on how to carry out these works effectively and efficiently. Who has sound knowledge and experience on how to carry out these works effectively? It is important to note that the work in fabrication is of a high-risk nature, and if an incorrect or unsafe work procedure is followed by a worker, it can lead to serious injuries and even death. This is why workers should be fully trained to undertake these works.

Fabrication work in construction can be categorized into three main sections: Structural, Non-structural, and Processing.

Non-Structural

Non-structural fabrication involves the use of metal, wood, and other materials to create stairs, railings, balconies, and similar structures that support the building but do not contribute to its structural integrity.

Processing Fabrication                                                                               

Processing fabrication, on the other hand, consists of machining processes such as milling and drilling which are used in manufacturing for example in producing iron parts.

Structural Fabrication

Structural fabrication work includes the installation of girders, beams, and columns onto the building structure using cranes. All the parts are joined together by welding and other material joining methods. It is the main work which is done on the building sites and it takes a lot of time.

However, fabrication work is necessary for all the stages of construction such as concept design, planning, building site, and building erection. Designers will conceptualize the passage of structural engineering to meet the requirements of the client. These requirements are then converted into detailed plans by architectural firms. The architects will advise engineers who will then work on the designs as per the instructions of architects. The final stage in fabrication is erection where they are installed on building sites and buildings in general. 

How Fabrication Works in Construction

When fabrication starts, the raw materials or parts are first brought to the site. The contractor will then take these materials and parts and combine them with various machines, such as a lathe or mill, to create more than one object. From there, the new objects can be used to build the project itself. Many fabrication processes involve cutting or shaping materials like steel bars and rods which are then welded together to form large pieces. These large pieces are created out of smaller sections that have been cut from larger sheets of metal, creating a “big piece out of many small pieces.”When fabrication is done on-site, it allows for optimal planning and use of both labor and material.

Why is Fabrication Important to Construction? 

Fabrication allows contractors to create the entire project as it was envisioned on-site rather than buying all the materials and parts beforehand. This cuts down on production time and increases profit through a reduction in material purchases. It also reduces the overall costs, allowing for more profit without having to sacrifice quality or safety. Additionally, fabrication allows for flexibility on site, which is important materials have arrived later than anticipated.

Fabrication can also reduce costs by making use of scrap materials that would normally be thrown away allowing more individualization with your project also makes projects feel more personal. Additionally, Fabrication work is a very important aspect of construction and enables the erection process. Without fabrication, it would be impossible to install large metal parts such as beams, girders, and columns required for building construction. 

Generally, fabrication in construction is done with the intention of making things quicker and cheaper by not having to order everything beforehand. The final product is much stronger than if all the parts were bought together. However, construction fabrication can be difficult to do and requires many different skill sets. It is important to always have a licensed contractor, employee, or firm that has a fabrication license if you have any intention of doing fabrication work.