Welding steel structures is a process that may be more complicated than it seems at first glance. On one hand, we have a man with his welding tools and two steel elements that need connecting, which seems pretty simple. On the other hand, however, we have all the variables that need to be considered before the actual welding process as well as during the job. Steel structure welding is an industry of its own, providing services to construction sites and companies in all different areas. What are the most characteristic features that distinguish steel structure welding from many other types of welding and how is it related to the industry?
Challenges of steel structure welding
Structural steel fabricators face many challenges on every job they take on. Choosing the best welding process and filler metal for welding structural steel is key, regardless of the construction is meant to be a bridge, a building or any structural project of that sort. It helps ensure that fabricators achieve the best possible efficiency and quality of their operations. Considering if the structural steel welding will be taking place in an indoor shop setting or outdoors in the field is also an important matter for the durability of the weld. The outside is where the welding process gets tricky. Aside from the obvious factors that need to be taken into consideration (the aforementioned welding process and filler material), there are also the external factors like wind or rain, that can impact the welding process quite significantly.
Steel structure welding in the fast-paced steel industry
Making a solid, properly working steel structure requires a lot of time and effort in both the planning stage and the making stage. Working on a construction that is supposed to be safe for people cannot be rushed or done superficially. All the factors that can cause later failures have to be taken into consideration and everyone in the industry knows that. On the other hand, there are time frames for certain structures to be built and welders are pressured to do their job in a short period of time. Industries that use steel structure welding on a daily basis, which is mainly the wide architectural sphere, are progressing at a fast pace now and there are certain limitations to the welding process that they need to take into consideration when creating deadlines. Welding can be done quickly or it can be done well. Everyone knows which option works better in the long run.