The structural steel industry is believed to undergo industrial processes while working on tons of materials with little help from automation. This is due to the fact that the tasks don’t have to be automated to produce the parts correctly. For instance, cutting a bevel on a beam, adding a notch to support a joint, and preparing the components for welding are not considered as jobs that require high-precision of a special CNC machine tool or machining process. A highly complex structural steel project can be done by just using manual processes and extensive labor. In fact, component features can be handcrafted to meet the construction requirements without encountering a single problem.
This manual process is very possible but it can directly affect the project costs and negatively impact profitability. Completing a structural steel project of any kind requires huge amount of resources that has to be financed. Fortunately, there are now options available that can change this scenario and address the associated issues faced by the industry. Lead times can be shortened and fieldwork reduced by pre-assembling components at the factory before being transported to the site. The need for precision and beauty is driven by modern architectural designs that call for exquisite structural steel components. These projects start by defining an architectural vision, followed by effective planning to allow such spectacular vision to materialize on time and within budget.
A reasonable investment in advanced software and equipment will enable structural steel companies to reduce operational costs, automate processes, optimize each project phase, and thus increase profits. What structural steel companies need to achieve automation:
- BIM software for designing, defining, and identifying all parts to be generated and assembled.
- CAD software for 2-D and 3-D parts.
- CAM software as machining instructions for every process to prevent failures.
- MES or manufacturing execution system software for adjusting production sequence.
- CNC machines for producing various part sizes and shapes accurately.
- MES (manufacturing execution systems) software to adjust the production sequence that sets the component delivery flow to the erection site in line with the assembly pace.
When you have a structural steel project needed to be delivered on time and with high quality, Scarboro Steel Works, Inc. is capable of taking on virtually any type of fabrication project. We are a full service metal fabricator that completes all projects with high standards of excellence.