How does laser cutting work?

Laser cutting works by moving a laser beam into the cutting area, which burns or melts the metal. Then an assist gas is used to clear the cut zone of the molten material, producing a cut. Laser cutting works best on carbon steel or stainless steel, and an operator needs to train for many hours to run a laser efficiently and accurately.

What are the benefits of laser cutting?

Laser cutting is a more precise method of metal cutting than other methods, so it results in higher accuracy cuts and a finer quality finish. The machines are fast and reliable, so laser cutting can decrease turnaround times and provide a more cost effective method of cutting. Laser cutting machines are also flexible, offering practically unlimited choice when it comes to patterns.

What are the limitations of laser cutting?

One of the drawbacks of laser cutting is that the quality of the cut-edge is dependent on the type and thickness of the material. As the thickness of the material increases, the lines on the edge where the molten area meets the cool zone (known as striations) become more prominent.

Laser cutting to create decorative screens

Laser cutting can be used to create bespoke laser cut metal screens with perforated laser designs, ideal for decorative wall art, displays and exhibitions, garden buildings and much more. You can incorporate your own unique personalised touch, such as a company logo, family crest, design brand, or personalised motif, to create innovative, unique screens or panels.

Interior and exterior applications

Laser cut screens can be incorporated in so many ways in the home, commercial buildings, hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping centres.

Laser cut metal screens can be used internally for partitions, railings or banisters, wall features, suspended ceilings and privacy screens. They’re perfect as room dividers, for example, in a hotel’s dining and breakfast area.

Exterior applications can include window shutters, garden screens, gazebo walls, and balconies. Laser cut screens are particularly ideal for stairwells as they retain visibility and flow of light, but act as a protective barrier.

Decorative options

Laser cutting offers a wonderful range of aesthetic possibilities. You can choose from modern, traditional, contemporary and classic designs, or create your own pattern incorporating your company’s brand identity. It’s also possible to mix laser cutting with engraving for a truly unique decorative effect. Think about the way your design interacts with light, as laser cut screens can be used to diffuse light in an interior, or to decorate the exterior of a building.

WA Steel is Perth’s leading provider of specialist metal fabrication and sheet metal fabrication. They operate at the forefront of laser cutting technology, using the most versatile rotary index laser cutting system available. With a focus on achieving high quality steel fabrication solutions, WA Steel can create excellent and innovative laser cut screens for your next project. If you’d like to find out more, call WA Steel on 08 9377 3778 or visit www.wasteel.com.au

Steelwork can be brushed, patterned, electroplated, coloured, painted, buffed, powder coated, dipped, polished and patterned (amongst other finishing processes) – all of which are undertaken to make the steelwork look good and/or enhance its functionality, performance and texture.

For example, finishing can enhance the durability and corrosion-resistance of a steel product, improve its electrical conductivity, improve the decorative appeal by making the surface look brighter or more colourful, improve torque tolerance, make it easier to solder, increase its tarnish and chemical resistance, harden it and enable it to bond to rubber (vulcanisation).

These are just some of the reasons for metal finishing – and choosing the best finish for a specific structure or product requires an-depth knowledge of the various processes and their respective advantages and disadvantages, what specific conditions they suit best and the costs involved – and it’s always best to seek an expert opinion to determine which finish is best suited for your particular application.

Here are a few considerations that will facilitate your decision-making in choosing a metal finishing technique for your particular project.  But while it is vital to specify a finish for an application where the finish is important from an aesthetic or functional perspective, it is equally vital to specify the finish even when you don’t think it is important – and that is in order to avoid a situation where you receive a finish or a finished product where the ‘unspecified’ finish is not actually suitable for the application. Always seek advice from an experienced steel fabrication company who will guide you on choosing the most suitable finish for your particular product or application.

Finishes fall into two categories, mill finishes and special finishes.  A number of finishes for flat steel products (sheet and plate) take place at the mill itself whilst others are applied later during processing.  Hot rolled, heat treated and pickled mill finishes result in a non-reflective rough surface which isn’t generally used for decorative steelwork.  Cold rolled finishes (of which there are several different types) result in a dull grey, slightly reflective finish which is either used as is or as a starting point for a range of polished finishes.

Following are some of more common special finishes that a steel fabrication company would perform:

Hot dip galvanizing.  This is a cost-effective process widely used in industrial applications whereby iron and steel products are immersed in a bath of liquid zinc and coated in order to protect the base metal from corroding.

Powder coating.  This is a decorative finish that is similar to paint, but with enhanced durability.  Dry plastic powder or paint granules are melted onto the metal to give a textured, matte or glossy finish.  This process can also be very effective removing surface defects.

Spray painting.  Protection against corrosion can be gained by spray painting steelwork with one or multiple layers of liquid paint.  Spray painting is also a popular design finish.

Blast cleaning.  Surface preparation is the essential first stage treatment of the steel or metal before any coating can be applied, and blast cleaning is a vital first step to remove contaminants and create a suitable base for the application of high-performance protective coatings.

At WA Steel, we provide steel, stainless steel and aluminium fabrication amongst other metal fabrication services plus we provide metal finishing services for the products we manufacture.  Should you need any advice on how to choose the right finish for your steelwork, simply contact us on 08 9377 3778 and take advantage of our 30 years of industry experience.  Alternatively, please visit our website, www.wasteel.com.au to learn more about our total manufacturing solution which takes customers from the initial concept through to the finished product.

Maintaining a safe working environment is obviously important from a health and welfare perspective and it’s imperative to take all practical steps to minimise the risk of injury to personnel on site, but there are many other issues that are affected by workplace safety (or lack thereof).

Safety issues can negatively impact on productivity and can lead to increased costs, loss of goodwill, financial penalties and possible legal action in the event of a workplace injury, unhappy staff and the potential loss of customers – so it’s imperative that steel fabricators put workplace safety on the top of their daily agendas.

The legislative framework provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 plus additional resources from by government and industry bodies (e.g. WorkSafe Australia) provide clear guidance on controlling risk in the workplace, but if you’re wanting a quick snapshot of safety tips for a steel fabrication business, here are five key things you need to consider.

1. Wear protective clothing

Steel fabrication is a potentially hazardous industry and workers should always wear approved protective gear such as overalls, heavy duty gloves, safety glasses or goggles, steel capped boots and hard hats.  Workers should also be mindful of wearing baggy clothing or jewellery that may get entangled in the equipment and should take care to tie long hair back.

2. Prevent inhalation of dust

Sheet metal fabrication may result in the release of tiny particles of dust into the air which could be harmful if inhaled, so workers on the factory floor should wear masks or other suitable protection over their mouths and noses.

3. Avoid skin burns

Sheet metal has high thermal conductivity and consequently can become very hot when exposed to any heat source – and very cold when temperatures drop.   Workers need to be very aware of the potential for burns – both from hot metal and freezer burns from cold metal – and wear protective gloves when handling the material.

4. Prevent injuries caused by heavy lifting

Using machinery rather than manual labour for moving heavy pieces of sheet metal is a key step in avoiding injuries (such as back and neck strains or shoulder injuries) which can be sustained from heavy lifting.

5. Safe handling and storage of equipment

Proper training on the use of tools and equipment involved in sheet metal fabrication is critically important – as is ensuring that all machinery and tools are maintained optimally.  Whether the equipment being used is state-of-the-art cutting machinery or conventional shears and grinders, it’s imperative that they’re in good working order so that the risk of injury is minimised.

A professional steel fabrication company won’t take any shortcuts when it comes to ensuring the safety of both their employees and anyone else visiting their workplace and they’ll take all steps that are practically possible to reduce or eliminate any risk.  This will include identifying hazards, providing appropriate training, ensuring compliance with legislative processes and implementing appropriate health and safety procedures that are adhered to and properly supervised.

A steel fabricator that places a high value on workplace safety is one that delivers the best results for its customers.   W A Steel is one such company – and their belief that a safer working environment supports enhanced business results has yielded decades of success in steel fabrication in Perth.  They produce high quality fabricated steel products for the mining, transport, construction, aviation and materials handling industries using their advanced production facilities in Bassendean, and have a variety of in-house processes giving them the capacity and precision to undertake a wide range of fabricated components and projects to meet customer specifications.  If you’d like to learn more about one of the leading steel fabrication companies in Perth and their strong focus on safety, please call them on 08 9377 3778 or visit their website, www.wasteel.com.au.

Steel fabrication isn’t only the domain of heavy industrial projects, it’s a process that touches everyday lives in a myriad different ways without people even realising it.

Just about every structure involves some type of steel fabrication whereby the metal has been formed, bent, sawn, cut, sheared, stamped or welded into shape – and this can be for either structural or aesthetic purposes.  From bridges and cranes to oil rigs and trains, balustrades and stairs to sculptures and light-fittings, steel fabrication plays an important role.

It’s not only an important role, it’s a hugely demanding one too – and so when it comes to the performance of fabricated steel components, there should be no shortcuts in the quality of materials or in the workmanship.  The problems arising from inferior fabrication can be significant – even resulting in the integrity of a structure being compromised – so it’s vital you choose your steel fabricator very carefully.

Here are five things you need to look for before appointing a steel fabricator for your project.

1) Attention to detail is a key factor in choosing a steel fabrication company because there’s no room for error when it comes to things like the structural integrity of buildings or the reliability of performance of a vehicle, moving part, piece of equipment etc.   Therefore, attention to detail in every aspect of steel fabrication – from taking a brief, producing drawings, adhering to specifications and so on – is absolutely crucial.

2) Quality assurance is another key factor in selecting a steel fabricator.  Adhering to the highest quality standards is imperative because there should be no room for compromise.  Technicians should have all the appropriate certifications and both the equipment and workmanship should be of the highest quality.

3) Communication is another essential factor and a good fabricator will be open and upfront with clients.  They will be transparent when it comes to establishing the best outcome for the project, including making recommendations as to the most appropriate metals and materials, setting realistic timeframes for the completion of the job, project costs and so on.  Two-way communication between client and fabricator is essential and both sides should be willing to listen to one another and discuss ideas.

4) A proven track record is a must.   Contractors should have a reputation for delivering quality products, on time and on budget – backed up by solid after-sales service and support.  Before making any final decision, you should do some research on their past performance, get testimonials from clients and investigate their background (time in the industry, experience, equipment etc).

5) Technical expertise is the fifth key factor that needs to be established before you make any decision on your steel fabrication company.  A good fabricator will have a manufacturing facility with cutting-edge technology and equipment (such as metal shears, laser cutters, sheet metal punches, CNC routers etc) and will be able to design and create high quality metal parts and products which are error-free and which meet all specifications.

We are one steel fabrication company in Perth that ticks all these five boxes (and more).  We have been at the forefront of sheet metal fabrication for close on 30 years and have accumulated a wealth of experience, technical expertise and innovative ideas across a huge range of light and heavy fabrication projects.  If you want a professional and specialised solution for any steel fabrication application, contact the experts here at WA Steel on 08 9377 3778 to see their experience in action.

Steel is the material of choice in many different building projects and when you look at what benefits it brings to the construction industry, it’s not difficult to see why.

From cost savings and sustainability to safety and reliability, there are a myriad ways that fabricated steel can add value, performance, longevity and aesthetics to a construction project, so if you’re planning to build any time soon, you’ll be interested in reading this.

Here are just a few of the areas where steel fabrication can deliver value and enhance a construction project:

Strength and versatility

Whether for a commercial building or a luxury home, steel combines strength, durability, reliability and versatility which allow enormous scope for design freedom without compromising structural integrity.

Safety

Far fewer workers are required on site when fabricated steel is used in comparison to many other building materials, which significantly reduces the risk of workplace safety issues.

Quality

Quality steel fabrication will ensure a quality end product – and because every batch of steel that is used in construction can be traced to its origin, the chain of responsibility is ensured.

Sustainability

Steel can be recycled without losing any of its properties or losing any of its quality.  In fact, over 95% of all structural steel is recovered, reused and/or recycled, so it is truly an environmentally friendly construction material.  What’s more, as the focus increases on creating buildings that use fewer materials but which have a longer life, fabricated steel is really coming to the fore as a material which delivers on all the principles of good environmental design.

Fast and efficient

Steel fabrication can be done off-site and components pre-manufactured, so assembly and erection on site can be done quickly and efficiently.

Innovation, aesthetics and design freedom

Technological advances such as CNC processing have enabled huge strides forward in terms of innovative design.  Steel can be cut, bent and formed into just about any shape by a professional steel fabrication company plus its long spanning ability means it can be used in large open spaces without the need for columns or load-bearing walls.  Architects and builders choose fabricated steel because it allows them greater freedom of expression and gives them the ability to create unique designs without any compromise to functionality and performance.

Efficiency

Because steel is structurally efficient and lighter than other construction materials such as concrete, the actual building is lighter and less foundation work is required.  This means enhanced efficiencies in terms of time, cost and also in terms of reduced waste.  It’s also energy efficient, which enables a cooler building environment in hot climates.

Cost savings

The use of fabricated steel in construction projects delivers a host of economic benefits including reducing the total construction time and reducing the overall project cost.  Waste reduction also results in cost savings – which translates into even greater value-add.

Designers and builders choose steel as a preferred building material for many reasons including its aesthetic appeal, design flexibility, functionality and its long-term value offering.

Obviously, it’s important to work with an experienced sheet metal fabrication company to get the best results, and if your construction project is in West Australia, then WA Steel will be an expert and reliable partner.  We have been at the forefront of sheet metal fabrication in Perth for close on 30 years and have a wealth of experience in specialised sheet metal and light to heavy steel fabrication in Perth.  For professional advice, contact us on 08 9377 3778 to see how our investment in advanced technology and their expertise enables us to offer clients highly specialised solutions.

The first rule when it comes to avoiding steel fabrication problems is that planning and precision workmanship are non-negotiable.  Getting it right the first time should be the aim of any steel fabrication job – small or large – and with proper planning and design and high quality workmanship, the likelihood of problems occurring is vastly reduced.

Let’s start by looking at some of the common problems that occur in steel fabrication.

External damage, such as scratches and gouges on the surface of the steel, is cause for concern because it can lead to corrosion.  Scratches can also be problematic when they compromise the aesthetics of the product.

There are many other surface contaminants which can lead to rusting and corrosion such as embedded iron and loose iron particles, residual adhesives from protective plastics, oil, grease, paint, grinding dust, weld spatter and so on – and these should all be avoided if problems down the line are to be prevented.

The best way to avoid problems or failures is to start with good design – and that includes the design of the fabricated object or component itself as well as the design of the welded joints.  The high temperatures involved in welding can lead to surface defects as well as other issues and once again,  quality of workmanship and attention to detail are two ‘must-haves’ if trouble in this area is to be averted.

All welding and cutting causes a certain amount of shrinkage and movement in the steel or the metal and everyone involved in the process including the designer, the materials engineer, the fabrication supervisor and the welder needs to be aware of distortion and work together to minimise its effects.

That raises another important point in how to avoid common problems in steel fabrication – and that is the importance of communication.   It’s a team effort.  Every person in every discipline in the production process should be communicating and interacting with one another to ensure all controls are in place, all inspections have taken place, all instructions are followed to the letter and so on.

We’ve talked about quality of workmanship, but equally important is the quality of the equipment.  Problems will occur if the machines aren’t firmly in place and vibrations occur, if the blades aren’t sharp enough or big enough to handle the cutting or if quality lubricants aren’t used.  Advances in technology have brought sophisticated computer controlled machinery to the fore and it’s essential to find a steel fabrication company that uses state-of-the-art equipment which has advanced features and controls which minimise the opportunity for errors.

In a nutshell, the following are the most important building blocks when it comes to avoiding problems in steel fabrication:

• Good design
• Appropriate materials selection
• Strict adherence to industry codes and requirements
• Steel fabrication experience
• Teamwork amongst all disciplines involved in the fabrication process
• Attention to detail
• Quality workmanship
• Quality of equipment

Problems in steel fabrication can cost both time and money, so you should always work with a company that has extensive industry experience and an established reputation for quality and precision workmanship.  West Australian Steel Sales is a leader in steel fabrication in Perth and with almost 30 years’ of experience under their belt and advanced steel fabrication production facilities at their new Bassendean premises, they offer customers a total manufacturing solution from initial concept through to finished product.    For more information on how WA Steel can meet your industry needs, contact them on 08 9377 3778 or visit their website, www.wasteel.com.au.

But sheet metal isn’t only used in industrial situations – we find it in many domestic applications too, such as a metal surround on a kitchen bench top, in a home appliance or as a unique punched metal screen used as an interior design feature.

As a product however, sheet metals (including stainless steel, steel, mild steel and aluminium) do provide a host of advantages whether it’s for engineers, contractors or even the man-in-the-street. Let’s take a look at some of these advantages:

• Sheet metal has a low weight to thickness ratio, which means it’s easy to transport and easy to work with.
• Sheet metal is extremely strong and durable, making it the ideal high-strength material in a diversity of applications from harsh agricultural environments (e.g. sheep feeders and wheat bins) and high traffic environments (e.g. stair treads or metal scaffold planking) to extreme temperatures (e.g. industrial washing machines and ovens).
• Sheet metal is malleable, which means it can be formed, cut, bent or stretched into just about any shape, allowing sheet metal fabricators to offer their customers highly specialised solutions and custom-designs to meet just about any specification.
• Sheet metal can also be repaired relatively easily, which makes it a practical choice in many different applications.
• Its relatively low cost is also an advantage in both one-off design situations and in situations involving large quantities for mass production.

Technological advancements in the equipment used for cutting and forming sheet metal have also led to greater use of the material in a vast number of different applications. For example, Computer Numerical Control or CNC machining which involves using computers to control machine tools has enabled far greater precision than was ever possible through manual machining and sheet metal fabricators can now produce complex shapes – even repeatedly – accurately, quickly and cost-effectively.

One sheet metal fabricator in Perth that has seen significant growth in the use of the material is WA Steel, a company with over 30 years’ industry experience specialising in a range of metal fabrication. They recently moved to modern new premises in Bassendean where their state-of-the-art workshop with 2500m² of floor space including a 10 tonne overhead crane (with 8.5 metre hook height) and the complementary nature of their metal fabrication capabilities means they can offer clients highly specialised sheet metal solutions for both light and heavy fabrication projects. Visit their website or call them on 08 9377 3778 for expert help on any steel fabrication challenge.