Common Terms & Stages in Steel Structure Fabrication

In the industrial construction sector, steel structures play a vital role in forming factories, warehouses, bridges, towers, and more. However, for those new to the field, technical terms such as CNC, welding, bending, or shot blasting may sound unfamiliar.

This article helps you understand each stage of the steel structure manufacturing process, as well as the most common industry terms.

1. Common Terminology in Steel Structure Fabrication

1.1 Material Inspection and Preparation

The main materials are steel plates, structural steel sections, and steel pipes. Before production, the QA/QC team inspects the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and mill certificates. This step is crucial to ensure compliance with standards.

1.2 CNC Cutting / Plasma Cutting / Oxy-fuel Cutting

• CNC Cutting (Computer Numerical Control): Automated cutting based on CAD drawings with high precision.

• Plasma Cutting: Suitable for medium-thickness steel plates.

• Oxy-fuel Cutting: Commonly used for thick steel plates.

Common terms: CNC cutting, nesting, oxy-fuel cutting.

1.3 Drilling – Punching – Edge Cutting

At this stage, bolt holes are drilled or punched using specialized machines. Edges are ground smooth to prepare for welding and assembly.

1.4 Assembly

Steel plates after cutting/drilling are assembled into beams, columns, or base plates. Jigs are used to ensure correct dimensions.

Common terms: assembly, jigging, shop drawing.

1.5 Welding

This is one of the most critical stages:

• Manual Arc Welding (SMAW)

• Semi-automatic MIG/MAG Welding

• Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)

Welds must ensure penetration, free from porosity or cracks.

Common terms: welds, welding electrodes, filler material, NDT (Non-Destructive Testing).

1.6 Straightening – Distortion Control

After welding, steel parts may deform. Straightening machines and hydraulic presses are used to restore accurate dimensions. Although often overlooked, this step is essential to ensure precise erection.

1.7 Grinding – Weld Cleaning

Welds are ground and smoothed for safety and aesthetics before painting.

1.8 Shot Blasting / Sand Blasting

This process cleans the steel surface with small steel shots or high-pressure sand.

Purpose: Remove rust, oil, and scale while improving paint adhesion.
Standards: SA 2.0 – SA 2.5

Common terms: surface preparation, blasting profile, SA standard.

1.9 Anti-corrosion Coating – Finishing Paint

Typically, steel structures are painted in 2–3 layers:

• Primer: Epoxy anti-corrosion coating

• Topcoat: Epoxy, PU, or fireproof paint

Common terms: coating system, DFT (Dry Film Thickness), epoxy primer.

1.10 Quality Control (QC)

Final inspection before delivery:

• Dimensional and tolerance checks

• Weld inspection (UT – Ultrasonic, MT – Magnetic Particle, RT – Radiographic)

• Paint thickness, adhesion, and color check

Common terms: QC, NDT, inspection report.

See more: Quality & Safety at QSB Steel

1.11 Packing – Delivery – Transportation

Finished steel components are packaged, labeled, and delivered to the construction site for erection.

Conclusion

The steel structure fabrication process combines advanced technology with skilled craftsmanship. Understanding terms such as CNC, welding, shot blasting, and anti-corrosion painting helps investors, engineers, and clients better grasp the process and select the right fabrication partner.

With hands-on experience, QSB Steel strictly follows rigorous procedures, ensuring superior quality and on-time delivery for every project.

See more: QSB Steel’s Collaboration Process for Steel Structure Projects

Contact

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QSB Steel is proud to specialize in the design, fabrication, and erection of pre-engineered steel buildings to international standards—ensuring safety, schedule compliance, and investment efficiency.

📞 Hotline: (+84) 918 23 23 65
📧 Email: mkt@qsbsteel.com
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