Steelwork that is finished but "won't fit" or has "holes that don't line up" on installation wastes time and money on rework. Most of the time the causes are incomplete drawing reading, weld distortion, and no inspection before shipping. This article explains how good fabrication to drawings controls these issues.
1. Read the Drawing Fully Before Cutting Steel
- Check the main dimensions, tolerances and the datum points used for measuring
- Check hole positions, bolt spacing and part orientation
- If the drawing is unclear or contradictory, ask the customer before production — never guess
2. Control Weld Distortion
Welding heat makes steel shrink and distort. Experienced welders use jigs and fixtures, alternate welding sides and sequence the welds so shrinkage forces balance out, keeping the part straight after welding.
3. Check Dimensions Along the Way, Not Just at the End
- Measure diagonals to check that frames are square
- Check that main beams are level and straight
- Check hole and mounting positions before final welding
4. QC Inspection Before Delivery
- Overall size and key points match the drawing
- Welds are complete, with no visible porosity or cracks
- Paint or rust-proofing covers the whole part
- For trolleys: wheels roll freely, brakes lock, and the frame doesn't wobble
Why it matters: inspecting at the factory before shipping costs far less than fixing on site — especially for work shipped to other provinces or overseas, where sending it back for rework is difficult.
Summary
A perfect site fit comes from reading drawings fully, controlling weld distortion, checking dimensions along the way and inspecting before shipping. IRONMAX applies this process to both trolleys and custom steelwork.