Industry FAQs

This is an arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce a weld. The welding area and the electrode are protected by the shielded gas and a filler rod is used to form the weld. The TIG process is beneficial for stainless, aluminum, and small projects.

This is a welding process in which an electronic arc forms between the wire and the workpiece metal, which heats the workpiece metal(s) causing them to melt and join. This welding process has a high output rate and is a good choice when a fast and accurate welding process is needed. MIG welding may be used with all of the major commercial metals, including carbon, alloy, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, iron, titanium, and zirconium.

This is an arc welding process that uses a continuous feed from an electrode containing flux and constant voltage to join the metals together.

Seamless pipe is designed and fabricated to use in high pressure applications. It’s commonly used in movement of water, natural gas, or air. Welded pipe isn’t as strong as seamless due to the welded joint that runs along the length of the joint. It’s used in general fabrication, structural applications, and any other application that high pressure product movement isn’t required.

No, only steel or iron rust; aluminum corrodes. Aluminum corrosion occurs when atoms of the metal and oxygen link up and form a discoloration in the aluminum; this can be a gradual process or can happen very fast depending on the atmosphere the aluminum is in.

It is a method of engineering or design that increase the function of the product while using the most cost effective material; therefore either improving the function or reducing the cost.

Hot rolled steel is finished to its final thickness when the material is at its hottest during forming. This process leaves a mill scale on the material. Cold finished steel is at its final thickness when the material is cold and then rolled or compressed to its final desired dimension. This process creates a smoother surface and makes it ideal for painting.

CAD stands for Computer Aided Design. It’s software that allows a user to design products in a 3D view. It aids in measurements, layouts, and 3D views before a product is built.

T316 is best. It’s the most common grade of stainless steel and offers good corrosion resistance, it is formable, weldable, and is typically used for applications in food processing.

Typically we use 1 ¼” or 1 ½” Sch. 40 pipe.

It is when the mill scale from carbon sheets is removed with an acid pickling solution, improving surface appearance and finishing quality.

Yes, we have a limited stock in the shop but can order it in within a few days; we can also cut and bend to required dimensions.

Round tubing is hollowed material produced to actual outside dimensions; a variety of inside and wall thickness dimensions are available to alter its strength. Round pipe is hollowed material that is manufactured to nominal inside dimensions; the pipe thickness is often measured in a “Schedule.” Ex. 1 ¼” Sch. 40 pipe, refers to a pipe that is 1 ¼” outside dimension with a .140 wall thickness; which varies based on the outside dimension.

Our plasma table can cut up to 1” thick steel and our press brake can bend up to 1/2” depending on the length of the material.

Plain steel, unfinished, can be galvanized.

Typically, diamond plate is available in a mild hot rolled steel, aluminum, or stainless steel; thicknesses available depend on the material.

Bar grating is welded cross bars (flat bar) that create a panel. Stair treads are steel that has been formed into a panel (similar to a “U” shape) and diamond shaped cutouts have been punched into the material to create a slip resistant step. Bar grating can be cut into sizes and banded for stair treads; sometimes this is why people are confused on the difference.

Galvannealed steel has been heat treated after it has been galvanized (zinc coated). This process provides additional corrosion resistance over galvanized steel. It is also more scratch resistant and is ready for paint or other finishing.

That’s a difficult question to answer. We can deliver and install within a 100 mile radius of Olean, NY but we can ship our products all over the world. We can hire subcontractors to work outside our service area on installations of structural steel.

Not typically. We have done some small residential railings and misc. work but we specialize in industrial and commercial fabrication.

We have done custom wall panels with Corten steel (weathering steel); we have designed, fabricated, and installed truck beds; tool boxes; floating stair treads; and we specialize in custom welding curtain systems. Check out ourprojects on this website. We can work with you on any custom design you need, call our project managers to get started.