Cutting and drilling
Cutting
Sections are delivered to site ready for immediate erection. The fabricators job is to ensure that everything slots into place - just like the pieces in a jigsaw puzzle.
Saw
Circular saws are used for cutting to length. Sections are delivered from the stockyard to the machine bed of the saw.
Plasma
Components can also be cut efficiently by plasma arc systems. A fine bore, copper nozzle constricts the arc between the electrode and the work piece. This increases the temperature and velocity of the plasma emanating from the nozzle.
Oxyacetylene
Oxyacetylene cutting systems are also used to cut components from steel plate. This process uses a mixture of oxygen and the fuel gas (acetylene) to preheat the metal to its 'ignition' temperature; which, for steel, is 700°C - 900°C
Drilling and punching
To allow sections to be rapidly bolted together on site, all holes are pre drilled or punched in the fabrication shop. For drilling, high speed steel twist bits are used.
