Innovations in the Production of Steel Structures for Better Durability and Longevity
Thanks to their high strength and durability, steel structures have become crucial elements in construction and industry, mainly due to significant innovations in the production of steel structures that have taken place in recent years. Innovation is an integral part of the field of steel structures. We find it especially in the preparation of technical innovations, material enhancement, protection of structures, as well as in workshop processing and the assembly of steel structures.
Among the leading innovations in the field of steel structures are:
Advanced Steel Alloys
The development of new steel alloys with improved properties—higher strength, better resistance to extreme temperatures, or increased corrosion resistance—enables the production of lighter yet more durable steel structures. Types of steel such as S355, S455, and higher are increasingly used in the production of steel structures.
Anti-corrosion Protection
A decisive factor in the fight against corrosion is extending the lifespan of steel structures. Thanks to innovations, new protective coatings and layers can be used to prevent the penetration of moisture and aggressive chemicals into the steel. Nanotechnologies are also used to create protective layers on the outer side of the steel.
Composite Materials
Other innovations that contribute to creating stronger and lighter steel structures include the combination of steel with different materials, such as carbon fibers or fiberglass. These compounds provide excellent strength and resistance to material fatigue and corrosion.
Structural Health Monitoring
Thanks to the development of sensor technologies, it is possible to monitor the condition of steel structures in real time. These sensors, placed on the structures, can monitor stress, deformation, and other factors affecting their durability. As a result, potential problems can be detected early and preventive measures can be taken.
Higher Precision in Production
Steel structures can be manufactured with higher precision and lower tolerances using modern technologies such as 3D modeling in appropriate software, e.g., TEKLA Structures, or by using advanced computer-controlled machines. These technologies also contribute to higher quality and consistency of structures, helping to increase their longevity.
Innovations in the Production and Preparation of Steel Structures
Other innovations—such as saw-drilling centers, robots, and blasting equipment used for applying protective coatings and surface treatments to steel structures—also bring precision and reliability to the field of steel structure production.
Saw-Drilling Centers in the Preparation of Steel Structures
Saw-drilling centers are modern devices that combine saws and drills into one automated system. These centers enable the production of steel structures with greater precision and efficiency. Thanks to their automated process, it is possible to perform various operations such as drilling, cutting, and milling on a single mechanism, which helps reduce production time and costs.
Saw-drilling centers are especially suitable for the production of steel structures with repetitive parts and complex shapes. They feature advanced control systems that allow programming of various tasks and their monitoring in real time. These systems use CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technologies, which ensure repeatability of operations and high precision.
Robots in the Production of Steel Structures
Robotic systems are increasingly used today not only in the production of steel structures with repetitive parts, but also for more complex structures. Robots can be programmed to perform different tasks such as cutting, welding, material handling, or assembly. The use of these robots significantly increases the speed and precision of the production process, thereby also increasing its efficiency.
Robotic systems can be equipped with various sensors and cameras that enable recognition and adaptation to different types of materials and geometries. Thanks to these robots, it is also possible to reduce the risk of workplace injuries, as they handle dangerous or repetitive tasks. Robotic systems are thus able to work continuously and with considerable repeatability, precision, and speed, which helps eliminate costs and make production more efficient. Another advantage of using these systems in production is high quality, productivity, and workplace safety.
Blasting Equipment
Blasting, also known as abrasive blasting, shot blasting, or simply sandblasting, is a technological process in which a steel structure is treated with a stream of pressurized abrasive particles. Abrasives such as steel shot, steel grit, or silica sand can be used.
Blasting is used in the pre-treatment of steel surfaces before the application of coatings, whether by painting or spraying. Special machines—blasting equipment—are used for blasting. Thanks to the effect of this technology on the outer side of steel structures, all impurities, oils, slags, or previous coatings are removed effectively and in a short time.
Advantages of blasting equipment:
- Better coating adhesion – Blasting can create significant adhesion of the coating to the steel surface, resulting in long-term durability of the coating as well as resistance to peeling or abrasion.
- Homogeneous application – Thanks to blasting equipment, it is possible to achieve uniform application of the coating on the entire outer side of the steel structure. This ensures consistent coating quality and protection of all parts of the structure.
- Speed and efficiency – Blasting is a fast process that reduces production time and increases productivity.
- Adaptability – When using blasting equipment, various pressures, blasting angles, and media can be set to achieve the desired attributes. Thus, blasting equipment can be adapted to different types of steel structures.
Blasting equipment is considered a significant innovation in the field of steel structure production, as it improves quality not only in the application of coatings but also in welding.
Innovations are now widely used both in the steel itself and in subsequent production. Thanks to innovations, higher quality results are achieved already in the design of steel structures, their actual production, and subsequent assembly. Of course, there is also a strong emphasis on the environment, including the use of environmentally friendly materials and processes. Last but not least, a major advantage of steel is its 100% recyclability.
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