In a literal sense, the modern world is built on steel, used in everything from auto parts to the structural frames of towering skyscrapers. While metalworkers throughout the world have been working with steel for thousands of years, industrial-age fabrication technologies gave manufacturers the ability to create almost any product or component imaginable. Over the last few centuries, techniques and specialized equipment have made steel into a ubiquitous part of daily life.

The History of Steel Fabrication

Ancient Metalworking

Steel has been available to ancient cultures around the world, from Egypt to China, for many years, but production was labor-intensive, with all products made by hand. Metalsmiths heated pieces of metal until it was pliable and then hammered each individual product into a shape—a difficult process that could take weeks—with inconsistent results. In some parts of the world, metalsmiths discovered casting to produce consistent chariot parts, wagon components, and cooking tools.

Invention of the Rolling Mill

One of the first large-scale fabrication machines introduced was the rolling mill, which presses metal stock into flat, uniform sheets. While they existed throughout Europe and the Middle East, it wasn’t until the 1500s that they were large and strong enough to effectively manage steel.

Industrial Revolution

The mechanization of the Industrial Revolution paved the way for large-scale steel fabrication. In addition to creating products, metalsmiths had to devise ways to produce the massive machines the new factories relied on. With readily available sheet metal, they developed techniques for welding, cutting, joining, and shaping.

Modern Fabrication Methods

Modern machine shops feature a variety of specialized equipment capable of grinding, shaping, and manipulating steel into any shape imaginable. Computerized fabrication processes allow for extremely accurate results, giving technicians the ability to create uniform products for even the most demanding applications.

 

For over 80 years, L. Levine & Co., Inc. has provided top-notch steel to manufacturers and builders throughout the Cincinnati, OH, area. This reliable supplier prides itself on having a wide selection of raw materials for any application and a dedication to customer service you won’t find anywhere else. Visit their website for an overview of their inventory, or call (513) 471-5900 now to request a free quote.