Steel Alloy and Global Steel Fabrication Market & Trends

In a period of twelve years between 2005 to 2017 steel production across the World rose by a CAGR 4.1 % from 8 million tons to 1.69 billion tons. The significance of this report by the International Trade Administration simply enumerates the role the alloy plays in our lives and its importance in the industrial ecosystem.

The product range is mind-boggling and includes fabrication a quasi-manufacturing practice with a focus on building structures, fabricating building components, machinery manufacturing, mega steel projects, naval ship construction to name a few. The construction of roads and highways boost demands as well.

While the focus of the article is on steel fabrication the context is relevant since large-scale production and manufacturing have a significant impact on pricing. Pricing is a vital element in the fabrication industry ecosystem. Unlike the earlier times, simple manufacturing practices are weighed down by technological complexities especially computer integration and automation. This has brought about a paradigm shift as to how we fabricate steel to obtain building components besides so many other products.

The steel fabrication market hovers around 4.1 % CAGR, and in 2018 it stood at a market value of USD 138 billion globally. The demand is propelled by the main market driver which is APAC. India, China, and Japan are experiencing extensive industrial activities which in turn is boosting construction as a secondary driver thus benefitting export-oriented economies like the USA, UK, and EU with a robust steel manufacturing industry.

The key architectural projects that figure at the top in the metal fabrications production lineup are mega civil projects, widespread production of building components and machinery. An increasing number of high-rise building projects, residential complexes, and the construction of bridges are propelling the demand in the fabrication industry worldwide. In terms of raw materials, iron and steel constituted a major share of the steel fabrication market in the USA which is expected to surpass 400 billion USD by 2031.

Technological Invasions Transforming Metal Fabrication Industry

Though still widespread, the traditional metal fabrication industry is being bombarded by a series of technological invasions of which 3 D printing technology is most talked about.

Disruption to the traditional methods could be impacted by the availability of 3 D Printing technology using steel. As a result, time-consuming casting, CNC machining, and tooling will be replaced by this emerging phenomenon. Machines made by Massachusetts-based Desktop Metal is enabling the use of wide varieties of metals including mild steel much used in manufacturing building components. This technology creates high-resolution metal layers that can be built into a part with help of computer design.

Thus 3 D Printing machines will enable metal fabricators to build components within minutes and not hours. Although the cost at the initiation level is always prohibitive with increase commercial implementation it is bound to come down as in the case of all emerging technologies. A metal 3 D printer at present costs around 1 million USD. This futuristic printing technology also known as an additive process (AM) is going to make the manufacturing process fast and cheap in time to come.

At present, the additive process is being used to make detailed models of structural parts and building components. How this additive process (AM) a sequential layering controlled by computers will grow only time will tell? Notwithstanding the advances made in computer added design, advances in CNC machines and tools, and a number of processes. Thus AM technology is here to stay and the prospects seem bright.

Next Level Windows & Doors Fabrication

By enlarging the sense of space, windows offer a metaphysical experience. They act as a connection to the outside world to professionals in the cramped office, let energy-boosting sunlight inside, and often open up panoramic vistas.

Though the traditional window fabrication will remain an additive layering technology cannot be ruled out. Innovative firms are already experimenting with chemical layering they would enable harnessing of solar energy. With several fabricators touting to fill the demand for bigger windowpane designs, thermal friendly performance is the next level induction.

Windows and doors including burglar guards comprise around 8 percent of the construction cost which may further increase (running cost) if thermal performance is not up to the mark. Thus, in consideration at the present juncture is the energy efficiency and this can be optimized not only by implementation of technology but also by quality fabrication. Quality finish, well-sealed, and perfectly fitted building components like doors and windows will save heat and prevent energy outflow. Thus, inefficient cheap doors and windows will cost more in the long run.

Market Size US Metal Windows Doors & Scope

Much depends upon the construction industry performance for fabricators into building components and support structures. With the boost accorded to the construction industry by public sector investment into non-residential buildings, the demand is on the go for metal fabricators. Industrial plants, educational institutes, and the associated infrastructure build-up comprise the major sections.

Mild and structural steel is commonly employed in the metal fabrication industry in the US. The rise in the global prices of aluminum is another positive support factor aluminum being a major competitor as an alternative for window frames and solid metal doors. Fabricated steel window guards are the most popular burglar proofs universally.

There are 1114 certified steel fabricators in the United States which is the largest group in the whole of North America. A large number of companies are family-owned enterprises in the small and medium sectors. The products primarily used as residential buildings are metal windows and doors, ornamental and architectural products all made of mild steel. The industry benefits from reshaping and repairs as well both done within the same unit without any floor modifications. The recovery from the pandemic is taking place at a quick pace and the industry is poised for expansion as trends begin to dominate.

This industry is ranked 40th by the market size in the US in the manufacturing sector. The metal doors and window annual market size stands at 41 billion USD as of 2021. The growth rate in spite of the pandemic hangs around 4.1 percent CAGR. An increase in the use of CAM or computer-aided manufacturing, ERP Solutions, and relevant software impact is leading to a better finish, low-cost higher output, and fast rate of production.

Uday writes often on Indian wildlife especially about the tigers. He works as a naturalist and is fond of travel. Uday also provides search engine optimization service and website contents in English.