Metal Fabrication Derby

Custom Metal Fabrication

We offer custom fabrication services for metal items, ranging from large driveway gates, various metal frames and machine parts, down to small mobile welding repairs.

Our services include welding and fabrication with steel, wrought iron, stainless steel and aluminium; however, we also have the ability to combine these materials with natural woods and composites.

We can create unique designs as special gifts, produce small batches of similar items or fabricate a one-off item. If you have an idea for a custom metal piece but are unsure if it can be made, feel free to reach out to us to discuss your ideas and we can work together to bring them to life.

Metal Fabrication Services Derby

Most of our fabrication is for homes and gardens. Alongside the gates and railings we are best known for, we can make:

• Stair and step handrails, indoor and outdoor
• Juliet balconies and balcony railings
• Metal frames for composite and timber gates
• Window boxes and metal planters
• Fire pits
• Indoor and outdoor furniture and shelving, including pieces combining metal with timber or composite
• One-off ornaments and special gifts
• Repairs to existing metalwork, in the workshop or on site

Metal Fabrication Companies Derby

We offer a variety of metal fabrication services, including MIG welding of mild steel and TIG welding of stainless steel and aluminium. Our services include designing, manufacturing and installation of bespoke products. We can handle one-off projects, small batch production or larger runs. Our range includes indoor and outdoor furniture, with options for incorporating timber and composites, and we can customise designs to be easily interchangeable to suit changing preferences. We can also create custom window boxes, railings, metal planters, stair handrails, gates and Juliet balconies, with on-site fitting and welding as needed.

If you have a design idea for furniture, shelving, a fire pit, exercise equipment, an ornament or a special gift, please contact us. We are skilled in welding, shaping and cutting, able to create both large structures and small items. We can provide advice on materials and manufacturing methods. Schedule a no-obligation consultation to discuss how we can bring your idea to life.

Mild Steel, Stainless Steel or Aluminium?

Choosing the metal is usually the first decision on a fabrication job, and it depends on where the piece will live, what it has to carry, and how it should look.

Mild steel

Strong, affordable and easy to cut, bend and weld, which is why most gates, railings and frames are made from it. It rusts if left bare, so it is always protected: primed and painted, powder coated, or galvanised where the extra protection is wanted.

Stainless steel

Resists corrosion without any coating, so it is usually left with a brushed or polished finish. It costs more than mild steel and is TIG welded for neat, discreet joints, which suits handrails, posts and modern designs.

Aluminium

Around a third of the weight of steel and naturally resistant to rust. It is less stiff, so sections are made larger for the same strength, and it is TIG welded. Useful where weight matters or the piece will be moved or lifted.

Wrought iron

Mostly used today for decorative components such as scrolls, collars and toppers, fitted to a steel structure. More on the difference on our wrought iron gates page.

Steel Fabricators Derby

Welding is a versatile process used in various industries and applications. Our welding skills primarily focus on constructing items found in homes or gardens, rather than industrial or heavy structural items. Our mobile services allow us to repair existing items, leading to varied applications. Welding is crucial for creating strong and durable connections between metal components, making it essential in many sectors. The process involves joining metal pieces by melting and fusing them with a high heat source, such as an electric arc or flame. A filler material like a welding rod or wire is added to create a bond between the pieces. Our skilled welders understand metal properties, welding techniques and safety precautions.

MIG Welding

MIG welding, also known as Metal Inert Gas welding, is a well-known and widely utilised welding technique. It involves feeding a continuous wire electrode through a welding gun, where it is melted to create a weld joint. MIG welding is praised for its adaptability and user-friendliness, making it suitable for a wide array of applications and skill levels. It is commonly employed in industries such as automotive, construction and manufacturing. MIG welding offers numerous benefits, including high welding speeds, excellent weld quality, and the ability to weld different metals and thicknesses. Many professionals and hobbyists favour MIG welding for its efficiency and effectiveness in welding tasks, such as attaching decorative wrought iron gate toppers to steel bars.

TIG Welding Derby

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), commonly known as TIG welding, is a popular welding technique. It involves using a tungsten electrode to create an arc that melts the metal being welded, with a separate filler material added to create the weld joint. TIG welding is renowned for its precision and versatility, making it suitable for welding materials such as stainless steel, aluminium and copper. This technique provides excellent control over the weld pool, resulting in high-quality welds with minimal distortion. TIG welding is commonly employed in the fabrication of stainless steel handrails, aluminium staircases and Juliet balconies, due to its ability to create aesthetically discreet welding joints.

Mobile Welders Derby

Mobile welding services may be provided for certain jobs based on various factors. These factors include the nature of the welding job, its location, associated costs and safety considerations. Safety is our top priority when it comes to mobile welding, ensuring the well-being of our welder and others nearby. Feel free to contact us to discuss your welding needs, and we will assess if we can assist you.

Sending Us a Fabrication Enquiry

The more we know at the start, the more accurate the first quote. If you can, include:

• A sketch, drawing or photo of the item, or of something similar that you like
• The main dimensions, even if they are approximate
• Where it will go, and what it will be fixed to
• The metal and finish you have in mind, if you know
• How many you need, if it is more than one
• For repairs and mobile welding, photos of the item and of the area around it

Send it all through our contact page, any time of day, and we'll come back to you.

Frequently asked Questions about Metal Fabricators in Derby

What metals can you fabricate with?

We mostly work with steel, including mild, galvanised and stainless, and have the skills to work with aluminium and wrought iron too.

Why choose Metal Gates & Railings Derby for my fabrication needs?

Because you deal directly with the people who do the welding. We have many years of welding and fabrication experience, in both MIG and TIG, but keep a small team to keep costs down, which we can pass on to you as a competitive quote.

What are the different disciplines that make up metal fabrication?

Metal fabrication is a complex process that involves a variety of different disciplines. These disciplines include welding, cutting, forming, machining and finishing. Welding involves joining pieces of metal together using heat and pressure, while cutting involves separating metal into the desired shapes and sizes. Forming refers to the process of shaping metal into specific designs or structures, while machining involves using tools to shape metal through cutting, drilling and grinding. Finally, finishing involves applying coatings, treatments or polishing to the metal to enhance its appearance and durability. Each of these disciplines plays a crucial role in the metal fabrication process, resulting in a final product that meets the specific needs and requirements of our customers.

Do you provide a mobile welding service?

Yes we do. Simply get in touch to discuss your requirements. Please note that not all environments are suitable to weld in, due to the potential fire risk. Where possible, take some photos of what you want welded and the surrounding area, and send them through our contact page.

How do your metal fabricators ensure precision and accuracy?

It starts with the measurements. For anything we fit, we measure on site ourselves rather than working from someone else's figures, and check fixing points and levels at the same time. Each piece is then made to those measurements, and our experienced fabricators check it for size, square and fit as it comes together, before it is finished.