In structural steel fabrication, there is no margin for error. A deviation of just a few millimetres or a microscopic flaw in a weld can compromise the integrity of an entire building. Quality Control (QC) is the rigorous process of ensuring that every component leaving the shop meets the exact specifications of the engineering drawings and the safety requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
At Weld Rich & Steel, our QC process integrates traditional inspection methods with modern technologies to deliver precision-engineered solutions.
Phase One: Incoming Material Inspection
Quality starts with the raw material. Before a single cut is made, we verify the integrity of the steel:
Mill Test Reports (MTRs): We ensure that all steel beams and plates are accompanied by certification verifying their chemical and physical properties.
Surface Inspection: Checking for laminations, heavy rust, or mill scale that could affect weld quality or paint adhesion.
Phase Two: Precision Cutting and Fitting
The accuracy of the final installation depends on the precision of the initial fabrication.
CNC & Laser Integration: By using advanced cutting technologies, we ensure that parts are cut to within tight tolerances, reducing the need for field adjustments.
Fit-up Inspection: Before final welding, components are “tacked” and measured against the shop drawings to ensure angles, hole placements, and dimensions are 100% accurate.
Phase Three: Weld Quality Assurance
As a CWB-certified company, our welding inspection follows strict CSA W59 protocols:
Visual Testing (VT): Our certified supervisors inspect every bead for common defects such as porosity, undercut, or incomplete fusion.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): For critical structural joints, we employ specialized methods such as:
Ultrasonic Testing (UT): Using sound waves to find internal flaws.
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI): To detect surface and near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic materials.
Phase Four: Coating and Corrosion Protection
Durability is defined by how well the steel resists the environment, especially in Ontario’s harsh winters.
Surface Preparation: Cleaning the steel (SSP Standards) to ensure maximum paint or galvanization bonding.
Dry Film Thickness (DFT) Testing: Measuring the thickness of the protective coating to ensure it meets the specified micron level for long-term corrosion resistance.
Final Documentation and Delivery
Quality control isn’t finished until the paperwork is done. Each project includes a “Quality Package” that may include:
Final as-built measurements.
Welding inspection reports.
Galvanizing or painting certificates.
Expert Insight: Precision in the shop means faster erection on-site. Learn more about our full Structural Steel Fabrication process.
FAQ: Quality Control in Fabrication
Why is precision in metal fabrication so important?
Precision ensures that structural components fit perfectly during site erection. Poor QC leads to “field fixes,” which are expensive, time-consuming, and can weaken the overall structure.
How often is the fabrication equipment calibrated?
Under our QC program, all measuring tools and welding machines undergo regular calibration to ensure that the output remains consistent with engineering standards.
What is the difference between Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA)?
QC is the operational process of checking the product (the “doing”), while QA is the set of planned activities that ensure the QC process is working correctly (the “system”).