Structural steel is very strong, of course, but like other metals, it has some qualities that you need to work around if you want to build something that is not prone to whatever issues steel may have. There's good news: steel fabrication technology is so good now that you can find more varieties that fit your needs. Making steel stronger has been a long-term goal, and while you still have to take action to find the steel that will work for you, you should find it.

Look for Weather-Resistant Steel

First, there are alloys now that are considered weather resistant. They may not be weatherproof, but they are weather resistant and able to withstand more of the environmental forces that can lead to corrosion. Oddly, this protection starts off with a layer of oxidation. Yes, this steel is built to rust initially, but the layer that forms then protects the rest of the steel from further corrosion. It's not supposed to be painted, so you're going to have this rusty-looking steel. But the steel itself should last and avoid corroding to the point of needing replacement.

Search for the Right Alloy

Steel is available in a ton of alloys, all of which have their unique mix of characteristics. Even weather-resistant steel is available in several alloys, as mentioned. You'll need to speak with a steel fabricator about the best alloy for what you need. Ensure you're clear on the strength, deformation capacity, corrosion resistance, and more so that you can give the steel fabricator numbers and qualities they can work with. They can tell you which alloys would be acceptable, and if that fabricator can't get them for you, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

Choose Your Fabrication Process

Now you get to look at the actual fabrication process. There are a few, and as the steel is being formed and shaped, the process used can have a tremendous effect on the steel and its strength. These procedures place stress on the crystalline structure of the steel, which causes it to harden and strengthen. Processes can include exposing the steel to heat or cold as it's being worked, for example.

Steel fabrication should get you pieces that will last as long as possible and withstand what the world can throw at them. If you're not sure which process would be the right one for the steel parts you need, speak with a fabricator to narrow down your choices and land on the right one. For more information on structural steel fabrication, contact a professional near you.