When it comes to large metal fabrication, you need more than just someone to cut and weld. You need a partner who can handle the entire process, start to finish. You shouldn’t have to worry about any part of it falling through the cracks. At Gilchrist, we’ve been working side-by-side with customers for decades, helping them get from the drawing table to delivery with ease.

Helping You Get It Right from the Start

Every successful project starts with a plan, and at GMFCO, we believe in helping customers from the beginning. Whether you’ve got a fully fleshed-out design or just a rough concept, our in-house design and engineering support team can help turn your ideas into something workable.

We know how critical it is to make sure the design not only meets your specs but is also practical to manufacture. The last thing anyone wants is to get halfway through a project only to realize something doesn’t line up. By getting involved early, we can help catch any potential issues, saving time, money, and a whole lot of headaches later.

Keeping Safety Front and Center

One of the things we take seriously—both for our team and our customers—is safety. But for us, safety isn’t just a set of rules we follow on the shop floor. It’s a mindset we bring to everything we do. We’ve built a culture where safety and quality go hand-in-hand, and that benefits everyone, whether you’re working on the project or receiving the final product.

Our crew is our biggest asset, and we’re proud of the team we’ve built here. They’re highly skilled, dedicated, and constantly improving their craft. We invest in training and career development because we believe that when our people grow, so does the quality of our work. And in the end, that means better results for our customers.

Big Tools for Big Jobs

We’re accustomed to big fabricating jobs, and we’ve got the equipment for it. With a fleet of modern machinery that’s designed to handle heavy-duty projects, we can take on large and complex fabrications that many shops simply can’t or would rather avoid. Whether you’re working with steel, aluminum, bronze, or more advanced materials, we’ve got the tools and the know-how to get it done right.

Our approach to materials handling is precise because we understand that even small mistakes can turn into big problems down the line. By combining top-of-the-line crane and moving equipment with our team’s expertise, we make sure your materials are treated with the care and precision they need, no matter how heavy, large or complex the job.

Getting Your Project Where It Needs to Go

Once the job is done, it doesn’t just stop there. We’ve learned over the years that getting your finished product safely packaged and shipped is just as important as making it right in the first place. We’ve put together a logistics team that knows how to handle large metal fabrications, ensuring your products are packaged securely and shipped to their final destination without logistical problems.

Whether you need something delivered across the state or overseas, we’ll work with you to figure out the best solution to get your product where it needs to go, safely and on time. We’ve got a lot of experience in handling transportation challenges, and we’re always ready to make sure your order arrives in factory-fresh condition.

In It for the Long Haul

We believe in long-term relationships. We see ourselves as more than just a vendor. We’re instead your partner in getting the job done right. That means we’re here for you every step of the way, offering proactive support from early design discussions to final delivery.

Our customers keep coming back because they know we’re not just focused on one-off projects. We’re in it for the long haul, and we take pride in knowing that we can help solve challenges and find better ways to get things done together.

Building a Team for the Future

A big part of why we’re able to do what we do is the talented team behind it all. We’re always looking for folks who want to build their careers in this industry and contribute to something bigger. If you’re someone who’s passionate about making things happen and solving real-world problems, we’d love to have you on board.

We take care of our people, offering opportunities to learn and grow, because we know that our success depends on the strength of our team. It’s all about working together and pushing the boundaries of what we can do for our customers.

The GMFCO Way: Partnering for Success

At the end of the day, GMFCO is all about making your life easier. We’ve built our business around the idea that our success is tied to yours. By offering full support from design to delivery, we take the stress out of large metal fabrications.

Work with a company that’s more than just a fabricator. You’re getting a team that’s on it and focused every step of the way, making sure your project comes together smoothly and on time.  Can we help you make your next big project a success?

Leading the Field with Innovation

In the evolving field of large part metal fabrication, the adoption of advanced materials plays a key role in advancing other industries ranging from precision equipment to construction. At Gilchrist Metal Fabricating Company, we strive to remain at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge materials like titanium and advanced alloys into the fabrication process. This reflects our continuous efforts to solve complex customer challenges with superior solutions.

Using Advanced Materials in Large Metal Fabrications

Titanium for Lightweight Strength

Titanium offers exceptional corrosion resistance and is among the highest strength-to-density ratios of any metallic element. Its lightweight nature paired with its tensile strength can make it the choice for applications where weight is a critical factor but strength cannot be compromised. In aerospace, for example, titanium is crucial for reducing weight to improve fuel efficiency and enable payload capacity.

We have experience with fabricating titanium to create components that are not only lighter but also last longer than those made from traditional materials like steel and aluminum. Its resistance to fatigue and crack propagation is unmatched, making it a reliable choice for high-stress environments.

Advanced Alloys Enhancing Performance

Thanks to the science of metallurgy, advanced alloys such as stainless steels, superalloys, and aluminum alloys, are tailored to meet specific engineering requirements. These materials are designed to perform reliably in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, corrosive environments, or excessive wear situations.

By incorporating advanced alloys into our fabrication projects, we can significantly enhance the durability and lifespan of the components. These materials are particularly beneficial in industries such as energy, where operating conditions can rapidly degrade lesser materials.

Advanced Materials Benefits

Increased Strength and Durability: Advanced materials are formulated to be more durable than many traditional metals. This means they can withstand more rigorous applications, contributing to the longevity and reliability of the structures they are used in.

Weight Reduction: Using lighter materials such as titanium and certain advanced alloys allows for a significant reduction in weight. This is crucial in sectors like automotive and aerospace, where lighter weight translates directly to better performance and efficiency.

Corrosion Resistance: In marine and chemical processing industries, where exposure to harsh environments is common, advanced materials can prevent deterioration and extend the service life of the infrastructure.

Gilchrist’s Commitment to Solving Problems

A knowhow of what materials to specify for very specific applications is another example of how we find opportunities where others see problems. At Gilchrist, keeping current with metallurgical innovations is more than just a business strategy. It’s a commitment to advanced problem-solving. We continuously invest in our team’s education and our equipment to ensure we are able to serve our customers and say “yes” more often.

Expertise in advanced metallic materials is another facet of GMFCo that provides our customers with confidence that their fabrication needs are handled by the best in the business. Whether it’s a complex component for aerospace engineering or a critical structure for a new architectural marvel, our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to deliver.

The Future of Fabrication Innovations

The integration of titanium and numerous advanced alloys into large part metal fabrications represents a leap forward in our industry’s capabilities. GMFCo’s proactive approach to adopting these materials ensures our finished products are among the most robust available in the market. By embracing advanced material innovations, our customers get solutions that meet the demands of modern manufacturing.

As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in metal fabrication, we invite our clients to explore how our expertise in advanced materials can benefit their projects. At Gilchrist Metal Fabricating, we don’t just keep pace with innovation, we help drive it.

 

Bridges, in both their simple and majestic forms, stand as symbols of connection and progress. They link communities, facilitate commerce, and enable transportation. Behind these structures lies a critical element often overlooked—the art of metal fabrication. In this article, we delve into the world of bridge construction and maintenance, highlighting the indispensable role of metal fabrication in bringing these engineering marvels into productive use.

The Backbone of Bridges

Bridges, whether spanning rivers, valleys, or highways, require a sturdy skeletal framework that can withstand immense loads and environmental forces. This is where large metal fabrication comes into play. The importance of metal fabrication in bridge construction cannot be overstated. Here’s why:

1. 1. Strength and Durability:

   Metal, particularly steel, is renowned for its strength and durability. It can withstand heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and the test of time. Metal fabrication ensures that the bridge’s components, from beams to brackets and supports, are manufactured to endure.

2. 2. Precision Engineering:

   Bridges demand precision engineering to ensure safety and longevity. Metal fabrication allows for the precise cutting, welding, and shaping of components to meet exact specifications, ensuring the structural integrity of the bridge.

3. 3. Customization:

   Every bridge project is unique, with specific requirements as well as design and engineering constraints. Customized metal fabrication enables engineers and designers to create bridges that fit the landscape, fulfill transportation needs, and adhere to safety regulations.

Stages of Metal Fabrication in Bridge Construction

1. 1. Design and Planning

The process begins with meticulous plans. Engineers and architects work in close collaboration with metal fabricators to conceptualize the bridge’s structure. Specific metals are chosen for their desired strength and the fabrication techniques are carefully determined.

2. 2. Material Selection

Steel, due to its exceptional tensile strength (strength-to-weight ratio), is a popular choice for bridge construction. The type and grade of steel are determined based on such factors as the bridge’s location, load-bearing capacity, and anticipated environmental conditions.

3. 3. Cutting and Shaping

Once the materials are chosen, they are cut and shaped according to the design specifications. Advanced cutting technologies like laser cutting and waterjet cutting ensure precise and clean edges, crucial for a secure fit during assembly.

4. 4. Welding and Assembly

Welding is a fundamental process in most metal fabrication projects. Skilled welders meticulously join the components together, creating the bridge’s framework. The quality of welds is of utmost importance to ensure the bridge’s structural integrity.

5. 5. Surface Treatment and Coating

Bridges are exposed to the elements, making surface treatment and coating essential for protection against corrosion and rust. Metal fabricators apply coatings that withstand weather, salt, water, and other corrosive elements to help extend the bridge’s lifespan.

6. 6. Transport and Installation

Once the bridge components are fabricated, they are transported to the construction site and assembled. This process demands that components are sized and shaped with precision and that installation is well coordinated to ensure good fit and structural integrity.

Maintenance and Repairs

Metal fabrication doesn’t end with bridge construction. Regular maintenance is crucial to preserving the bridge’s functionality and safety. Metal fabricators play a vital role in inspecting, repairing, and reinforcing bridge components, and supplying replacements as needed over time.

At Gilchrist Metal Fabricating, we are proud to contribute to the construction and maintenance of numerous bridges in New England and beyond. Our dedication to quality, precision, and customization ensures that every bridge component project we undertake is a testament to the endurance of high-quality metal fabrication.

“Don’t Burn Any Bridges”

Bridges are remarkable feats of engineering, and at their core lies the artistry of metal fabrication. The importance of large metal fabrications in bridge construction and maintenance cannot be overstated. It provides the strength, durability, and precision necessary to create these vital connections that link communities and fuel progress.

If you have any inquiries or would like to learn more about our metal fabrication services for bridge construction and maintenance, or any other application, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help build the bridges that connect our world.