Trade & Industry
In the commercial sector BRIDMET can offer a complete service from fabrication to assembly and installation
Readmore >>Domestic
Throughout Dorset our domestic division offers a bespoke metal fabrication service which includes design, fabrication and fitting.
Readmore >>Designer
For the exclusive designer market, our highly skilled engineers have the ability to interpret and fabricate almost any metal design.
Readmore >>Group & Authorities
In the non commercial sector we work with local councils, church groups, and other non commercial organisations. Fulfilling both security and aesthetic requirements.
Readmore >>Metals and Finishes
At the design and analysis stage we are able to offer our expert advice on the best materials and finish to suit each commission. However, here we summarise the main type of materials we work with and the finishes we use.
Metals
Aluminium
Light weight malleable metal that has high corrosion resistant properties.
As it is light weight it is used a lot in transportation for example we have used it in the manufacture of this flat bed for a recovery vehicle.
Mild Steel
Mild steel offers the most cost effective solution in both sheet metal and fabrication.
There are various types of mild steel including pre-galvanized but generally a finish is applied after manufacture. The majority of railings, gates ,fire escapes etc, we fabricate are made from mild steel.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has a resistance to corrosion and staining, however does come in around 150 different grades which affect its quality.
We most commonly use grades 304 and 316. these have different properties which affect it's corrosion resistance.
We always recommend using 316 for exterior use particularly within costal environments and 304 for internal use such as stair balustrades.
Toughened Glass
Although we do not proclaim to be glass specialists we can incorporate glass panels into both internal and external designs to provide a unique contemporary finish.
Combining 10mm toughened safety glass within these steel frameworks we were able to achieve the following looks.
Finishes
Hot Dip Galvanize
Hot dip galvanize is a process which coats steel with zinc to form a barrier to help prevent corrosion.
We recommend having any exterior strong>mild steel fabrications galvanized as it requires little maintenance. Galvanize has a dull silver colour which many customers like left as it is, however if you would prefer, we can apply a paint finish over the top in a choice of colours.
In some cases we recommend that paint is applied to galvanized surfaces after 6-9 months, during this time the galvanize will form a surface that takes to the paint much better and helps prevent it from chipping.
Primer
As an alternative to galvanize, we can prime metal in zinc oxide which will help protect the metal against corrosion and provide a surface to apply paint.
If we apply paint to a surface that has not been primed, paint is likely to flake and fall off.
For metal that is exposed to a low level of moisture the application of zinc oxide primer will prevent corrosion. However, when used for exterior railings etc it will require more maintenance than a galvanize finish.
We would recommend that the metal is sanded down and repainted every 1-2 years depending on where you live to prevent corrosion and maintain a high quality finish.
Powdercoat
Powder coating produces a high specification coating which is relatively hard, abrasion resistant and tougher than conventional paint.
It has the advantage of providing a uniform coverage on even the most complex shapes and can be applied to steel, zinc, brass and aluminium.
It is also environmentally friendly as it emits negligible amounts of Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is energy and material efficient.
For colours, please follow this link: RAL colour chart
Wet Paint
Wet paint finish can be applied to anything we produce, generally when an item is too large to powder coat, on some occasions a wet paint finish is specified to achieve very high performance results.
The key advantage of wet paint is the vast colour range and specialist finishes available. Although due to this being a more labour intensive process this is reflected in the cost.