Question 1

What is the difference between electroforged and manually welded gratings?

Accepted Answer

Electroforged gratings are produced on PLC-controlled machines that apply more than 100 tonnes of hydraulic pressure and approximately 2200 A of current to fuse every cross bar into the bearing bar, creating a seamless joint with no open welds. Manually welded gratings are fabricated panel by panel and are preferred for non-standard shapes, heavy bar sections and complex cut-outs.

Question 2

Which stainless steel grade should I choose for coastal or chemical environments?

Accepted Answer

AISI 304 suits most food, pharmaceutical and indoor process areas. AISI 316 contains molybdenum and is recommended for marine, coastal and chloride-rich chemical environments. AISI 309 is used where higher temperature resistance is needed. Gratings are acid washed and electro-polished after welding.

Question 3

Can gratings be fabricated with cut-outs, toe plates and banding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Round, square and edge cut-outs can be incorporated in pressure-welded and electroforged panels, and every cut-out is banded with flat bar. Custom panels are typically produced in widths from 250 mm up to 1200 mm with lengths as required by the project drawing.

Question 4

What information is needed to evaluate a grating requirement?

Accepted Answer

Share the bearing bar size, bar pitch, cross bar pitch, panel dimensions, material grade, surface finish, design load or span, quantity, required standards and destination port. Layout drawings speed up engineering review.

Question 5

Is FRP grating a suitable replacement for steel grating?

Accepted Answer

FRP and fiberglass gratings weigh much less than steel, do not corrode and are non-conductive, which makes them suitable for chemical plants, water treatment, offshore and electrical areas. Load capacity depends on panel depth and span, so the section should be selected against the design load.