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Fabrication & Welding for Cat Ladders, UK
If you require industrial cat ladders for any project in the UK, give C&P Fabrications a call.
Cat ladders are frequently utilized for fire escapes or routine maintenance access. To ensure security, enclosures can be installed at the base, restricting access to authorized personnel only. Cat ladders are designed for permanent installation and are constructed entirely from steel. They can be produced and supplied with or without safety hoops, depending on your requirements
Our cat ladders can be finished with either a galvanised coating or powder-coated in a specific RAL or British Standard colour.
Creating steel cat ladders involves several precise steps to ensure they are durable, safe, and meet all safety standards. Here’s an overview of the fabrication process:
- Design and Planning:
- Design: Develop detailed designs and specifications for the cat ladder, considering height, load-bearing capacity, and safety features such as handrails and safety cages.
- Material Selection: Choose the appropriate type of steel, such as galvanised steel, to ensure durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Cutting and Shaping:
- Cutting: Use tools like laser cutters, plasma cutters, or saws to cut steel sheets, plates, or tubes to the required dimensions.
- Bending and Rolling: Bend or roll the steel into the desired shapes. This is crucial for creating the rungs, side rails, and safety hoops.
- Surface Preparation:
- Cleaning: Clean the steel surfaces to remove any contaminants, rust, or mill scale that could affect the weld quality.
- Welding Process:
- Tack Welding: To hold the pieces in place, perform tack welds, which involve making small welds at key points.
- Full Welding: Complete the welds using one of the following methods:
- MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas): Suitable for thicker materials and offers a faster welding process.
- TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas): Provides precise control and is ideal for thin materials.
- Stick Welding (Shielded Metal Arc Welding): Versatile and effective for outdoor work and thicker materials.
- Assembly:
- Frame Assembly: Weld the main frame of the cat ladder, ensuring all joints are secure and aligned.
- Component Installation: Weld or bolt on additional components such as handrails, safety cages, and mounting brackets as per the design.
- Post-Weld Treatment:
- Grinding and Polishing: Use grinders and polishers to smooth out rough welds and edges and ensure a clean finish.
- Inspection: Inspect the welds for defects or weak points. Non-destructive testing methods, such as dye-penetrant inspection or ultrasonic testing, can ensure weld integrity.
- Finishing:
- Coating or Painting: Apply a protective coating or paint to prevent rust and enhance appearance. This step is crucial for outdoor durability.
- Installation:
- Transport and Installation: Transport the finished cat ladders to the site and install them securely, ensuring they are properly anchored and stable.
These steps ensure that the steel cat ladders are strong, durable, and suitable for various applications, including industrial and commercial settings.