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Get in touch

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Support

FAQs

Everything you need to know about our Steel Fabrication service. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our team.
Can you fabricate from my drawings?
Yes. We work from client-supplied drawings in any format - DWG, DXF, PDF, STEP files or detailed dimensioned sketches. Our estimating team will review your drawings and flag any potential manufacturability issues or suggest improvements to optimise welding or reduce costs.

If you don't have formal drawings, we use trusted third-party design partners for CAD work and can coordinate getting your concept turned into fabrication drawings (fees apply). We'll then quote the fabrication once the drawings are complete.

For reverse engineering projects, we can take measurements from existing components and work with design partners to recreate fabrication drawings.
What size fabrications can you handle?
We fabricate components from a few grams to 5 tonnes, with the capacity to assemble assemblies of varying complexity. Our facility can accommodate small to medium sized fabrications with overhead lifting to 5 tonnes.

For larger assemblies, we can fabricate in sections for site welding and assembly, or provide mobile welding services to complete work at your premises.
Do you offer design services?
We focus on fabrication rather than design, so we work from customer-supplied drawings and specifications. Our engineering team can review your designs for manufacturability and suggest optimisations, but we don't provide full CAD design services in-house.

If you need fabrication drawings developed, we work with trusted third-party design partners and can coordinate the design process on your behalf (fees apply). Once drawings are complete, we'll quote the fabrication work.

For reverse engineering of obsolete components, we can take measurements and samples and work with design partners to produce fabrication drawings that replicate the original part.
What materials can you certify?
All materials are supplied with full mill certification and traceability documentation as standard. We can provide material test reports, welding procedure records, welder qualification certificates and NDT certification where required.

If your project has specific material traceability requirements, let us know at the quotation stage so we can ensure our procurement and documentation processes meet your needs.
How much does custom fabrication cost?
Pricing depends on material specification, complexity, quantities and finishing requirements. Simple welded assemblies might start from a few hundred pounds, whilst complex machined fabrications with extensive testing and finishing are quoted individually based on your specification.

The most accurate way to understand costs is to send us your requirements so we can provide a detailed quotation. We break down pricing transparently so you can see where costs lie and make informed decisions about material choices or design modifications.
What's your typical lead time?
Lead times are typically 2-3 weeks for straightforward fabrications and 4-8 weeks for complex assemblies that require machining, testing, or specialist finishing. These are guidelines rather than fixed rules - actual lead time depends on current workload and your specific requirements.

We offer expedited service for breakdowns that affect production. Call us to discuss urgent requirements, and we'll let you know honestly what's achievable.
Do you have a minimum order quantity?
No. We quote everything from single prototypes through to production runs. Many of our fabrication projects are one-off assemblies or small batches where each piece is unique.

Whether you need one component or one hundred, we'll assess the project on its technical merits and our capacity to deliver quality work within your timeline.
Can you install fabrications on-site?
Yes. We provide on-site installation, integration with existing systems, and commissioning services. Our installation team follows all site safety protocols, holds relevant safety certifications, and carries £10 million public liability insurance.

For complex installations that require alignment with existing pipework or equipment, we'll often visit the site before fabrication to verify measurements and identify potential challenges.
What welding standards do your welders hold?
Our welders hold current certifications in TIG, MIG, and MMA processes across multiple positions, including ISO 6G (all-position pipe welding). Certifications are maintained through regular renewal testing.

We maintain a library of approved Welding Procedure Specifications covering the most common material combinations. Where projects require procedures outside our existing library, we can develop and qualify new WPS to meet your specific requirements.
Do you work outside Wolverhampton?
Yes. Whilst our fabrication facility is based in Wolverhampton, we deliver throughout the UK and have completed installation projects across the Midlands, North West, Wales and Southern England.

For particularly large or complex installations, we'll visit the site during the quotation stage to assess access, lifting requirements and any site-specific constraints that might affect fabrication design or installation methodology.
Contact us

Get in touch

Our friendly team is always here to chat.

Email

Our friendly team is here to help.
info@varlowe.co.uk

Phone

Mon-Thurs from 8am to 5pm.
Friday from 8am to 1pm
01902 861042

Office

Our head office and second workshop
Patrick Gregory Road, Wolverhampton