Glossary Terms for

Weldments, Bollards & Guards

Custom weldments, safety bollards, machine guards, and structural frames represent some of the most varied work in custom metal fabrication. The terms below define the components, assembly techniques, design considerations, and standards associated with these custom fabricated products.

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Bollard
A short, vertical steel post, typically fabricated from Schedule 40 or 80 pipe, solid round bar, or square tube, designed to protect building infrastructure, equipment, or pedestrians from vehicle impact.
Custom Weldment
A fabricated structural assembly manufactured to a specific customer design by welding together cut, formed, and/or machined components.
Deflection Guard
A protective barrier designed to redirect vehicle or forklift impact forces away from columns, equipment, or critical infrastructure.
Embedment Depth
The depth to which a bollard or guard post is set into a concrete foundation.
Equipment Guard (Machine Guard)
A fabricated metal enclosure, barrier, or screen that physically prevents contact between operators and hazardous moving machine components per OSHA 1910.212 requirements.
Fabricated Frame
A welded structural assembly consisting of beams, columns, brackets, and gussets designed to support equipment, platforms, panels, or process components.
Gusset Plate
A flat plate welded at the intersection of two or more structural members to reinforce the joint, distribute load, and resist buckling or rotation.
Handrail Assembly
A fabricated safety railing system consisting of welded posts, top rail, mid-rail, and toe board for industrial mezzanines, platforms, and walkways.
Machine Base
A precision-welded steel weldment that serves as the structural foundation for manufacturing equipment.
Perforated Guard
A machine or area guard fabricated from perforated sheet metal, offering physical protection while allowing visibility, ventilation, and chip/coolant drainage in manufacturing environments.
Pipe Rail Guard
A protective barrier fabricated from structural steel pipe and welded fittings, used to protect building columns, equipment, and walls from damage by forklifts and industrial vehicles.
Post Cap
A welded or press-formed steel cap fitted to the top of a bollard, guard post, or handrail post.
Structural Tube (HSS Hollow Structural Section)
Steel tube in square, rectangular, or round cross-sections used extensively in weldment construction.
Surface-Mount Bollard
A bollard anchored to an existing concrete or paved surface using a welded base plate and anchor bolts, requiring no subsurface excavation.
Weld Symbol
An AWS-standardized engineering drawing notation that specifies weld type (fillet, groove, spot), size, length, spacing, and additional requirements.

Glossary Term Categories

Laser Cutting
Press Braking
Welding
CNC Shearing
Metal Finishing
CNC Machining
NEMA Enclosures
Weldments, Bollards & Guards

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