If you use shipping containers in your business or day-to-day life it can be helpful to understand a little more about where they come from and how they are made. We’ve pulled together this handy summary of how your shipping containers are built and the work that goes into making them into the sound and secure structures that are in use around the world.
The shipping container-making process can be complex, utilising heavy machinery to cut, rivet and join elements together to the specification required, so we have broken it down step-by-step for you below. If you have any further questions about how any of our specific container options are made please get in touch!
Step 1: Cutting shipping container materials
The first step in the shipping container manufacturing process is to cut material to size. Rolls of steel are used to create shipping containers, so these must be cut to meet the size requirements of all walls and the roof of the chosen container type.
Step 2: Sandblasting and corrugating container walls
Once materials are cut to size specifications for the walls and roof, they are sandblasted to remove any residue or imperfections on the steel’s surface. Once this is completed, the steel is corrugated to create waves in its shape. This process adds strength and durability to the walls of the shipping container.
Step 3: Attaching tubing
After the metal walls have been prepared, they must have steel tubing attached to their sides. This tubing provides more metal which can then be used to weld the walls to each other and to the floor and roof of the container
Step 4: Creating the floor
Unlike the walls, the floor of a shipping container is built using l-beams to ensure that it has the necessary strength and structure to hold the weight it is meant to carry. L beams are laid horizontally at regular intervals down the length of the container floor. These are then welded into perpendicular l-beams that run straight down the length of the container.
Step 5: Assembling the container
Now that the floor, roof and walls are all made, it is time to start construction of the shipping container. The walls are welded to the floor frame and corner frame and then each other to create the structure of the container. A jig is then used to ensure that the components are straight and flush with each other. Once the basic form of the shipping container is complete, doors can be added as necessary.
Step 6: Painting
Painting a shipping container is an important step in the manufacturing process, not just to make the container look nice but to offer it protection. The first layer of paint applied is a primer which helps secure further layers of coloured paint to the surface. The container will be sprayed with multiple layers of paint to ensure the colour is even. This paint helps protect the container from rust and wear caused by the harsh conditions at sea and outdoors.
Step 7: Installing flooring
Once the fundamentals of the container are complete it’s time to add finishing touches. The first of these will be the flooring inside the container, creating a level surface for the storage and movement of goods. Flooring for shipping containers usually consists of treated plywood panels, made to resist water and pests, which are screwed into the l-beams in the floor.
Step 8: Personalisation and accessory installation
At this point, containers can be personalised to the customer’s specifications. This can happen at the factory where the container is made or once the order has been delivered. Personalisation can include things such as adding logos and motifs to the containers, and the installation of any accessories such as electrics, lighting or shelving.
Step 9: Testing
Once the build of the shipping container is complete, the container itself will be tested to ensure that it is watertight and able to carry the weight specified in its dimensions. Once this is complete the container is ready for shipping.
Where are Shipping Containers Made?
Most of the world’s shipping containers are produced in large factories in China. This is for several good reasons including:
- Proximity of raw materials: There are plenty of raw materials available in the region at relatively low cost, lowering expenses in production
- Access to the world’s ports: China’s ports are amongst the world’s busiest, and therefore it makes sense both logistically and financially that the units are made nearby.
Hopefully, the information above has helped you understand more about shipping containers, how they are made and if they fit with your needs and vision, whether that’s for a personal project or a business venture.
If you have any questions about manufacturing processes or want a quote for shipping containers of your own, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the S Jones team!
