A large stainless steel sculpture usually travels in sections. Before we start fabrication, we plan how those sections will be packed, transported and joined at the destination. The finished form, the shipment and the installation need to work together: a decision about where to divide the sculpture also affects how the local team will assemble it.
We discuss these points with artists and project teams while the design is being developed. Our approach combines surface protection, wooden crates or steel frames, an agreed shipping term and a clear installation plan. For the receiving team, the practical questions are just as important as the appearance: what arrives, how it comes off the vehicle, and who joins it on site?
Planning the sections
We split large works into sections according to the project requirements and agree the divisions with the customer before production. We can develop a 2D drawing into a 3D model, or divide an existing 3D model into fabrication parts. This is the stage to decide how the finished shape will travel and come back together.
The joining method belongs in that discussion. A project with our team welding on site needs a different approach from one assembled locally with bolts. We settle that choice alongside the sections, rather than leaving the receiving team to decide after delivery.
Protecting the finished surface
Before packing, we check each mirror surface by eye along its curves. Our guide to judging mirror polish on stainless steel sculpture explains what we look for. Reflections should run smoothly and continuously across the form. We then wrap the finished surfaces in thin expanded polyethylene foam, usually called EPE, before placing them in wooden crates.
The wrapping and the crate serve different purposes. EPE covers the finished surface; the crate contains the packed work for transport. When discussing a large sculpture, we therefore consider the finished sections and their packing together. The surface has already taken substantial work to form, weld, grind and polish by this point.
Crates, frames and containers
Our usual arrangement is wooden crates that fit into standard containers. For particularly heavy pieces, we may use welded steel frames. Oversized works can travel on flat-rack containers. We choose between these arrangements around the sculpture and the agreed sectional plan.
Some projects need the work to travel whole. In that case, we can make a welded steel frame that allows the piece to be lifted directly. This should be discussed before fabrication, together with the unloading arrangements at the destination. Shipping a sculpture in one piece still leaves the receiving team with a large object to unload and position.
Shipping terms we work with
We work with FOB Xiamen, CFR, CIF, DAP or DDP, as agreed for the project. Under Incoterms 2020, the main responsibilities differ as follows:
- FOB Xiamen: the seller handles export clearance and delivery aboard the vessel at Xiamen. The buyer arranges onward freight and import clearance.
- CFR: the seller handles export clearance and pays freight to the named destination port; the buyer handles import clearance. Risk transfers when the goods are aboard at the shipment port.
- CIF: the seller pays destination-port freight and the required cargo insurance, and handles export clearance. The buyer handles import clearance; risk still transfers aboard at the shipment port.
- DAP: the seller arranges carriage to the named destination, ready for unloading. Import clearance, import duties and unloading fall to the buyer.
- DDP: the seller’s responsibilities include carriage to the named destination, import clearance and import duties. The buyer unloads the arriving vehicle.
We agree the named port or delivery place as well as the term. In particular, delivery to a site and unloading at that site are separate matters to settle before dispatch.
Joining the sections on site
For larger works where our team attends, we usually weld the sections together on site and re-polish the joins. Every seam is fully welded, then ground and polished until it disappears into the surrounding surface. On a mirror sculpture, that finishing work brings the reflection back across the connection.
Where we do not send a team, we generally design the sections to bolt together so the local team can assemble them. The choice between welded and bolted assembly is part of planning the commission. It determines what work remains to be done at the destination and who will carry it out.
Foundations and fixings
We supply bolt-down base plates or embedded anchor parts to suit the foundation requirements. Where embedded parts are needed, we provide them for the local contractor to cast into the foundation. We discuss the required connection with the project team before the sculpture arrives.
This connects the workshop scope with the local construction work. Tell us how the sculpture will be fixed and what the foundation requires, so we can agree which parts we supply and what the local team prepares.
Unloading and lifting
Installation normally needs a crane, and unloading may need a forklift. For oversized works, the customer needs to arrange a suitable forklift or crane for unloading on site. A tail-lift truck cannot unload these oversized pieces.
We confirm the unloading arrangements with the customer before shipping. Please include this in the delivery plan even when the sculpture is travelling to the site under an agreed destination delivery term. The receiving team needs to know how the packed work will leave the vehicle, as well as how the sculpture will be installed.
Installation support
We can provide installation guidance or send a team to the site, depending on the project and country. Discuss the level of support early, especially for a sectional sculpture that will need welding and polishing after arrival.
If the local team will assemble the work, we plan the bolted sections around that arrangement. If our team will attend, we discuss the on-site joining work alongside the shipping plan. In either case, the foundation preparation and lifting arrangements need to be part of the same conversation.
Production time
Typical production time is about 30 days for pieces up to 3 m, and 45–60 days for larger works, confirmed for each project. Sea transit time varies with the destination and is separate from production time. When you have a required installation date, include it in the inquiry so we can discuss fabrication, shipment and site preparation together.
Where our sculptures have gone
Abbiamo spedito in Polonia, il Regno Unito, i Paesi Bassi, Spagna, Portogallo, gli Stati Uniti, India, Arabia Saudita, Emirati Arabi Uniti e Qatar. Our work includes a stainless steel landmark sculpture over 30 metres long in Saudi Arabia. The installation view shows the scale of the work and the crane involved in bringing it into place.
Domande frequenti
Can a large sculpture be shipped in one piece?
SÌ. We can use a welded steel frame for whole-piece transport, and a flat-rack container for an oversized work. Most large works travel in sections; we agree the approach before production.
Do you send a team to install?
We can provide guidance or send an installation team, depending on the project and country. Where no team attends, we generally design the sections for local bolted assembly.
What should we prepare before delivery?
Prepare the agreed foundation and arrange the crane needed for installation. For oversized works, also arrange forklift or crane unloading; a tail-lift truck will not do that job. We confirm the unloading plan with you before dispatch.
Plan your sculpture’s journey with us
Send your drawings or model, dimensions, destination and installation requirements. Explore our mirror stainless steel sculpture fabrication and custom fabrication process, or read our 304 vs 316L material guide. Then contact us about your project to discuss the sections, packing, shipping term and installation support together.
Related guides
Modern Art Sculpture è un marchio di Xiamen Meibile Import And Export Co., Ltd. Produciamo nelle nostre officine l'acciaio inossidabile, fibra di vetro e resina.