Typically, metal fabrication involves assembling, cutting, and bending metal into the desired shapes and sizes. It may also include welding, machining, coating, and other processes. The processes vary depending on the particular product or project.
What kind of job is a fabricator?
Metal fabricators work on the factory floor with a variety of machinery. They can create pieces for various industries, including construction, automotive, and consumer products.
Many metal fabrication shops specialize in custom design. These companies use computer-aided design programs (CAD) to develop a product’s blueprint. The CAD model is then translated into programming for computer-controlled machines. This allows the designer to make adjustments to the design before the next stage of production.
Using high-tech machinery, metal fabricators can create intricate steel shapes. Some of the tools used are milling, broaching, and drilling. Other technologies include plasma torches, press brakes, and roll benders.
In addition, metal fabricators are often required to have strong hand and wrist strength and dexterity. They also have to stand for long periods of time, lift heavy objects, and wear protective clothing. They should also have good hearing protection.
The most common type of metal fabrication is cutting. This is done by splitting the sheet into smaller sections. A metal sheet is then fed horizontally through a metal-cutting machine. It can be cut with a saw, flame cutter, laser, or waterjet.
Another process of metal fabrication is folding. This is a very complex process that requires facilities with high-tech equipment. This technique is intended to make a surface fold at a 90 degree angle.
