A Fabricator professional works by joining metal pieces together to create products, or pieces to be used in the manufacture of other products. They usually will work in a factory type settings using safety equipment including glasses and gloves to prevent injury from flying debris, loud noises and workplace hazards.
A fabricator’s job is physically demanding, and includes lifting heavy tools or product pieces as well as standing for long periods of time.
To be able cut and shape metals, a metal fabricator will know how to read and interpret engineers’ drawings and blueprints. They must also know how to use computers as part of the metal fabrication process.
Once a fabrication professional understands what is required to fabricate a piece for a structure, they will use band saws and cutting torches to create it.
A fabrication professional will connect pieces with rivets or nuts and bolts, or bend, twist, or roll pieces into different form.
Fabricator Professional services may include:
- signing, fitting, welding, measuring, laying out and inspecting parts
- marking cutting lines
- studying specifications
- gathering materials and operating machinery
Working in this field requires use of tools including blowtorches, shears, gauges, nail sets, power saws and workshop presses.
Enterprise resource planning, spreadsheet and word processing software are other tools commonly used as well as computers.
When hiring a fabrication professional ensure they have a sound knowledge of metals and their properties, knowledge of the use and care of their equipment, understanding of safety procedures, the technical skills for drawing and interpreting plans and welding skills.
