The Fabricator defines Metal Fabrication as “the process of buildings and structures from raw materials.” Some examples of what comes out of this process include railings, cutlery, and machinery. But what exactly is Metal Fabrication? What is exactly is involved? What is the future of this industry? Here is all the important information about this all-important industry.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF METAL STEEL
The best metals to use for metal fabrication are steel, copper, or iron. However, steel isn’t exactly composed of the same components as the other two. There are four classifications of steel that determine the strength of the metals.
- Carbon Steels: Makeup 90% of steel produced. They have a higher carbon content. It is so strong, it has less potential for welding.
- Alloy Steels: Contains extra elements like nickel or aluminum. This helps the steel fulfill it’s a specific purpose.
- Stainless Steels: The best-known steels. Chromium is used to stop corrosion. This allows the steel to have a variety of uses.
- Tool Steel: A steel reshaped into tools that can be tungsten, cobalt, and other alloys that make it more durable.
FABRICATION PROCESS
There are many steps to Metal Fabrication. The process starts with the design, cutting, forming, and assemblage of metals to the specifications from the engineers. The second part includes cutting metals to the sizes, weights, and shapes of the structure. There are now metal cutting machines that cut the metal into pre-designed shapes. The metals then become formed and assembled. Metal walls are then installed and finally, the mechanics are installed as well.
WHAT IS NEEDED TO BE A METAL FABRICATOR
There are some basic requirements to become a metal fabricator. The first is a basic high school diploma. They must also have completed a course of study in structural design. They must also be licensed and certified to do fabrications. And of course, they must have good reading comprehension and must be able to listen well. Because of the variety of industries that use metal fabrication, a fabricator gets paid very well. Metal fabrication in Dallas TX is booming and a metal fabricator would make between $29, 000- 45,000 a year according to ZipRecruiter.
JOBS AND INDUSTRIES THAT USE METAL FABRICATION
Metal Fabrication is used in many industries. The energy, construction, and automobile industries are some of the most important trades that use this technique. The military, aerospace, and OEM industries commonly use this as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that approximately 1.425 million workers work in this field. The person doing metal fabrication in Dallas TX could be a welder, a machine operator, a boilermaker, or a blacksmith.
USES FOR METAL FABRICATION
Metal Fabrication can result in some very useful products. Stair railings and cutlery are examples of products made using metal fabrication. This process also results in window and door frames. Metal Fabrication is used in sports to make goalposts. Sewage systems and piping are also made from metal fabrication.
METAL FABRICATION AND THE ECONOMY
Like any industry, the profitability of metal fabrication is dependent on the economy. The better the economy, the more people will buy certain products and services. And many of those products and services involve metal fabrication. So, the industry thrives. As machines evolve, the more metal fabrication is needed. This will give a big boost to the industry. Companies that can keep up with demand in machine fabrication will be very profitable indeed.