Fabrication Jobs
Fabrication projects involve manipulating raw materials, like metal, in order to help create structures and machines. Cutting and shaping metal are the main functions performed during fabrication projects, both of which are very hands-on activities. Most fabrication projects are completed by a manufacturing company because fabrication is a large part of the manufacturing process. However, this is not always the case. Fabrication utilizes a variety of machines, objects and tools to help form a lot of common structures like garages and commercial buildings. Many machines and furniture pieces are partially created by fabricators. With fabricators, manufacturers can manipulate metal sheets into functional products.
Common Fabrication Jobs
The most common fabrication jobs include creating frames for heavy equipment and buildings. Other fabricators form loose parts. Those who are involved in making loose parts will do so to assist in making a working system. If there are any malfunctions or needed improvements for the system, fabrication workers will also be needed.
Procurement and Planning of Fabrication Jobs
There is a great deal of planning that goes into fabrication jobs involving buildings and large structures. The fabrication company will place bids and if their bid wins, the planning portion will begin. Skilled workers on fabrication jobs will need to hire a subcontractor as well as gather the necessary materials. If any special equipment is needed, the fabricators will be responsible for supplying them.
Fabrication jobs usually require the specific skills of engineers. For large projects, the fabrication portion is one part of entire working system. And when the system is an entire building, engineers will work side-by-side with fabricators. From the very beginning, the construction company will be on the same team with the fabricators because every person who works on a project will need to have a deep understanding of the building's inner workings. There is usually one person who acts as a leader; this person will manage the other fabricators working underneath them to make sure all tasks are carried out according to blueprint instructions.
Metals Used in Fabrication Jobs
There is a wide array of metal materials utilized on fabrication jobs. Some examples of commonly used materials include castings, expanded metal, fittings, formed metal, hardware, plate metal and welding wire. While the tools involved to manipulate the various metal materials are just as diverse as the metals themselves, fabricators will still utilize cutting torches, band saws and other common fabrication items. Although workers on construction fabrication jobs are expected to form metal pieces according to precise instructions, these people need to possess a certain visualization skill in order to take piles of metal and form a viable product.
The Limitations of Fabrication Jobs
Fabrication manufacturers are limited as to how they can contribute to complex machinery and buildings. When it comes to manufacturing, fabrication jobs play a big role in forming machinery "shells." Workers with other training backgrounds will be needed to finish a project. Many times, companies order certain parts and products from fabrication shops. These shops will ship and deliver the orders upon completion.
