Automotive Fabrication Jobs
Anyone who is interested in automotive restoration and customization should pursue automotive fabrication jobs. There are many parts that go into the makings of a fully functional vehicle. A lot of automotive fabrication jobs revolve around building vehicles "from scratch." Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities available at automotive assembly plants. Those who wish to get one of the many automotive fabrication jobs in the United States should research the fabrication programs at their local colleges or vocational schools.
Training for Automotive Fabrication Jobs
The coursework taught to people pursuing fabrication degrees will put them on the right path to getting automotive fabrication jobs and related career opportunities. While at school, students learn how to customize and assemble vehicle parts. They will be taught basic techniques for performing sheet metal fabrication and applying this metal to a vehicle chassis. There is a wide variety of tools that go into automotive fabrication jobs. Some of the most usual tools include common hand tools, English wheels, power hammers, planishing hammers, louver presses and other specialized equipment. Some schools offer automotive electives like custom car-body painting and car graphic design and application.
On-the-Job Duties
Those who work in the automotive fabrication industry will utilize traditional and modern assembly techniques in order to piece together a complete vehicle. In addition, new fabricators will be instructed on automobile structure and dynamics. Fabricators are expected to handle an array of materials such as heavy-duty steel, stainless steel, casting and plastic. In addition, automotive fabricators will grind, drill and use bonding methods like TIG and MIG welding. By using the many tools of the fabrication trade, automotive specialists will create important car components and even detail and refinish auto body surfaces.
Types of Vehicles
People employed on automotive fabrication jobs will have the opportunity to work with almost every type of vehicle imaginable: sports cars, street rods, muscle cars, trucks, antique vehicles and modern automobiles. Most fabricators will work closely with customers and management to ensure an exact design, especially on customized automotive fabrication jobs. Some of the popularly requested car parts are the custom chassis, exhausts, custom headers, custom suspension fabrications and other specialty parts that cannot be purchased from stock. If a car part must be specially handled, or is not available through any vendor, people will seek the services of an automotive fabrication shops.
Materials and Parts Used on Automotive Fabrication Jobs
Quality fabrication shops will only utilize quality materials and metals. Some of these material, besides steel and stainless steel, include copper, brass and aluminum. Non-metal materials may be required, such as rubber, plastic and fiberglass; these materials are sometimes necessary for a part's integrity. There are many specialty parts made at customization shops, like window frames, seat frames, fenders and door panels. There are even fabricators that possess the knowledge to shape and bend brake lines and fuel lines for cars and trucks. There are also automotive fabrication jobs that call for making cages, roll bars, vacuum tubes and power steering systems for competitive cars. The more skills one learns, the more automotive fabrication opportunities they will have.
