Steel fabrication is used in a wide range of industries; in order to be successful, almost any industry that uses steel will require the services of a steel fabricator. This individual is in charge of fabricating steel components for machinery, structures, and even temporary applications. The steel fabricator will require exceptional welding and soldering abilities, as well as basic to moderate math and science abilities. Physical fitness will be required due to the nature of the job, which will require the worker to do heavy lifting and be on his or her feet for long periods of time.
The duties of a steel fabricator can differ depending on the industry or employer. Fabricators frequently need to use a variety of tools to prepare metal for welding or alteration, machine raw materials into usable parts, and connect various metal parts to form a strong and durable structure. When raw steel is presented to a steel fabricator, he or she will be able to create parts according to any specifications using machines. This is usually done with CNC machines, which are capable of making precise cuts with rotating cutting tools or even lasers.
A steel fabricator will almost certainly use a welding machine to join steel parts together on a construction site. To work as a steel fabricator in a professional setting, the welding process can be difficult and even dangerous, so the steel fabricator will need extensive training. Apprenticeships are frequently offered by labor unions or private companies to allow fabricators to learn proper techniques while on the job. An apprenticeship can last anywhere from one to five years, after which the fabricator will be considered a journeyman fabricator if he or she passes the necessary certification exams.
Steel fabricators may have additional responsibilities in some job settings, such as machine use and maintenance, or steel assessment. The fabricator may need to learn about different grades, or qualities, of steel in order to make informed decisions about how a particular raw piece of steel should be used. It will also be necessary to inspect the parts or components that have been created. In some cases, the fabricator is responsible for the repair and maintenance of various pieces of fabrication equipment, while in other cases, a mechanic is hired solely to perform such tasks.