What Is Metal Fabrication and How Has It Evolved?

Metal fabrication is an essential part of many industries, and skilled welders are required to make sure all kinds of construction projects go smoothly. If you’re interested in the details of metal fabrication, consider making it your career. At Pickens Technical College, we offer metal fabrication training as a part of our Aurora, CO welding program. Find out why this field is ever-changing and how you can become a part of it.

What Is Metal Fabrication?

Metal fabrication is the process of shaping, cutting, and assembling metal into end-use products. These can include structures like bridges, vehicle parts, tools, and even smaller items like kitchen equipment. This trade is essential to industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and tool manufacturing. Without metal fabrication, much of the infrastructure and technology that supports our daily lives would not exist.

Common Types of Metal Fabrication

Metal fabrication takes many forms, and you’ll learn the basics during a metal fabrication training course. Here are a few standard techniques used in this field:

• Cutting—Slicing sheets, bars, or plates of metal into specific shapes. Tools like lasers, water jets, and plasma cutters are often used.
• Welding—Joining two pieces of metal together using extreme heat or pressure.
• Bending—Shaping metal plates or tubing into curved forms using press brakes or hammers.
• Machining—Removing excess material from a metal piece to achieve desired dimensions or precision.

How the Metal Fabrication Process Changed Over Time

Historically, metal fabrication was manual, relying on blacksmiths hammering raw iron to create tools and weapons. However, manufacturing processes evolved significantly during the Industrial Revolution. Automation entered the picture with the use of machines for cutting, welding, and bending, dramatically increasing production efficiency.

Today, computer-controlled machines and robotic technologies dominate the industry. CNC machining in metal fabrication has become standard thanks to its precision. Advanced software like computer-aided design allows fabricators to plan projects digitally before touching any physical materials. What’s most exciting is that these advancements are projected to continue. 3D metal printing, as well as other technologies are on the horizon!

Career Opportunities in Metal Fabrication

After completing a metal fabrication training program, you’ll be qualified for a range of positions. Here are a few jobs you might consider:

• Welder—Welders work on the frontlines, cutting, shaping, and welding metals into products or components. They handle everything from simple repairs to complex assembly projects.
• CNC Machine Operator—CNC operators use highly specialized machines to produce precision parts. This job demands technical skills, including programming.
• Sheet Metal Worker—These workers focus on fabricating thin metal sheets into ducting, roofing, or car body parts.
• Quality Control Inspector—Before metal products hit the market, they need to meet industry standards. Quality control inspectors test for strength, accuracy, and safety during the metal fabrication process.
• Metal Fabrication Engineer—Engineers in this field design production processes and oversee operations to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Training and Skills for Metal Fabrication Jobs

Metal fabrication training involves developing technical skills as well as fostering soft skills. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to prepare for a career in metal fabrication:

Technical Skills

Skills like blueprint reading and CNC programming are critical for many roles within the metal fabrication industry. Aspiring welders should also develop a deep understanding of the most common materials and how they behave under stress and heat.

Soft Skills

As you complete your metal fabrication training, you’ll notice you need several soft skills. Problem-solving is a major one—decoding schematics and managing unexpected issues are everyday tasks in the field. Attention to detail is also crucial. Precision is everything in metal fabrication, and even the smallest miscalculation can impact results.

Academics and Certifications

Welders need specialized metal fabrication training to succeed in the field. After graduating high school, aspiring welders should enroll in certificate programs like those offered at Pickens Technical College. Beyond that, students may want to obtain additional certifications, such as one from the American Welding Society. For even further training, new welders and metal fabricators may apply for apprenticeships for hands-on experience.

How Pickens Technical College Prepares Students for Success

The instructors and administrators at Pickens Technical College are dedicated to preparing students for success. Whether you’re interested in welding for metal fabrication or look forward to working with CNC machines, our programs are geared toward you. Expect all of the following from our programs:

• Industry Focus—Our welding program covers all aspects of the industry. You’ll learn the basics of standard welding techniques, as well as CNC programming and operation.
• Hands-On Training—While you’ll learn some concepts in the classroom, students spend up to 50% of their time getting hands-on experience with metal fabrication.
• Knowledgeable Instructors—Our faculty includes seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience in welding and the metal fabrication process.
• Career Placement Support—At the end of your program, visit our career services office for help landing your dream role.

Learn More About Enrollment Today

Welding and metal fabrication is a lucrative career that allows you to build something new. No matter which role sounds the most exciting to you, our metal fabrication training will prepare you for it. We welcome students from all over Aurora, CO to learn more about enrolling in our programs.