What does a Welder Fabricator do?
Published 4 min read
A welder fabricator is a person who uses welding equipment to join metal pieces together. This can include using a variety of techniques, such as arc welding, gas welding, and spot welding. A welder fabricator may also be responsible for cutting metal, shaping it to fit a particular need, and then joining the pieces together.
Welder Fabricator job duties include:
- Read and interpret blueprints or welding process specifications
- Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments, using processes such as gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, flux-cored arc, plasma arc, shielded metal arc, or submerged arc welding
- Select and set controls to regulate amperage, voltage, electrode extension, or travel speed, according to welding chart specifications or types of metals
- Monitor the welding process to avoid overheating of parts or melting through of base metals
- Inspect completed welds to determine structural soundness and conformance to specifications
- Grind or clean weld joints to prepare them for final inspection
- Perform hot passes on pipeline welds
- Lay out, position, align, and fit together fabricated metal parts
- Tack-weld fitted parts in preparation for final welding
Welder Fabricator Job Requirements
A welder fabricator is someone who cuts, shapes, and joins together metal parts using welding techniques. They often work in manufacturing or construction settings. In order to become a welder fabricator, one usually needs to complete a postsecondary program in welding technology or a related field. Many welders are also certified through the American Welding Society. Experience is also important for welders, as they need to be able to safely and effectively use welding equipment.
Welder Fabricator Skills
- MIG welding
- TIG welding
- Stick welding
- Flux-cored welding
- Gas metal arc welding
- Oxyfuel welding
- Plasma cutting
- Shielded metal arc welding
- Submerged arc welding
- Resistance spot welding
- Electroslag welding
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How to become a Welder Fabricator
A welder fabricator is responsible for joining together metal components using heat and pressure. The job requires a high degree of skill and precision, as well as a strong understanding of the properties of different metals. There are many ways to become a welder fabricator, but most involve completing an apprenticeship or training program.
The first step to becoming a welder fabricator is to complete an accredited welding program. This will give you the basic knowledge and skills needed to perform the job. Many community colleges offer welding programs, and there are also many private trade schools that specialize in welding education. Once you have completed a welding program, you can then begin an apprenticeship with a local welding company.
Apprenticeships are typically two to four years in length, and during this time you will learn all the skills needed to be a successful welder fabricator. You will also have the opportunity to earn a journeyman’s certification, which will give you even more job opportunities. After completing an apprenticeship, you can then apply for jobs at welding companies or start your own welding business.
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