A Complete Guide To Fabrication

Metal fabrication is the creation of metal structures by cutting, bending and assembling processes. It is a value-added process involving the creation of machines, parts, and structures from various raw materials.

Typically, a fabrication shop bids on a job, usually based on engineering drawings, and if awarded the contract, builds the product. Large fab shops employ a multitude of value-added processes, including welding, cutting, forming and machining.

  As with other manufacturing processes, both human labor and automation are commonly used. A fabricated product may be called a fabrication, and shops specializing in this type of work are called fab shops.

The key difference between manufacturing and fabrication is how much of the process a job involves. Fabrication involves the assembly of standard or specialised parts to form parts of a product to be used in the manufacture of the finished piece.Manufacturing, however, is a start to finish movement, from the creation of parts through to the final assembly to produce a finished product, often using areas of fabrication within the manufacturing process.

Fabrication involves the manufacture of individual components that make up larger assemblies or end products. This activity encompasses the working of metals and the incorporation of electrical and electronic devices into processors, circuit boards, and subassemblies for the components of navigation,communication, and control systems. 

In modern systems, hundreds of functions are performed by a single microchip or, in conjunction with microminiaturized elements, by printed circuit boards 

Yes. Metal fabrication and welding is ideally suited to people who like to use their hands to build and construct metal structures from engineering specifications. People who enter into this trade normally develop specialised talents in structural fabrication or pressure related construction and/or welding. These days a specialised welder can command top salaries around the world as they are in demand.

Fabrication definitions

The definition of fabrication is something that is false or not real. The burglar's made-up reason for stealing is an example of a fabrication. A fabricating or being fabricated; construction; manufacture.

The act of fabricating, framing, or constructing; construction; manufacture.

The fabrication of a bridge, a church, or a government.

Fabrication Skills is the second part of a modular course focusing on developing practical skills.These skills are required by teachers and technicians for the successful delivery of metalworking craft activities and aspects of the SQA practical metalworking course. The course will allow technicians and teachers to gain confidence and skills in using equipment such as folding machines, guillotines and spot welders.

Fabrication is the process used to manufacture steelwork components that will, when assembled and joined, form a complete frame or structure. Technologies such as plasma cutting and robotic machinery maximise productivity in the fabrication industry producing parts with accuracy and quality.

Fabrication is an important component of the evolving innovative digital construction process that is currently underway, improving speed, accuracy and safety for the complete supply chain. 

Metal fabricators need to have a high school diploma or GED in order to pursue even entry-level positions. Metal fabricators may also have either a related one-year certificate or technical diploma from a community college or technical school.An associate's degree in metal fabrication or additional vocational training may be required for advanced or more highly skilled metal fabricating work. Metal fabricators study how to create and produce metal parts, how to operate machinery and necessary tools, safety procedures, and welding.