Metal Fabrication Contractors

Metal fabricators are responsible for cutting, shaping, positioning and aligning different types of metal. The metals used for metal fabrication is generally used in building structures; therefore, metal fabricators are usually hired for projects put forth by construction and manufacturing companies.

Metal fabricators also work on cars, aircraft and even electronic devices. Metal fabricators must be knowledgeable in reading and interpreting blueprints, cutting, aligning and welding metal, and performing quality controls. Since there have also been many technological advancements in this industry, they need to learn how to operate the machines or equipment and be comfortable using them.

Some metal fabricators may include welders, blacksmiths, ironworkers, boilermakers and other professionals that work with metal engineering - converting raw metal materials into final products.

Below is the list of materials that are readily available from various suppliers for metal works:

• Castings
• Formed and expanded metal
• Fittings
• Plate Metal
• Hardware
• Sectional metal
• Welding wire

This next list is the raw materials used for the casting process (where liquid metal is forced into a mould and metal fabricators allow it to cool and harden to a specific form or shape):

• Aluminium
• Copper
• Iron
• Gold
• Steel
• Stainless steel
• Silver
• Magnesium

In metal fabrication, "hardware" is known as the standardised fittings or parts used to make the product stronger, more functional and easier to fabricate. Below are the basic hardware raw materials:

• Corners
• Chains
• Handles
• Locks
• Keys
• Latches
• Wires

Metals commonly used in engineering and construction industries are usually sectional metal. These are raw materials made of steel and are also available in a range of standardised shapes.

• I-beam: A long steel cross-section beam shaped like the letter "I."
• Z-shape: Shaped like the letter "Z" with half a flange protruding in opposite directions.
• Hollow structural section (HSS): Composed of hollow piping and which has shapes that can be angled, channelled, T-shaped or asymmetrical. These standard shapes can be either square, circular, rectangular, and elliptical.
• Bar: A flat, long, piece of rectangular cross-sectioned metal.
• Rod: A circular or square-shaped long piece of metal. Rebar, for example, is a type of rod sectional metal.

A metal that has been pressed or rolled into very thin, flat pieces is Flat Metal. Its thickness can vary from less than a millimetre to several centimetres. Usually, it is measured in gauges. Here are the three general categories of flat metal:

• Foil or leaf metal: The thinnest type of flat metal.
• Sheet metal: The most common type of flat metal, with a thickness of less than 6mm in size.
• Plate metal: A type of flat metal that is thicker than 0.25 inches.