How to Be Structural Fabricator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 1, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Structural Fabricator is critical in the construction process, as they are responsible for fabricating and assembling metal structures used in buildings and other structures. This job requires a high level of skill and precision, as any mistake can have serious consequences in terms of safety and cost. As a result, Structural Fabricators must possess the technical knowledge and expertise to ensure that every job is done correctly and efficiently.

In addition, they must also be familiar with welding, cutting, and assembly processes, as well as the use of heavy machinery and tools. Furthermore, Structural Fabricators must be able to read blueprints, diagrams, and other technical documents in order to accurately construct the desired structure. the success of a Structural Fabricator relies on their ability to understand the details of a project and complete the work in a timely manner.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Structural fabricators must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent to be considered for the position.
Consider Pursuing Vocational Training. Employers often prefer applicants with some form of vocational training in welding, metal fabrication, or related fields. Vocational training programs provide students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn the specialized skills required for a career as a structural fabricator.
Earn Professional Certification. Professional certification is not required in every state, but it can give job seekers an edge in the job market. Welding certification, in particular, is an important credential for structural fabricators.
Apply for Entry-Level Positions. Most structural fabricator jobs are entry-level positions. Prospective fabricators should look for job postings and apply for positions that best match their skills and qualifications.
Obtain On-the-Job Training. Structural fabricators usually receive on-the-job training from experienced peers. During this time, they learn the specific fabrication techniques used by their employer, as well as safety protocols and other job-related tasks.
Gain Experience and Advancement Opportunities. With experience, structural fabricators may be able to move into supervisory roles or pursue more advanced positions such as welding engineer or fabrication supervisor.

Being a reliable and capable structural fabricator requires a high level of skill and knowledge. To be successful, one must have a deep understanding of the materials used in fabrication and the processes involved. This includes being familiar with cutting, welding, and machining.

It also requires the ability to read and interpret technical drawings, and to follow precise instructions. Attention to detail is essential, as even the smallest mistake can have disastrous consequences. Furthermore, a structural fabricator must possess hand-eye coordination, physical strength, and problem-solving skills.

With these qualities, a structural fabricator can make reliable and precise products that will last for years to come.

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Job Description

Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and other specifications to determine the type and dimensions of structural components.
Fabricate and assemble structural components, such as beams, girders and columns, by using hand tools and welding equipment.
Set up and operate fabricating machines such as shears, presses, brakes, rolls and routers to cut, form, bend and straighten metal plates, sheets and structures.
Measure and mark dimensions and reference lines onto material, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and scribe.
Install prefabricated metal parts, such as doors and windows, using bolts, screws and rivets.
Install metal framework for precast concrete or masonry units.
Grind, file and smooth surfaces, seams or joints of assembled parts, using hand tools and power tools.
Inspect finished work pieces for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers.
Repair or modify existing metal structures or parts by welding or cutting.
Secure structural components to other structural components using fasteners such as bolts.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of welding, cutting and fabrication techniques
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
Working knowledge of structural steel fabrication processes
Familiarity with safety regulations and standards
Ability to accurately measure and cut materials
Proficiency in the use of welding tools and equipment
Ability to operate a variety of hand and power tools
Knowledge of metallurgy and its effects on welding
Outstanding attention to detail
Good physical stamina and strength

Structural fabricators are essential in the construction industry, as they are responsible for constructing, fabricating, and assembling the structural components of a building. It requires a high level of technical knowledge, problem solving skills, and manual dexterity to be successful in this role. One of the most important skills for a structural fabricator is the ability to read and interpret blueprints accurately.

This skill allows them to understand the design and layout of the structure they are creating, enabling them to fabricate components that are in accordance with the plans. Furthermore, a structural fabricator must possess strong communication skills, as they will often need to collaborate with other team members to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget. strong organizational skills are necessary to keep track of the materials being used and the progress of the project.

Lastly, a structural fabricator must have a good understanding of safety protocols to ensure that all tasks are completed in a safe and efficient manner. a structural fabricator must have a mix of technical and soft skills to succeed in their field.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in structural fabrication?
How would you go about designing a complex structural component?
What processes do you use to ensure accuracy and precision when fabricating structures?
What challenges have you encountered when fabricating complex structures?
How do you keep up with changes in structural fabrication technology?
What safety protocols do you follow when fabricating structures?
How do you troubleshoot problems with machine tools during the fabrication process?
How do you ensure that the final product meets customer expectations?
How do you handle customer feedback and requests for modifications?
What methods do you use to ensure efficient production of structural components?

Common Tools in Industry

Grinder. used to grind and shape metal parts. (eg: used to sharpen drill bits)
Drills. used to create holes in metal parts. (eg: used to create holes for bolts)
Welders. used to fuse metal parts together. (eg: used to weld steel beams)
Saws. used to cut metal into desired shapes. (eg: used to cut sheet metal)
Presses. used to press metal parts together. (eg: used to join two pieces of metal)
Hand Tools. used for a variety of tasks such as measuring, cutting, or drilling. (eg: used to measure the size of a part)
MIG Welder. used to join metal parts together with a heated wire fed from a spool. (eg: used to weld two pieces of steel together)
TIG Welder. used to weld metal parts together with a tungsten electrode and a filler rod. (eg: used to weld aluminum parts together)
Plasma Cutter. used to cut metal parts with an electrically charged gas. (eg: used to make precise cuts on metal parts)
Bench Grinder. used to grind metal parts with a rotating abrasive wheel. (eg: used to sharpen drill bits)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
Steel Structures Education Foundation (SSEF)
American Welding Society (AWS)
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA)
Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST)
National Institute of Steel Detailing (NISD)
International Institute of Welding (IIW)
National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

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Common Important Terms

Welding. A process of joining two materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by melting and fusing them together.
Blueprints. Detailed technical drawings that are used to create a structure, such as a building or a machine.
Cutting. The process of using an abrasive tool to shape or separate materials.
Grinding. A machining process that uses an abrasive wheel to cut away material from a workpiece.
Bending. The process of forming metal into a desired shape by applying pressure to it.
Drilling. The process of creating a hole in a material using a rotary cutting tool.
Milling. The process of using a milling machine to cut away material from a workpiece.
Painting. The process of applying paint to a surface for decoration or protection.
Heat Treating. A process that alters the physical and sometimes chemical properties of a material by heating and cooling it.
Finishing. A process of smoothing and polishing the surface of a material, often with an abrasive material.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Structural Fabricator?

A Structural Fabricator is a professional that fabricates and/or repairs structural components, such as beams, columns, trusses, and frames, for the construction industry.

What skills are needed to be a Structural Fabricator?

Structural Fabricators must have a good knowledge of welding and fabrication techniques, be able to interpret blueprints and engineering drawings, and have good problem-solving skills.

What tools does a Structural Fabricator use?

Structural Fabricators use a variety of tools, such as welding and cutting torches, grinders, drill presses, and saws.

What is the job outlook for Structural Fabricators?

The job outlook for Structural Fabricators is expected to be positive over the next several years, with an estimated growth rate of 6% between 2018 and 2028.