What Is Fabrication In Welding?

Welding is a process of joining together two or more pieces of material. Usually, metal or thermoplastic uses high heat on the joining pieces and allows them to cool down, causing fusion. Fabrication is a process where structures of metal are made by cutting, bending, and assembling processes. The welding process is part of the fabrication process where the welding might be just a special operation in making the whole structure.

Welding process and fabrication processes deal with joining, managing, and scraping the metal, but welding remains a more fundamental activity that requires only a single task. In comparison, metal fabrication revolves around several tasks, i.e., welding, scraping, and joining metal parts.

At manufacturing and construction sites, a couple of functions are concerned with fabrication are many a time done by welders. While some fabricators also do welding occasionally. Thus, fabrication may include welding, but welding is always part of fabrication.

How is Fabrication Different from Welding?

Fabrication and welding may sound a bit similar, but these terms are not interchangeable as they are very different from each other. They both involve different methods and strategies. Following are the fundamental differences between both the processes:

Fabrication and Welding Require Different Tools

As fabrication involves several tasks, fabricators use different cutting machines, including mechanical saws, laser cutters, and plasma torches. Also, heavy machinery is used to perform some tasks. On the other hand, welding uses a dedicated welding machine, welding uses specific welding clamps, torches, power sources, and consumable electrodes. Also, welding requires safety equipment to protect the welders from harmful fumes and gases.

Fabrication and Welding Require Different Skill Sets

Fabrication is a holistic process, and fabricators often work with different machines that mold and shape the metal, whereas welders must work with hands. Welding is a work of precision and requires intense practice to join the parts neatly. With intense training and experience, only welders can join the metals ideally.

Fabrication and Welding Involve Different Techniques

Fabrication is a complex process with numerous tasks on hand, such as cutting, bending, scraping, joining metal parts, and involving many strategies. On the other hand, as we know, welding involves a single task, and it uses some standard Welding techniques. Such as gas metal arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and flux core arc welding.

What is The Scope of Welding?

hands-on welder training at welding trade school

The global welding market was USD 19.5 billion and is projected to reach USD 27.22 billion in 2027. Exhibiting a CAGR of 4.3 percent during this forecast period. Welding as a career option offers a lot of opportunities to people and is a good job prospect.

There are many welding trade schools and colleges that offer welding courses. Welder programs or welding courses help students perform the tasks properly and enable them with all skills and expertise.

How Much is The Employment of Welders?

Welders are in high demand due to new projects, manufacturing plants, and new construction sites such as automotive, aerospace, natural gas pipelines, etc. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a three-percent rise in Welding jobs in the next ten years.

The BLS also reports that welders can shift from one industry to another quickly because of basic welding knowledge. The American Welding Society has estimated a shortage of 400,000 welders by 2024. Shows a decreasing number of welders in the U.S due to the graying welder population. This provides a chance for the new welders to fill up their people.

How Much do Welders Earn?

Welding has become one of the highest-paid trades in recent years in the United States. With an average starting salary of over $40,000 per annum or about $20 per hour, it is one of the highest-paid skilled trade jobs. For example, the average salary for a welder is $24.49 per hour in Philadelphia. Also, with the construction industry having a solid rise, demand for welders is increasing.

How to Become a Welder?

training in welder course to become certified welding technician
It generally takes up to a few months to a few years, depending on the course one takes. A high school degree or an equivalent. Such as GED is the minimum qualification required to become an on-the-job training worker or enroll in a welding course. Also, people who learn on-the-job training take years to become efficient welders compared to ones who take welding courses.

Conclusion

The Welding Industry is showing a significant boost with one of the highest paying skilled trades. It offers excellent opportunities for jobs and careers with job security as welders are in high demand.

The welding program is an investment for students who aspire to be welders. With proper hands-on training in the welding process and guidance in welding courses, students can learn many skills and experience to become certified welding technicians.

Read More:

Job opportunities and Career in Trade Skills | Trade schools in Philadelphia | Vocational School in Philadelphia | Welding Technician program

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