What Does a Precision Metal Fabricator Do?

Precision Metal Fabricators make metal products, parts and components to close tolerances for the telecommunication, medical, aircraft/transportation and high tech industries.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • interpreting and verifying engineering drawings in order to produce layouts and programs needed to manufacture the product
  • performing metal fabrication calculations using calculators, computerized calculation programs, math formulae and heat shrinkage charts
  • transferring engineering specifications to the work piece material or to machine controls (CNC); writing, editing and verifying the layout program by referring to CAD drawings and machine program manual
  • planning, preparing and organizing the metal fabrication process by identifying operations required, equipment needed, and optimum scheduling times to meet customer and engineering requirements
  • using various measuring tools such as verniers, calipers, rules, tapes, calculators, micrometers, protractors, squares, dividers, depth and height gauges
  • inspecting and verifying the quality of the part or product; testing welds, finishing edges and surfaces and recording quality assurance data
  • perform metal removal operations using the correct hand and bench tools for optimum cutting; performing punch and bending operations
  • working cooperatively with supervisors and co-workers
  • continuously learning about new advances in metalworking technology and techniques in order to meet customer demand

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

In order to indenture as an apprentice, you must be at least 16 years of age or older in the province of Ontario and have completed Grade 12 or equivalent. High school courses in Math, Drafting, Physics, Industrial Arts (Metalworking) or Computer Assisted Design or involvement in experiential learning would be an asset. Completion of this  apprenticeship as a Precision Metal Fabricator will take 6,000 to 8,000 hours and could include classes at community college (Algonquin College in Ottawa offers excellent courses in this field) as well as on-the-job training. 

What’s Your Future as a Precision Metal Fabricator?

Most Precision Metal Fabricators work full-time in a field that is growing in importance all the time. A mechanical aptitude and an interest in blueprint reading, as well as computer assisted design would be ideal. Interest in working with various metals used such as stainless steel, cold rolled steel, aluminum, copper, brass and plastics used in the manufacturing of  parts and components in the aircraft industry, communications, data processing, defence, photography, medical (X-Rays), food processing, appliances, transportation and ship building areas . Employment can be found with:

  • Precision Metal manufacturers
  • Automotive industry
  • Shipbuilding
  • Appliance manufacturing
  • Electronics
  • Aluminum Doors and Frames manufacturers

Wage Rate

The wage rate in this field varies depending on the employer, the sector and experience in the occupation: from a low of $16.91/hr to a high of $20.87/hr according to Job Futures.. 

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Precision Metal Fabricator For  You?

Do you have good mathematical, spatial and mechanical aptitudes?

Yes     No

Do you have good reading, writing, analytical and problem-solving skills and do you persist until the job is done just right?

Yes     No

Do you enjoy working with various hand tools and equipment to make things?

Yes     No

Are you able to bend, stretch, kneel, and stand for most of the working day?

Yes     No

Are you interested in gaining knowledge of metal forming & shaping processes including CNC programming?

Yes     No

Do you enjoy working in a team environment that may require periodic overtime to meet production deadlines?

Yes     No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, working as a Precision Metal Fabricator May Be For You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Sheet Metal Worker
  • Metalworking Machine Operator
  • Welder
  • Machinist/Tool & Die