What is a Precision Metal Fabricator?
A precision metal fabricator cuts, bends, forms and assembles precise metal parts. Like piecing together a puzzle, the fabricator produces specialized components at very high tolerances, for products such as medical devices and aerospace parts.
Precision Metal Fabricators:
- Read blue print drawings to know how to correctly cut, bend, form and assemble the metal part
- Calculate dimensions and tolerances using math and instruments such as micrometers and calipers
- Fabricate the part using machine tools such as punch press, press brakes, saws, bending and forming tools, shapers or grinders
- Set up and program high-tech cutting machines to make the part
- Measure, examine and test completed parts to ensure it matches the specifications
Related: Precision Metal Fabricator Program Outline
Benefits:
A long-term career with a good salary, job advancement opportunities and the chance to work with your hands and cutting edge technology.
Become a Precision Metal Fabricator through AJAC’s apprenticeship program. Get paid while learning on the job and attend classes only one night a week! To find out how you can become an apprentice and launch your career in aerospace or manufacturing, visit AJAC’s Get Started Section.
On-the-Job Training Competencies:
OJT Competency |
Approximate OJT Hours |
100 |
|
Sheet Metal Shop Basics |
1,100 |
Engine Lathe |
800 |
Punch Press |
500 |
Press Brake |
500 |
Lasers & Cutting Technology |
200 |
Inspection |
400 |
Materials & Properties of Bending Metal |
200 |
CAD/CAM |
200 |
TOTAL HOURS |
4,000 |
PMF Apprentices Take the Following Classes:
- Engineering Drawings – Interpretation, basic drafting and creation of original drawings for competent utilization
- Shop Math – Applied math for the manufacturing of metal products understanding tools such as micrometers, calipers protractors and more
- Inspection/QA – Common industry measuring practices to include basic hand instruments through advanced measuring equipment
- Intro to Precision Metal Fab (PMF) – Covering all of metal fabrication major tools and skill sets. Leaning processes from conception through production, utilizing a Tool Box project that will carry over through the next 3 classes (Punch Press, Press Brake, Laser Cutter, Waterjets, Saws, Shapers, Grinders and more)
- PMF 1 – Punch Press, Deburr and Shears, course covers the set-up and operations of CNC controlled machines to include reading & writing basic G&M code
- PMF 2 – Press Brake & Assembly, course covers safe operation, and angle & depth mode, additionally focus on First Article Inspection and assembly
- Metallurgy & Welding – Understanding material properties and forming followed by basic welding completing the Tool Box project
- CAD/CAM – Hands-on training in computer aided design and manufacturing from 3D parametric solid modeling in SolidWorks through Mastercam programming