Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL) Welding and Metal Fabrication

What is Welding and Metal Fabrication?

Welding is a fabrication process whereby two or more parts are fused together by means of heat, pressure or both forming a join as the parts cool. Welding is usually used on metals and thermoplastics but can also be used on wood. The completed welded joint may be referred to as a weldment.

Entry Requirement

Overview

This trade aims to enable trainees to obtain the competencies required for performing metal fabrication tasks such as applying safety rules and regulations; planning and organising metal fabrication work; using hand tools for metal fabrication operations and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is welding and fabrication?

Simply put, welding joins together two pieces of metal, glass, or thermoplastics with similar melting points and compositions using fusion. Fabrication is the evolutionary process of creating a metal product, from layout and design to formation and finishing.

What is metal fabrication?

Metal fabrication is the process of building machines and structures from raw metal materials. The process includes cutting, burning, welding, machining, forming, and assembly to create the final product.

What is the difference between a welder and fabricator?

A welder will use tools that join metals, while a fabricator will use tools that shape metals by cutting and bending. In addition, welders, in contrast with fabricators, apply heat to do their jobs, while fabricators do dry bending and cold rolling.

What is metal welding?

Welding is a fabrication process that utilizes a welding machine to join ferrous and non-ferrous metals and works well for larger projects. Soldering is a joining process used to fuse different types of precious metals together by melting solder and works well for small projects.

Is welding part of metal fabrication?

The welding is considered as a part of metal fabrication. Many times, people misjudge welding with metal fabrication because of metalworking. Considering the nature of both concepts, welding is a process where metal fabrication is a set of processes, they both differ in many ways.

Is welding a fabrication?

Welding is a fabrication process whereby two or more parts are fused together by means of heat, pressure or both forming a join as the parts cool. Welding is usually used on metals and thermoplastics but can also be used on wood.

What is considered metal fabrication?

Simply put, “metal fabrication” is defined as creating products or structures by cutting, bending, and/or assembling metal material. It’s largely considered a value-added process as it consists of putting together actual products or structures from metal raw material.

Is a welder a fabricator?

A welder, also known as a fabricator, designs, cuts, welds and shapes metal parts that can be used for various metal and steel structures. Welders work on many projects, from ones as big as bridges and large buildings to ones as small as metal rods.

Is welding and fabrication part of mechanical engineering?

A huge part of mechanical engineering is fabrication and welding. Fabrication and welding allow for metal structures to be made into a range of shapes and sizes. It can be applied to a variety of industries such as engineering, construction, marine and more.

Is fabrication considered construction?

Fabrication is the process of constructing products by combining typically standardised parts using one or more individual processes. For example, steel fabrication is the production of metal structures using a range of processes such as cutting, bending and assembling.

What is the difference between fabrication and manufacturing?

Fabrication is about the creation of parts from raw materials.Manufacturing is the process of assembling those parts. While in many cases, the two occur together, there are situations where they may be better suited to a specific project.

How do I become a welder fabricator?

To become a welder fabricator, you need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Most jobs provide on-the-job training and only require vocational school, although associate degrees in welding are available.

What is welding and fabrication technology?

The Bachelor of Industrial Technology Major in Welding and Fabrication Technology deals with fundamental principles of welding process in metal working industry. It provides knowledge skills and attitudes in various welding processes that can be used in their on-the-job training and on their future careers.

Is welding a good career?

So, is welding a good career? Welding is an excellent career, and welders commonly praise their profession and extol the many benefits they get from welding as a career. Overall, if you can handle extreme conditions, long hours, and smoke and fire regularly, a career in welding can be rewarding.

What is the role of a fabricator?

Fabricators are manufacturers of assorted products using various raw materials, tools and their own hands. Their primary responsibilities include reading and understanding assembly instructions, ensuring that the required parts are present and meeting quality control standards.