Workers in this field fabricate, install, and repair a wide variety of metal sheet goods, including HVAC duct systems, roofs, siding, rain gutters, downspouts, skylights, restaurant appliances, outdoor signage, train carriages, tailgates, specialised precision equipment, and more. They might also deal with plastics and fibreglass. Most workers undertake all three of these tasks, although others specialise in manufacturing, assembly, or maintenance. Those who deal with sheet metal are needed in both the construction and manufacturing sectors, where sheet metal goods are mass-produced.
The work of a metal sheet worker encompasses the fabrication, assembly, and maintenance of a wide variety of sheet metal items. Sheet metal workers typically create and repair components for HVAC systems, but they may also deal with materials used in drainage and roofing. While some metal sheet workers are highly trained specialists, others perform more routine tasks on assembly lines.
Melbourne sheet metal fabrication - Austgen
Table of Contents
So, What Exactly Does a Sheet Metal Worker Do?
Sheet metal workers begin any project by studying blueprints and specifications to determine what and how much metal will be needed. Then, sheet metal is used to create ducting, countertops, and other bespoke items by measuring, cutting, bending, shaping, and fastening the metal components. Next, workers in the sheet metal industry use computers to programme and control the machinery. Finally, engineers slice, cut, or shape the components using computer-operated saws, lasers, shears, or presses.
Sheet metal workers perform the necessary calculations and layout work with tape, compasses, and other measurement instruments in factories that lack computerised technology or for goods that cannot be fabricated with such equipment. The machine tools are then used to cut and stamp the components.
Sheet metal workers verify the precision of each component before assembly with the help of various measurement tools like callipers, calliper brakes, and micrometres. They may utilise hacksaws, squaring shears, rotary shears, or hand shears to complete a project. Workers inspect the parts and then use welders, screws, glue, rivet, glue, or other connecting devices to secure the seams and joints. After finishing assembly in the workshop, they finish the process of putting together the components during installation. The ductwork, tubes, or tubes are hung from the ceiling or the wall using metal hangers, and the workers link the ends together. In addition, they employ shears, hammers, punches, or drills to create or modify components at the job site.
On-site completion is the norm for some undertakings. For instance, roofing panels for a metal roof are often measured and cut by sheet metal craftsmen right there during installation. To keep a first panel in place, they fit into its groove and fasten the following panel into place. The panel's raw edge is welded or nailed into place in the next step. For each additional panel, the same two-step procedure is repeated. Finally, the crew attaches machine-made moulding to the joints, corners, and around the windows and doors for a polished look.
Construction sites, metal shops, and industrial factories are common workplaces for sheet metal workers. Most are proficient in all three categories, while some have chosen to focus on fabrication, installation, or maintenance. Yet, factory sheet metal workers are typically untrained and limited to completing a monotonous operation. Sheet metal workers utilise sophisticated machinery to cut, shape, and weld metal sheets into finished items for a wide variety of consumer and industrial markets.
Sheet metal fabricators may draw up their blueprints and requirements from scratch or spend significant time studying existing ones. They establish the procedures, tools, and metal required to manufacture the item. The materials are then measured and cut by the plans. Tape measures, rulers, and stamping machines are commonly used for this purpose. Afterwards, tools like cutting machines, laser cutters, or drills are utilised to make clean incisions. Workers in this industry sometimes do the task by hand, while other times, they employ computer-controlled machinery to ensure precision and accuracy. Workers bend the metal if needed after cutting it. A variety of measurement tools, including callipers and micrometres, are used by employees before assembly to guarantee precision. As each component is completed, it is assembled using fasteners like bolts, nails, screws, or welding.
Sheet metal workers transport and set up the finished products they've made at a factory and sheet metal shop to construction sites. If the product comes in multiple parts, the assembly process continues with the workers connecting the various ducts, seams, and tubes. After the ends are linked, the whole thing is hoisted or lowered into position. The worker must use metal hangers and brackets to keep the parts in place. The need to make revisions or modifications on the spot is common. They use instruments like punching, drilling, hammering, or welding equipment to make modifications and guarantee that machinery is installed safely, effectively, and accurately. Pieces are sometimes constructed on-site, then welded, locked, and bolted into place after installation.
Some structural steel workers focus on testing, adjusting, calibrating, and servicing pre-existing air conditioning & air systems to guarantee their correct operation and increase their energy efficiency in addition to their installation duties. Duct systems are an integral part of HVAC systems, and duct installers are sometimes referred to as HVAC technicians because of the importance of their work. Commissioning a building, or conducting a full mechanical assessment of the HVAC and plumbing, including lighting systems, is a growing field of employment for sheet metal artisans.
Sheet metal workers at factories fabricate metal sheets used in producing goods like vehicles and machinery. A lot of automation and repetition may be involved, but the fabrication processes used during large-scale manufacturing are comparable to those employed in smaller companies. Sheet metal workers who perform such tasks may need to re-program the electronic control systems of the machinery they use.
How Do Sheet Metal Workers Work?
The typical workweek for a sheet metal worker is 40 hours. Those who operate in sheet metal fabrication often do so in tidy, well-lit, and airy workshops or factories. Nonetheless, they are on their feet for extended periods and must lift heavy raw materials and finished products. Installers at construction sites and buildings often have to work in cramped quarters or other challenging positions, requiring them to bend, lift, stand, climb, and crouch for long periods. In addition, sheet metal workers are frequently subjected to the elements because of their outdoor work locations.
Due to the high prevalence of nonfatal injuries in the sheet metal industry, workers must adhere to safety standards. High-speed machinery poses a risk for some sheet metal workers. The work environment for others can be dangerous due to the presence of sharp metal, the potential for burns from smelting or welding, and the risk of falling from heights. In many workplaces, employees are expected to wear protective eyewear and are forbidden from donning jewellery or baggy clothing that could get trapped in machinery. In addition, workers might rotate between multiple manufacturing stations to reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
As construction workers spend most of their time indoors and normally work towards the end of a project, they rarely have to reschedule their days to account for bad weather. However, workers installing metal on rooftops and other outside constructions frequently must adapt their schedules to avoid bad weather.
Work in sheet metal requires a lot of time and effort. To install products, employees must frequently move large objects, stand for extended periods, bend down, and even crawl through tight areas. In addition, sheet metal workers follow stringent safety procedures due to the high risk of burns, wounds with sharp metal, or accidents on building sites. As if the inherent danger weren't enough, many construction and metal-preparation sites are also noisy or provide unprotected access to the harmful vapours produced by the chemicals employed in these processes.
About 142,300 people worked as sheet metal workers in 2012. Around 59% held positions in the construction business, while 27% were employed in manufacturing.
The typical work environment for a sheet metal fabricator is a compact, well-ventilated shop or factory. They frequently need to stand for lengthy periods and lift big objects. Sheet metal installers at construction sites often have to stoop, kneel, and stand in precarious positions. In addition, workers installing sheet metal outside are exposed to various climate conditions.
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Is Formal Training or Education Necessary?
Four and five years of formal education and on-the-job experience are required to become a competent sheet metal construction worker. There are various methods for obtaining this education. Still, in general, the more formal the education, the more comprehensive the student's knowledge, and the more in demand the student will be by potential employers. Some people start their education in high school, where they are encouraged to take English, mathematics, geometry, physics, mechanical drawing, blueprint reading, and general shop.
One might choose from several training paths after finishing high school. Being hired by a contractor who offers on-the-job training is one option. Beginners often start as assistants, aiding people with more experience. Many people get their start in the metalworking industry by lugging metal or cleaning up afterwards, where they gain knowledge of various materials, equipment, or applications. Later, they get the skills to run machines that bend or cut metal. To learn the ins and outs of installation, assistants eventually make their way out to the site. Companies often pay for their workers to attend community colleges or trade schools to gain a more in-depth, formal education. Assisting positions to have the potential for advancement to the journeyman tier if employees demonstrate the necessary expertise. In large-scale manufacturing, most sheet metal workers learn their trade on the job and supplement that with classroom instruction and in-house workshops as needed. Training for competency in manufacturing is quicker than training with proficiency in construction.
Paid on-the-job training is paired with corresponding classroom teaching in apprenticeship programmes. Apprenticeship programmes often have age requirements of at least 18 and additional prerequisites based on the community. The average duration of the programme is between four and five years, but it might be shorter or longer depending on the apprentice's skill level. Anyone interested in learning more about sheet metal manufacturing or installation can enrol in an apprenticeship programme to receive thorough training in both fields. A Sheet Metal Employees' International Association and the local branches of the Metal Stamping - Central Air Builders National Federation can form local joint committees to oversee these organisations.
There are numerous subfields available to those who work with sheet metal. For example, residential and commercial HVAC maintenance and repair, commercial welding and fabrication, external and artistic sheet metal construction, sign construction, service and refrigerator, including testing or balancing all building products, are all possible focus areas for skilled tradespeople.
Apprentices typically undergo job-specific safety procedures and skill instruction that prepares them to contribute immediately to the organisation's operations. They make use of nonmetallic materials like fibreglass and polymers. Worker attention is narrowed to one speciality within the broad field of sheet metalworking. Apprentices receive training in computer-aided drafting, interpreting plans and specifications, trigonometry and geometry as they relate to layout work, welding, the use of computerised equipment, and the concepts of heating, air conditioning, including ventilation systems. In addition, apprentices understand the interconnected nature of the construction industry as a whole.
Apprenticeship programmes are common for aspiring sheet metal workers in construction, but on-the-job training and technical schools are more common for individuals seeking employment in the manufacturing sector.
The standard training period for a sheet metal worker is four to five years. Apprentices are required to complete between 1,700 and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job education and a maximum of 244 hours of software-related instruction per year. In addition, apprentices receive training in the fundamentals of the construction industry, including reading and interpreting blueprints, basic mathematics, compliance with building codes, and basic safety and first aid procedures.
When sheet metal workers have completed an apprenticeship programme, they are promoted to the "journey worker" level and given the authority to perform their job independently.
Apprenticeship programmes are available at many companies and unions. To participate in an apprenticeship, one must meet the minimum requirements of 18 years old and have completed high school or its equivalent.
Apprenticeships are typically pursued by those fresh out of high school or with a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). However, some individuals get their feet wet as helpers first.
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So, What More Abilities Do You Need to Succeed?
To work with sheet metal, you must have good physical shape, have a knack for mechanics and numbers, and be able to read and interpret blueprints. The ability to accurately perceive spaces and forms, good eye-hand coordination and motor skill are also crucial. Work experience in the Australian Armed Forces and prerequisite courses like algebra, geometry, mathematics, mechanical drawing, and shop are all helpful in preparing one for success in this field.
How to Improve Advancement?
Sheet metal craftsmen, even those with years of experience, must stay up with technological advances like laser cutting and computerised layout. BIM, or " Building Information Modeling," is innovative software that facilitates collaboration among construction professionals.
Those who have obtained relevant certifications will likely find more success in the field. Sheet metal specialisation certifications are offered by many organisations, some of which are referenced in the further reading section below.
In the construction industry, sheet metal workers may eventually become foremen. Some specialise in welding, for example, after receiving extra education in the field. Those who work in testing can progress into building and construction inspection. Finally, some choose to start their independent contracting firms. Sheet metal contractors have higher startup costs than building contractors because they need a place to store their tools and equipment.
In manufacturing, sheet metal workers may eventually become quality inspectors or supervisors. Some of these employees may be promoted to higher managerial positions.
Do Sheet Metal Workers Have a Good Chance of Finding Work?
About 170,800 people during 2008 were employed as sheet metal workers. The construction industry employed roughly 63% of the nation's sheet metal workers, with 46% working for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractors and the remaining 63% for roofing and building finishing contractors. Some were employed by general contractors who oversaw the construction of houses and businesses, while others were employed by contractors specialising in a particular trade.
Manufacturers such as those producing machinery, fabricated metal goods, and aerospace goods and parts employed around 23% of the total sheet metal workforce. The federal government employs some sheet metal workers.
Fewer sheet metal workers than in most other construction craft vocations are self-employed.
How Does This Job Expand?
Sheet metal workers are predicted to have a slower-than-average job growth of 6% from 2008 to 2018 (compared to the average of all occupations). This shift is in response to the increasing demand for housing and commercial spaces during the next decade. It also represents the necessity to replace inefficient HVAC systems for older buildings with newer, more energy-efficient models and to execute various other renovation and maintenance tasks. In addition, rising demand for metal sheet workers is anticipated partly due to the growing demand for decorative sheet metal goods and more architectural restoration.
Although the manufacturing sector is forecast to grow overall, the demand for sheet metal workers is predicted to decrease slightly as the economy is becoming more automated and some of the labour is outsourced to other nations.
Construction sheet metal employees should anticipate favourable job prospects due to industry expansion and annual vacancy creation brought about by the retirement or departure of more experienced personnel. Those who have completed an apprenticeship programme or are certified welders should have the best job prospects. As a result, competition is expected among job seekers for available positions in the industrial sector.
As construction projects end or economic conditions reduce construction activity, sheet metal workers may be out of work for a while. Sheet metal workers, on the other hand, are less vulnerable to construction downturns than other construction jobs because a substantial portion of their work involves maintaining existing equipment. As homeowners and businesses alike seek ways to reduce their power bills, the trend of installing new HVAC systems in older structures will likely continue unabated. In addition, because most sheet metal construction and upkeep occur indoors, sheet metal workers are less likely to be impacted by inclement weather.
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How Much Money Can One Expect to Make Working With Sheet Metal Workers?
During May 2008, sheet metal workers earned a median hourly income of $19.37. Half of all workers made between $14.79 to $28.03 per hour. In the sheet metal industry, the lowest 10% of earners made less than $11.43, while the richest 10% made more than $35.36.
Apprentices typically begin their careers earning 40-50% of the paid to veterans. Apprentices earn regular salary raises as they gain experience and expertise, eventually reaching levels comparable to those of experienced workers.
Approximately 33 per cent of all structural steelworkers are part of a union. Union workers in some locations receive extra wages from the company when laid off or undergo abbreviated workweeks.
In May 2012, a sheet metal worker could expect to earn a median yearly salary of $43,390. However, half of the workers in an occupation made more than the median wage, and the other half made less. Ten per cent of the population made less than $25,410, while the highest-earning 10 per cent made more than $75,740.
Apprentices in the sheet metal trade typically make 40–50% of what their fully trained counterparts do at the beginning of their careers.
The vast majority of sheet metal workers hold full-time jobs. Workers in the industrial sector are more likely to earn bonuses, overtime pay, and output incentives on top of their regular salaries.
Do Different Kinds of People Work With Sheet Metal?
Precision metal sheet workers fabricate ductwork, guttering, and other sheet metal items. Many people spend their days in workshops and factories, where they use a variety of machines and tools. A lot of automation and repetition may be involved, but the fabrication processes used in large-scale production are comparable to those employed in smaller companies. Fabrication firms frequently employ mechanical gear and software like computer-aided design and drawing and architectural 3d modelling to get their jobs done.
Sheet metal workers are responsible for the installation of HVAC ducts. Other sheet metal goods, like metal roofing, siding, and gutters, are also installed by this company. Their specialities are in building and remodelling.
Sheet metal workers in maintenance fix and clean vents to make them more energy efficient. Workers clean the ductwork of any debris or dampness and repair any holes or leaks in the metal sheet that makes it up.
Specialists in sheet metal testing and balancing ensure sure HVAC systems effectively heat and cool rooms by ensuring that air is moved via sheet metal ducts in a smooth and balanced manner. This profile of heating, air-con and refrigeration technicians and installers contains information about those who operate in the field.
What Other Duties Does a Sheet Metal Worker Have?
Sheet Metal Workers don't just do "normal" work; they also make parts for high-efficiency wind turbine installations. Occasionally, they may also be responsible for repairing or modifying equipment.
Sheet Metal Workers use shears, hammers, punches, and drills to create and alter metal components at building sites weekly or monthly. Moreover, they bring prefabricated components to the job locations for final assembly and installation.
Flashing, pipes, tubes, HVAC ducts, furnace casing, rain gutters, and downspouts are just some of the assemblies they install in structural frameworks.
Although their precise tasks may vary, many roof installers must move finished roofing pieces into place.
Certain Sheet Metal Workers are also responsible for conducting mechanical inspections of a building's plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems as part of its commissioning process.
Conclusion
An HVAC duct system, roof, siding, rain gutters, downspouts, skylights, restaurant appliances, outdoor signage, train carriages, tailgates, specialised precision equipment, and more all fall under the purview of the sheet metal worker. Sheet metal workers may also deal with materials used in drainage and roofing in addition to the HVAC components they create and repair. Engineers slice, cut, or shape components using saws, lasers, shears, and presses that are programmed and controlled by computers. They inspect the parts for accuracy before using welders, screws, glue, rivets, glue, or other connecting devices to permanently join them together. Metal hangers are used to suspend the ductwork or tubes from the ceiling or wall.
Some projects, like installing roofing panels on a metal roof, are typically finished on-site. Workers in the sheet metal industry use high-tech machinery to cut, form, and weld metal sheets into products for a wide range of markets. They create or examine existing blueprints and specifications, measure and cut materials with the help of tape measures, rulers, and stamping machines, and make precise cuts with cutting machines, laser cutters, or drills. Workers cut the metal to size, then bend it if necessary, and put it all together with bolts, nails, screws, or welding. Sheet metal workers deliver completed items to construction sites and erect them, joining ducts, seams, and tubes.
To make adjustments and ensure that machinery is installed safely, effectively, and accurately, they use instruments like punching, drilling, hammering, or welding equipment. They also perform maintenance on already-installed HVAC units to ensure their proper operation and boost their efficiency. Sheet metal workers typically put in 40 hours per week and are frequently exposed to the elements due to their often outdoor work locations. The high rate of nonfatal injuries in the sheet metal industry necessitates strict adherence to safety regulations. To prevent repetitive stress injuries, workers in manufacturing facilities are required to wear safety glasses and switch between different work stations on a regular basis.
Sheet metal fabricators typically work in a small, well-ventilated shop or factory; however, those who install metal on rooftops and other outdoor structures often have to rearrange their schedules to avoid inclement weather. It takes between four and five years of schooling and on-the-job experience to become a competent sheet metal construction worker, so it's important to get the training you need. After finishing high school, you can choose from a variety of training programmes in the metalworking industry. Companies may provide their employees with on-the-job training, and some may even subsidise their education at nearby community colleges or vocational institutes. Most sheet metal workers in industrial settings get their start in the industry through on-the-job training augmented by formal education and access to on-site training facilities.
A minimum age of 18 is typically required to enrol in an apprenticeship programme, with additional prerequisites that vary by location. Sheet metal workers can specialise in a wide variety of areas, including HVAC repair and maintenance in both homes and businesses, commercial welding and fabrication, exterior and artistic sheet metal construction, sign building, service and refrigerator repair, and balancing and testing of all types of building products.
Aspiring sheet metal workers in the construction industry often enter an apprenticeship programme, while those in the manufacturing industry are more likely to receive their education and training through on-the-job experience or at a technical college. Each employee receives training in the necessary precautions and skills to begin making an immediate impact on the success of the business. Sheet metal workers typically spend four to five years learning their craft. Apprenticeship programmes typically require applicants to be at least 18 years old and have completed high school or its equivalent. Sheet metal workers need to be in good health, numerate, mechanically-inclined, and able to read and understand blueprints.
In order to progress, it is important to keep up with technological developments such as laser cutting and computerised layout. There is a strong demand for sheet metal workers in the building and manufacturing sectors, as well as in small businesses that provide contracting services. In 2008, the sheet metal industry employed 170,800 people, with the majority (63%) working for HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) contractors and the rest (63% working for roofing and building finishing). Approximately 23% of the total sheet metal workforce is employed by manufacturers such as those producing machinery, fabricated metal goods, and aerospace goods and parts. The increased demand for residential and commercial construction over the next decade is expected to result in slower-than-average job growth of 6% for sheet metal workers from 2008 to 2018.
The rising demand for decorative sheet metal goods and increased architectural restoration are expected to contribute to the growing demand for metal sheet workers. The construction sheet metal industry is growing, and new jobs are being created every year, so workers can feel optimistic about their future employment prospects. With the lowest 10% of earners making less than $11.43 and the highest 10% making more than $35.36, half of all workers have hourly wages between $14.79 and $28.03. Apprentices' starting salaries are typically 40-50% of those of their fully trained counterparts. Most people who work in sheet metal do so full-time, and those who do often receive additional compensation beyond their base salary in the form of bonuses, overtime pay, or other output incentives.
Ductwork, guttering, and other sheet metal items are all products of the precision metal sheet industry. They are in charge of the setup and upkeep of the HVAC ducts and any other sheet metal components. In addition to producing components for high-efficiency wind turbine installations, they also fix and improve machinery. In addition to bringing prefabricated parts to construction sites for final assembly and installation, they use shears, hammers, punches, and drills to create and alter metal components on a weekly or monthly basis. As part of the commissioning process, they also perform mechanical inspections of the building's plumbing, electrical, or climate control systems.
Content Summary
- Workers in this field fabricate, install, and repair a wide variety of metal sheet goods, including HVAC duct systems, roofs, siding, rain gutters, downspouts, skylights, restaurant appliances, outdoor signage, train carriages, tailgates, specialised precision equipment, and more.
- The work of a metal sheet worker encompasses the fabrication, assembly, and maintenance of a wide variety of sheet metal items.
- While some metal sheet workers are highly trained specialists, others perform more routine tasks on assembly lines.
- Next, workers in the sheet metal industry use computers to programme and control the machinery.
- On-site completion is the norm for some undertakings.
- For instance, roofing panels for a metal roof are often measured and cut by sheet metal craftsmen right there during installation.
- Construction sites, metal shops, and industrial factories are common workplaces for sheet metal workers.
- Yet, factory sheet metal workers are typically untrained and limited to completing a monotonous operation.
- Sheet metal workers utilise sophisticated machinery to cut, shape, and weld metal sheets into finished items for a wide variety of consumer and industrial markets.
- Commissioning a building, or conducting a full mechanical assessment of the HVAC and plumbing, including lighting systems, is a growing field of employment for sheet metal artisans.
- In addition, sheet metal workers are frequently subjected to the elements because of their outdoor work locations.
- Due to the high prevalence of nonfatal injuries in the sheet metal industry, workers must adhere to safety standards.
- In addition, sheet metal workers follow stringent safety procedures due to the high risk of burns, wounds with sharp metal, or accidents on building sites.
- Four and five years of formal education and on-the-job experience are required to become a competent sheet metal construction worker.
- One might choose from several training paths after finishing high school.
- Being hired by a contractor who offers on-the-job training is one option.
- In large-scale manufacturing, most sheet metal workers learn their trade on the job and supplement that with classroom instruction and in-house workshops as needed.
- Training for competency in manufacturing is quicker than training with proficiency in construction.
- Paid on-the-job training is paired with corresponding classroom teaching in apprenticeship programmes.
- Anyone interested in learning more about sheet metal manufacturing or installation can enrol in an apprenticeship programme to receive thorough training in both fields.
- There are numerous subfields available to those who work with sheet metal.
- Apprenticeship programmes are common for aspiring sheet metal workers in construction, but on-the-job training and technical schools are more common for individuals seeking employment in the manufacturing sector.
- The standard training period for a sheet metal worker is four to five years.
- In the construction industry, sheet metal workers may eventually become foremen.
- Some specialise in welding, for example, after receiving extra education in the field.
- The federal government employs some sheet metal workers.
- Sheet metal workers are predicted to have a slower-than-average job growth of 6% from 2008 to 2018 (compared to the average of all occupations).
- Although the manufacturing sector is forecast to grow overall, the demand for sheet metal workers is predicted to decrease slightly as the economy is becoming more automated and some of the labour is outsourced to other nations.
- Construction sheet metal employees should anticipate favourable job prospects due to industry expansion and annual vacancy creation brought about by the retirement or departure of more experienced personnel.
- Those who have completed an apprenticeship programme or are certified welders should have the best job prospects.
- As a result, competition is expected among job seekers for available positions in the industrial sector.
- As construction projects end or economic conditions reduce construction activity, sheet metal workers may be out of work for a while.
- Sheet metal workers, on the other hand, are less vulnerable to construction downturns than other construction jobs because a substantial portion of their work involves maintaining existing equipment.
- In addition, because most sheet metal construction and upkeep occur indoors, sheet metal workers are less likely to be impacted by inclement weather.
- Precision metal sheet workers fabricate ductwork, guttering, and other sheet metal items.
- Sheet metal workers are responsible for the installation of HVAC ducts.
- This profile of heating, air-con and refrigeration technicians and installers contains information about those who operate in the field.
- Sheet Metal Workers don't just do "normal" work; they also make parts for high-efficiency wind turbine installations.
- Certain Sheet Metal Workers are also responsible for conducting mechanical inspections of a building's plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems as part of its commissioning process.
FAQs About Weldings
Aside from compensation, most sheet metal companies offer competitive benefits, too. Benefits may vary by employer but can include: health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; disability; retirement plans; parental leave; vacation and paid time off.
The job can be physically demanding – you may work at considerable heights and have to lift heavy materials and equipment. As with all careers in the construction industry, safety is the top priority. Sheet metal workers are trained to work safely and wear special equipment to protect against injury.
Brass. Although not as common as steel or aluminium, brass is still a more widely used material in sheet metal fabrication. Brass is an alloy made up of copper and zinc, with the proportions of each varying depending on the mechanical and electrical properties to be achieved.
Bending sheet metal can be tricky, but with the right tool, it's easy. Those who work with it regularly are likely to have a sheet metal bending brake in their workshop, but this tool can be a bit expensive for the hobbyist.
Sheet metal is used in automobile and truck (lorry) bodies, major appliances, aeroplane fuselages and wings, tinplate for tin cans, roofing for buildings (architecture), and many other applications.