Will AI Replace Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters?

Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Tack-weld fitted parts together.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Set up and operate fabricating machines, such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters, grinders, and drill presses, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill, or otherwise form and assemble metal components.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Lift or move materials and finished products, using large cranes.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Align and fit parts according to specifications, using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars, and hammers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Hammer, chip, and grind workpieces to cut, bend, and straighten metal.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Locate and mark workpiece bending and cutting lines, allowing for stock thickness, machine and welding shrinkage, and other component specifications.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Remove high spots and cut bevels, using hand files, portable grinders, and cutting torches.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Smooth workpiece edges and fix taps, tubes, and valves.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Mark reference points onto floors or face blocks and transpose them to workpieces, using measuring devices, squares, chalk, and soapstone.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Design and construct templates and fixtures, using hand tools.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Direct welders to build up low spots or short pieces with weld.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Heat-treat parts, using acetylene torches.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Straighten warped or bent parts, using sledges, hand torches, straightening presses, or bulldozers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Erect ladders and scaffolding to fit together large assemblies.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Preheat workpieces to make them malleable, using hand torches or furnaces.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Install boilers, containers, and other structures.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.