A sheet metal fabricator typically works with a variety of metals to create parts and products from thin sheets of metal. They may use a variety of tools and techniques, such as lasers, presses, or punches to cut and shape the metal. Then they might use welding or soldering methods to join the pieces together. Finally, they might apply finishes or coatings to the product.

A sheet metal fabricator typically does the following: Reads and interprets blueprints or engineering drawings Selects the type and thickness of metal to be used Cuts metal sheets to size with a hand or power saw Punches holes in metal sheets with a hole punch or press Bends metal sheets to shape with a brake or hammer Welds pieces of metal together with a welding torch