Picture this: A massive steel framework rises against the sky at a construction site. Amid sparks and focused concentration, a professional in a protective helmet meticulously fuses metal components together, creating strong bonds that will hold the structure together for decades to come.
Think about the last time you crossed a bridge, rode in a car, or used a metal appliance. Behind each of these everyday objects are skilled professionals who use precise techniques and specialized tools to join metal parts together through the application of heat and pressure. Their work creates the infrastructure and products we rely on daily.
These professionals—collectively known as Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers—are essential to manufacturing, construction, and repair industries. They use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.
They bring unique technical expertise that combines artistic precision with engineering knowledge to create strong, durable metal connections that form the backbone of our built environment.
Total Employment: 421,730 (2023)
Common Names for the Role Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers
- Assembly Line Brazer
- Brazer
- Fabrication Welder
- MIG Welder (Metal Inert Gas Welder)
- Maintenance Welder
- Solderer
- TIG Welder (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder)
- Welder
- Welder Fitter
- Wirer
What Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers Do
Welders, Cutters, Solderers and Brazers use specialized equipment to join or separate metal parts through the application of heat, pressure, or both. Their core responsibilities include:
- Blueprint Interpretation: Reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications to determine dimensions, materials, and welding requirements for accurate fabrication of parts and structures.
- Material Preparation: Preparing metal surfaces by cleaning, degreasing, grinding, or otherwise treating them to ensure proper adhesion and quality of welds.
- Equipment Setup and Operation: Setting up, adjusting, and operating welding, cutting, brazing, or soldering equipment according to specifications and safety protocols.
- Joint Creation: Joining metal components using various techniques (welding, cutting, soldering, or brazing) to create secure connections that meet strength and appearance requirements.
- Quality Inspection: Examining completed welds, cuts, or joints through visual inspection or testing methods to verify quality, identify defects, and ensure compliance with specifications.
- Safety Compliance: Following established safety procedures and regulations, including proper use of personal protective equipment, to prevent injuries and maintain a safe work environment.
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Performing routine maintenance on equipment, identifying malfunctions, and making minor repairs to ensure optimal performance and extend equipment life.
- Documentation: Maintaining records of work completed, materials used, and quality control results to ensure traceability and compliance with project requirements.
- Workflow Planning: Organizing tasks and materials to maximize efficiency, meet production schedules, and coordinate with other team members on complex projects.
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