Metal Fabrication in the Mines - iMINCO Mining Training Information

Metal Fabrication in the Mines

A fabrication engineering tradesperson may perform the following tasks:

  • examine detailed drawings or specifications to find out job, material and equipment requirements;
  • cut, roll, shape, bend, mould, spin, heat or hammer metal products to fabricate parts or sub-assemblies;
  • heat treat metal parts and components;
  • set up and/or operate hand and machine tools, welding equipment or computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines;
  • assemble parts and structures by lining up and joining them by welding, bolting or riveting, and
  • finish products by cleaning, polishing, filing or bathing them in acid solutions, or by applying protective or decorative coatings.

Welder

Welders construct or repair metal products by joining parts using one of several welding processes. There are first, second and third class welders. First class welders in the minerals and energy industry may perform the following tasks:

  • study blueprints or specifications and decide which welding methods to use;
  • clean and prepare metal surfaces for welding, cutting, gouging, bevelling, grinding or filing;
  • cut metal shapes using flame cutting torches;
  • pre-heat thick metals to required temperatures;
  • fit attachments, connect hoses to gas tanks etc;
  • adjust welding machine variables;
  • inspect and check welds;
  • clean and smooth welds, and
  • Second and third class welders perform less complex tasks related to welding.

Boilermaker (Heavy Fabrication)

Boilermakers mark out, cut, shape, assemble and fix metal to produce or repair storage tanks and other high pressure storage vessels. Boilermakers in the minerals and energy industry may perform the following tasks:

  • determine the requirements and steps needed to do the job by interpreting scale drawings;
  • draw accurate guidelines on the metal showing where to cut, drill and bend;
  • cut marked sections using hand tools or cutting torches;
  • shape and bend sections and pipes using a variety of tools and processes;
  • assemble parts and structures after aligning by welding, bolting or rivetting, and
  • make full-size patterns.

Sheetmetal Worker (Light Fabrication)

A sheetmetal worker (light fabrication) manufactures a variety of products and components using thin sheetmetal materials. A sheetmetal worker uses hand tools, power tools and other machines to mark out, cut, shape and join a variety of sheetmetal materials, which can include galvanised steel, mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper and brass.

Sheetmetal workers shape and form the cut material into products by operating sheetmetal shaping and forming machines such as brake presses, folding, bending and rolling machines. Parts are joined by riveting, bolting, welding, brazing or soldering, or by drilling holes in products and in surfaces on which items are to be mounted.

Personal requirements:

  • Enjoy technical activities;
  • Interested in computer programmable machinery;
  • Physically fit;
  • Strength to handle materials, tools and machines;
  • Good hand-eye coordination;
  • Able to work in a team, and
  • Able to work independently.

Wages

Boilermaker/Welder: $70,000 “� $130,000+?Instrumentation Technician: $80,000 “� $130,000

Qualifications

Entry is generally through an AQF Certificate III or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.