Fabricators

Fabricator is a term with several related senses. In manufacturing, a fabricator refers to a person, workshop, or company that cuts, forms, welds, and assembles metal or plastic components into structures or equipment. In everyday language, a fabricator also describes someone who invents or manufactures false information (a liar or forger).

Industry role: Fabricators operate in metal fabrication, plastics fabrication, and related fields. Common processes include cutting (plasma, laser, shearing), forming (bending, rolling), welding (MIG, TIG, stick), machining, and finishing. They may produce parts for construction, energy, machinery, automotive, aerospace, and consumer products. Workplaces vary from small job shops to large fabrication yards; typical personnel include fabricators, fitters, welders, machinists, inspectors. Quality control and safety are important; adherence to codes such as AWS welding standards and ISO 9001 is common.

Other senses: The term "fabricator" can also describe someone who constructs a story or fabricates facts. In the context of technology and maker culture, "fabrication" increasingly refers to digital fabrication; fabrication labs and personal fabrication devices such as 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters enable individuals to design and produce custom parts.