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Architectural metal workers formulate, fix, and sustain heating, airing, and air-conditioning channel systems; roofs; siding; rain gutters; downspouts; skylights; restaurant equipment; outdoor signs; railroad cars; tailgates; modified accuracy utensils; and many other products made from metal sheets. They also may work with fiberglass and artificial equipment. While some workers specialize in production, fitting, or maintenance, most do all three jobs. Metal workers do both construction-related sheet metal work and mass production of sheet metal products in manufacturing.
Metal workers initially make work plans and stipulation to find out the kind and amount of materials they will need. They then determine, cut, bend, shape, and fasten pieces of sheet metal to make ductwork, countertops, and other convention products. In an increasing number of shops, sheet metal workers use computerized metalworking apparatus. This enables them to perform their tasks more quickly and to experiment with different layouts to find the one that result in the slightest waste of material. They cut, drill, and form parts with computer-controlled saws, lasers, shears, and presses.
Without mechanized apparatus in shops, and for products that cannot be made on such apparatus, metal workers use calculating devices to formulate the required calculations and use tapes, rulers, and other devices for design work. They then cut or stamp the parts on machine tools.
A few jobs are completed totally at the installation site. Like installing a metal roof, metal workers gauge and cut the roofing panels that are desirable to complete the job. They protect the first panel in place and intermingle and zip the grooved edge of the next panel into the grooved edge of the first. Then, they connect the free edge of the panel to the structure. This two-step procedure is repeated for each additional panel. Finally, the workers zip machine-made molding at joints, along corners, and around windows and doors for a neat, finished effect.
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