Fabrication
Fabrication—the process of joining piping components into engineered piping systems in accordance with individual design requirements—has proven to be beneficial to both consumers and project owners. These systems are manufactured in every size, complexity and application. The work is done not in the traditional jobsite environment but in off-site shops that offer controlled settings and higher productivity. As many systems have become modularized, it has improved efficiency and sustainability. UA members have been at the forefront of what is considered to be a revolution in how projects large and small are constructed.
Fabrication Brings Huge Opportunities
With the advent of innovations in technology such as CADD (computer-aided design and drafting) and BIM (building information modeling), fabrication and modularization play an ever-increasing role in these traditional sectors of our industry. In addition, BIM technologies have accelerated the use of prefabrication and modularization in the institutional and commercial arenas as well. Today, the United Association has over 500 signatory contractors operating 550 fabrication facilities that supply piping spools, skids packages and modules for projects across North America and abroad. The revolution resulting from this growth led the UA local unions to establish specialized training for the fabrication sector within their registered apprenticeship programs. The training concentrates on lean manufacturing processes, pipe layout and math, isometric and shop spool drawings, piping codes and equipment unique to the fab shop. Priority is placed on welding, using both traditional and state-of-the-art methods. The UA works with the Pipe Fabrication Institute to continually expand opportunities in the fabrication sector.
