Welding is a vital part of metal fabrication. Without it, many of the buildings and products you see and use on a daily basis wouldn’t exist, and a substantial portion of goods made in the United States are created through welding. Below are some other fun tidbits of knowledge you might not know about this process.

5 Interesting Welding Facts

1. It’s a Prominent Part of NASCAR®

Before each NASCAR season, an average of 950 man-hours are required to weld and fabricate hundreds of parts. Technicians hand-cut and weld everything from the chassis to the drivetrain in each car.  

2. It’s Been Around for Several Millenia

Metal fabrication, particularly welding, has been found on objects dating back thousands of years. A prominent example is small, gold, circular boxes from the Bronze age that were made by forge-welding and hammering two pieces of metal to turn them into one whole piece. It is also believed that it was used to some degree in building the Egyptian tombs.

3. It Doesn’t Require a Degree

While college programs do exist for welding, it is not necessary to get a degree to find work in this industry. However, anyone working with metal fabrication will need to be certified and licensed. Also, many times before getting hired, companies will require the individual to pass a hands-on welding test.

4. It Was the First Industry to Use a Robot

In 1961, General Motors installed Unimate, the first industrial robot. The two-ton machine used a motorized arm to transport die castings off the assembly line and weld them onto vehicle bodies, which was a job too dangerous for human beings.

5. It’s Always in High Demand

Because so many products rely on welding and other metal fabrication processes, this industry is almost always looking for qualified individuals. By 2020, demand for welders is expected to increase by 26%. Those entering this specialty will find they can work in all types of manufacturing companies, including those making cell phones, automobiles, and bridges.

When you require high-quality and long-lasting welding and metal fabrication services, contact the experts at Nadler Welding & Repair Shop. Since 1951, this family-owned and -operated metal shop has offered MIG, arc, and TIG welding to the Wentzville, MO, area. Call (636) 327-4404 to discuss your project needs, and visit them online to learn more about their services.