What is the primary function of sheet metal workers?

The primary function of sheet metal workers is to fabricate, install, and maintain metal products. This role encompasses a variety of tasks that include measuring, cutting, bending, and assembling sheet metal materials to create ductwork, flashings, and other custom metal items used in construction and manufacturing. Sheet metal workers are skilled in using various tools and techniques to ensure that metal products fit specifications and function effectively within the intended application, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and roofing.

This focus on the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of metal products distinguishes the role from those associated with other choices. Designing buildings and structures pertains more to architects and structural engineers who conceptualize plans, whereas welding is a specialized skill involved in connecting metal components, which may or may not be part of a sheet metal worker's duties. Conducting electrical wiring falls under the domain of electricians, who focus primarily on electrical installations rather than metalwork. This understanding clarifies the essential role of sheet metal workers in the construction and manufacturing sectors.