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  • A Career in Automotive Welding: From Technician to Motorsport Fabricator

     

     

    A Career in Automotive Welding: From Technician to Motorsport Fabricator

     

    Welding is a crucial component of almost all industries. Its applications are everywhere, from basic household appliances to the world’s tallest skyscraper.

    Given its versatility, one would think that many young minds are drawn to the profession. But, unfortunately, this is not the case.

    The American Welding Society says that by 2027, the U.S. will have a shortage of 360,000 welders, with 90,000 jobs opening every year.

    This demand implies that skilled welders will be a hot commodity in the coming years, with potential welders benefiting from competitive salaries and job security. Plus, it can be a very fulfilling profession.

    For further proof, take a look at the life of the average automotive welder. 

    What Automotive Welders Do

    An automotive welder, as the name suggests, fuses metal components of various automobiles — from passenger automobiles to military-grade vehicles to even supercars used in motorsport.

    The daily tasks of an automotive welder could include making common repairs, crafting metal components, or improving the design and functionality of parts. A welder can also play a huge role in ensuring the safety and reliability of automobiles. 

    There’s a lot of flexibility involved as well — automotive welders can work for companies in several ancillary industries, from car repair workshops to the boat and marine industry to agricultural or heavy equipment manufacturing.

    A custom automotive fabrication expert, meanwhile, could decide to craft components of sports cars, trucks, or even antique vehicles, while an auto mechanic can carry out repairs or improve a car’s structural integrity and design, depending on their expertise. 

    The options are limitless.

    What skills and training are required?

    Automotive welding is a highly skilled profession and requires years of training to get right. Depending on the scope of the project, a number of welding processes are in use — the most popular being arc, MIG, and TIG welding.

    Training in newer processes like plasma or laser beam welding is, of course, a bonus. 

    Apart from a strong knowledge of processes, potential automotive welders could also benefit from familiarizing themselves with the safety procedures and properties of the materials they will be working with.

    As with any other profession, additional skills also count. Some basic qualities that can come in handy include: 

    • Solid time management skills
    • Attention to detail
    • Strong interpersonal skills
    • Good decision-making
    • Problem-solving and lateral thinking
    • Basic math and computational skills

    In recent years, experience with automated welding systems has also proven to be beneficial. Automated specialists with specific training in robotic welding processes can stand to earn more money and be eligible for more jobs. 

    The American Welding Society (AWS) offers several certifications that help potential welders get started on this journey. These range from certified welding educator to certified welding engineer to certifications in robotic arc welding. 

    Work Smarter with nexAir’s KnowHow

    Embarking on a new profession can be a challenging but also exciting prospect. As you embark on your journey, you can rely on nexAir, the leading supplier of welding equipment across the Southeast, to be your trusted ally. 

    Since the 1940s, nexAir has shared its KnowHow with automotive industries across the U.S., helping them Forge Forward with not only the highest quality products but also the expertise and skills it takes to get to the top. 

    For any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to help!

     

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    Behind every package of fresh meat, bag of pre-cut salad, and bottle of craft beer sits an invisible guardian – specialized gas mixtures that preserve flavor, extend shelf life, and ensure product safety. At nexAir, we work with food processors and packagers throughout the Southeast to develop custom gas solutions that address the unique challenges of food production. Our approach goes beyond simply supplying cylinders – we become partners in your quality control process.

    The Critical Role of Gases in Food Preservation

    Food spoilage begins the moment a product leaves the production line. Oxygen fuels bacterial growth, accelerates oxidation, and triggers enzymatic browning. Carbon dioxide inhibits microbial activity. Nitrogen displaces oxygen and maintains package integrity. Understanding the precise balance needed for each food product requires specialized knowledge of both gas properties and food science. Our team works at this intersection, helping you determine the optimal gas mixtures for your specific products.

    Modified Atmosphere Packaging That Preserves Natural Quality

    Consumers increasingly demand fresh, minimally processed foods without artificial preservatives. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) allows you to meet these demands by replacing the air inside packaging with carefully calibrated gas mixtures. For red meats, we supply high-oxygen blends that maintain the bright red color consumers associate with freshness. For prepared salads and sliced produce, low-oxygen mixtures prevent wilting and browning without affecting taste or texture. Our custom MAP solutions help your products maintain their natural appearance and flavor profile throughout their shelf life.

    Ensuring Consistent Quality Through Precision Blending

    Quality control in food production demands consistency – consumers expect the same taste, appearance, and freshness with every purchase. Gas mixtures that vary from batch to batch can undermine this consistency. Our automated blending systems deliver precise gas compositions every time, eliminating the variability that can affect product quality. We regularly calibrate and certify our equipment to food-grade standards, giving you confidence that the gas touching your products meets the highest purity requirements.

    Technical Support When You Need It Most

    Production issues rarely happen during business hours. That's why our team remains available to help troubleshoot gas-related challenges whenever they arise. When a bakery customer noticed inconsistent product volume during an overnight shift, our on-call technician identified a pressure fluctuation in their carbon dioxide supply and quickly implemented a solution. This responsive support helps prevent quality control failures that could otherwise result in product loss and delivery delays.

    Partnering for Continuous Improvement

    Food trends, processing technologies, and packaging materials constantly evolve. We work with our food industry customers to regularly evaluate gas solutions against changing requirements and opportunities for improvement. Our technical team keeps you informed about innovations in gas applications that might benefit your operation. This collaborative approach helps you stay ahead of challenges and continue meeting the high-quality standards your customers expect.

    Maintaining quality control in food production requires vigilance, specialized knowledge, and reliable partners. At nexAir, we provide more than just industrial gases – we deliver application expertise, responsive service, and custom solutions that address the specific challenges of your food products. Contact our food industry specialists today to discuss how our gas solutions can strengthen your quality control program and help deliver the consistent product excellence your customers demand.

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