The process of constructing machines and structures from raw materials is called metal fabrication. Metal fabricators (companies that specialize in this process) are called fab shops. Metal fabricators are referred to as a value added processes because they add additional value at a certain stage of production.

Contractors, equipment manufacturers, and resellers have metal fabricators work on a variety of projects for them, including hand railings, stairs and structural frames for buildings and equipment. Often metal fabricators bid on jobs by submitting drawings, and if they are awarded the contract, they build the project. Most metal fabricators and machine shops share many of the same capabilities, with fab shops concentrating primarily on the forming and welding of metal.

Once a contract has been awarded, metal fabricators begin the planning stages. This involves ordering the correct materials and having a manufacturing engineer program CNC machines for the project. Some of the work may be sub-contracted out depending on the size and specialized needs of the project.