In recent weeks an All Metals Fabrication (AMF) employee had the opportunity to travel to Peru where he hiked the Salkantay Trail on the way to the world famous Machu Picchu. The hike was marked by an unexpected landslide which forced his trekking team to cross a large river.
The large river basin from side to side spanned some 300 feet with canyon walls that were nearly vertical. Walking down the trail, the hiking team found a local farmer who had a single metal cable pulled across the river canyon, approximately 200 feet in the air.
For a small fee the farmer would transport the trekking team across the river in his makeshift cart, cable and pulley system.
The deep mountains and rough terrain of Peru are spectacular, but as one might guess, the traditional testing, engineering and requirements stringently applied in places like the US are not readily apparent on a small Peruvian farm.
Through translation, broken English, broken Spanish and many assurances from the farmer, the team decided to use the metal cart and pulley system to cross the treacherous river.
The trekking team considered the obvious questions about safety, knowing that if the cart or cable failed it was likely certain death. Will the welds hold together on this cart? Is the metal in good condition? Is the metal cable securely fastened? Is the metal cable secure in the cemented structures? All of these were discussion points before the decision was made to go.
Happily, everyone passed over the river safely and the smiling farmer made a good amount of money for his service.
AMF takes these exact questions very seriously as we fabricate parts that HAVE TO WORK! Every day we fabricate parts for roller coasters, transportation vehicles, ski lifts, play ground equipment, railing, guarding, conveyors, automation, paneling, etc.
We track our materials from their origin, we have established weld certificates and processes (WPS and PQRs), we have check points and quality assurance documentation all aimed at delivering components that have passed our fabrication and safety standards so you don’t have to worry if your theme park ride is safe. Because we all know hikes and rides are much better when you can do them more than once!
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Rich Marker is an 18 year, skilled professional in metal fabrication and manufacturing. Co-founder, owner and principal of All Metals Fabrication, Rich has helped to sustain the company’s success over a variety of economic conditions. He has extensive background in continuous improvement, training and process improvement, and emotional intelligence—among other specialized proficiencies. He loves to learn, fly fish, watch college football and devour NY style pizza! He has the best family on earth, loves a good plan, great teaching and the opportunity to get better.
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