About Us
AMF is located in Ogden, Utah, just 40 miles north of Salt Lake City. 3160 South 1900 West; Ogden, Utah 84401.
AMF specializes in ornamental, architectural and industrial metal fabrication. We fabricate nearly all types of metal but focus mainly on stainless steel, aluminum, steel and copper. We also use the latest in fabrication equipment including flat laser, tube laser, forming, MIG and TIG welding.
Over twenty-five years and counting.
AMF originated back in December 1992. It was a cold, snowy winter and much of the work to complete the early manufacturing plant happened at night while the company tried to sell during the day.
AMF certainly had many detractors—those that said we could never do it, but those naysayers underestimated the spirit and direction of our work.
The months and years have quickly transpired and the business has grown from a few key men to now, close to a hundred employees.
All Metals Fabrication serves a variety of industries including industrial, mining, transportation, manufacturing, entertainment, construction, aerospace and healthcare.
AMF was founded on the principles of hard work, fair play, integrity and mutual respect for all. We employ a manifesto aimed directly at our customers that includes the following:
- Your success is as important to us as it is to you.
- We are committed to the utmost integrity.
- We are relentless in our drive for Quality and On-Time delivery.
- We seek your honest feedback and promise to listen.
We care deeply about every customer and every job and we take it personally when things do not go well.
We hope that the combination of our values and the care we have for our customers is evident when you connect with anyone at AMF.
We are passionate about doing the right things, the right way.
Although All Metals Fabrication is readily recognized for its commitment to quality, competitive pricing and quick lead times, what really sets us apart is our world class Continuous Improvement process. AMF consistently receives and implements many hundreds of employee-initiated improvements every year. AMF is self-improving at a rate that shocks our customers and, frankly, frustrates our competitors. Customers that “hitch their wagons” to our brand soon discover that we can quickly become one of their top performing vendors. Let us know what you need and we will deliver!
AMF operates on a 4×10 work week. The best hours to reach us are 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Thursday.
Absolutely! Please contact us today the make arrangements.
All Metals Fabrication offers a wide range of fabrication services including flat sheet laser cutting, tube laser cutting, sheet metal forming, rolling, metal sawing, water jet cutting, MIG, TIG and Robotic welding, deburring and finishing services.
AMF works on a very large variety of metal types, grades, alloys and shapes. Although it would be impossible to list every metal type, thickness and shape, we have a short list below of the common materials that we regularly fabricate:
- Stainless Steel, type 304, 316 and 316L
- Sheet sizes are typically 48”x120”
- Sheet thickness ranges from 26 GA to 1.00” Plate
- Other shapes include tube, pipe, angle, channel and bar
- Aluminum, type 5052, 6061 and 3003
- Sheet sizes are typically 48”x120”
- Sheet thickness ranges from .025 GA to 1.00” Plate
- Other shapes include tube, pipe, angle, channel and bar
- Carbon Steel, type A36, 1018 and 1045
- Sheet sizes are typically 48”x120”
- Sheet thickness ranges from 26 GA to 1.00” Plate
- Other shapes include tube, pipe, angle, channel and bar
- Galvanized and pre-painted steels
- Sheet sizes are typically 48”x120”
- Sheet thickness ranges from 26 GA to 10GA
- Copper, Brass, Bronze and Zinc
- Sheet sizes are typically 36”x96”
- Sheet thickness ranges from .025 GA to .250”
- Shapes vary significantly
AMF’s work is installed across the US but focuses mainly along the Wasatch Front. We have railing installed, for example, in all of Utah’s major universities and sports arenas, including Vivint Smart Arena, Rice-Eccles Stadium, Brigham Young University’s Marriott Center, Utah Valley University’s Student Center, Brigham Young University Idaho’s basketball facility and Weber State University’s Union Building.
AMF operates on a 4×10 work week. The best hours to reach us are 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Thursday.
Email us an RFQ to info@allmetalsfabrication.com. We love to receive both PDF and CAD models to review and download into our estimating software.
AMF expects to be ISO 9001 certified by January 2021. In addition, AMF hires and tests all our welders with certifications to AWS standards.
AMF does all shop drawings and submittals in-house using Solid Works, AutoCad, Revit and others.
AMF works hard to maintain realistic due dates. We normally try to keep all orders inside 2–3 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the work. Naturally, those dates flex both ways. We do incorporate a robust enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to monitor demand and watch shop load at every workstation.
We combine our ERP system with bi-weekly project management meetings to talk about jobs, customers, unique requirements and other lead time and production issues.
The combination of a great ERP system and a rigid meeting rhythm helps AMF hit due dates with high accuracy.
AMF incorporates a robust ERP system to monitor demand and track shop load at every workstation.
Our shop is divided by work centers and we use bar-coded routers to trace projects throughout each work center in the shop. If our customers call and ask about their projects, we can easily reference our ERP system and track each job specifically without ever having to walk into the shop.
We combine our ERP system with bi-weekly project management meetings to talk about jobs, customers, unique requirements and other issues—the whole point being to keep jobs on time.
The combination of a great ERP system and a rigid meeting rhythm helps AMF hit due dates with high accuracy.
AMF takes Continuous Improvement initiatives extremely seriously—it is not a flavor-of-the-month activity. We use an inverted pyramid management approach and encourage all our craftsmen, including the newest hires, to submit ideas as often as possible.
AMF collects those ideas every week and adds them to our continuous improvement list. We use a continuous improvement committee to review each idea and determine how and when to implement.
Hundreds of ideas a year pour into our system and we work hard to implement most of them, making us better every single day.
We also are very appreciative when our customers give us feedback and ideas to improve.
If you have a positive attitude and a solid work ethic, apply at AMF by sending your resume to info@allmetalsfab.com or coming to our plant and filling out an application.
AMF cares deeply, pursuant to our mission statement, about every person working in our organization. To that end, we offer 100% healthcare coverage for all our employees—including their dependents.
Our employees pay nothing for their healthcare except a very small, yearly deductible.
Healthcare benefits include vision, dental and mental health, as well.
In addition to healthcare, AMF has a very generous 401K plan, allowing 4% contributions at time of employment, and matching up to 3% of employee contributions.
We run payroll weekly!
Core Services
Sheet metal laser cutting is a process that uses a high-powered laser to cut flat metal sheets with precision. Unlike tube laser cutting, which focuses on cylindrical or structural shapes, flatbed lasers work with steel, stainless steel, aluminum and other metals in sheet form. The laser follows a programmed path, cutting intricate shapes, holes and designs with minimal waste. This method is widely used in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive and signage industries due to its speed, accuracy and ability to handle various thicknesses while maintaining a clean edge finish.
Advantages
- Accuracy: Extremely precise cuts.
- Versatility: Wide range of materials and thicknesses.
- Speed: Fast processing.
- Cleanliness: Minimal post-processing.
- Efficiency: Reduced material waste.
- Flexibility: Easy design adjustments.
Disadvantages
- Cost: High equipment investment.
- Heat: Potential heat-affected zones.
- Energy: Significant power consumption.
- Fumes: Requires ventilation.
Succinctly answered, three huge benefits: 1) short lead times, 2) competitive pricing and 3) top-level quality all made possible by 10kW fiber lasers with automated material towers.
Obviously, there are many places that have laser cutting technology. At AMF, we are passionate about making our customers happy and stress free.
We have capacity to cut both sheet metal and plate metal around the clock, including lights-out technology—flat sheet laser cutting that truly allows our customers to sleep at night while their parts are being tirelessly cut!
Our lead times, in nearly all cases, that are measured in days—we seek to maintain the fastest lead times in the industry. We are committed to delivery dates that rival Amazon-like speed and ease.
We are ISO 9001 certified manufacturer and work relentlessly on process improvement and continuous improvement. We do not hesitate to acknowledge our imperfections—no one is infallible. Similarly, we are confident in our quality and production—orrective actions and continuous improvement are such a core part of our process and quality management.
Fiber laser power is being developed at such extremely high levels that machines now cut faster than human hands can process.
In other words, loading metal on and off the machine is the bottleneck.
The key here is an old operational term called throughput.
Cutting metal fast only leads to improved efficiency if the parts are moving on and off the machine just as fast. Automation has become a critical component to the powerful fiber technology.
Short answer, yes! Remote monitoring with cameras, computer-generated feedback and even sound all play a part in allowing laser cutting to be successfully done in the middle of the night.
Should there be a problem, alarms can be sent to operations personnel who can quickly assess the errors at home. Cameras inside the cutting enclosure can often tell the story and allow for remote repairs that can be done online.
Flat sheet laser cutting operators will arrive in the morning with stacks of parts that are ready to sort and ship the next morning.
Some shops have invested in tower loading automation, but even fewer shops have invested in the offloading part of the automation.
AMF has both automated loading and offloading. Both are essential to maximize throughput and productivity.
The automation is just as important as the flat sheet laser cutting itself. Both must be fast and accurate to create real value for the customer.
Our lasers can cut stainless steel, steel and aluminum, as well as round tubes, square tubes, pipes, angles, channels, flat sheets and more.
AMF can cut nearly any metal type imaginable. That includes steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, brass, bronze, galvanized, electro-galvanized and more.
The thickness a flat sheet laser cutter can handle depends heavily on the laser’s power and the material being cut. Here’s a general overview:
- Lower-power CO2 lasers: Typically cuts thinner materials, like acrylic, wood and thinner gauge mild steel.
- Higher-power fiber lasers: Can cut much thicker metals, including:
- Mild steel: Up to 1 inch or more.
- Stainless steel: Similar thickness capabilities.
- Aluminum: Thickness varies; higher-power fiber lasers can cut aluminum up to around 3/4 of an inch, although cutting quality drops off as thickness increases.
It is important to remember that the quality of cut will be reduced on the thicker ends of the laser’s capacity. Also, different metals hold up to the heat of lasers differently. Essentially, advancements in fiber laser technology have significantly expanded the thickness capabilities of flat sheet laser cutting.
A flat sheet laser cutter can cut extremely small and precise details in thin metal sheets, with the minimum cut size depending on the laser type, focus precision and material properties.
- Minimum kerf (cut width): As small as 004 inches (0.1 mm), depending on the laser power and material.
- Smallest hole diameter: Typically 1:1 ratio to the material thickness (e.g., a 0.02-inch hole in a 0.02-inch sheet).
- Fine detail capability: High-precision fiber lasers can create intricate patterns, micro-cut features and thin webbing without warping.
For ultra-fine cutting, assist gases like nitrogen help maintain clean edges, and fiber lasers are preferred for reflective metals like aluminum, copper and brass.
Flat sheet laser cutting can maintain tolerance around .005″ but that can be challenging and certainly adds significantly to the cost of the part.
We generally recommend tolerance blocks set at .01″. This is almost always sufficient to accomplish the design intent and can be cut and measured very successfully.
While both subtractive manufacturing techniques, flat laser machines offer more precise cutting tolerances than waterjet cutting machines.
All Metals Fabrication does not employ minimum-sized orders for laser cutting if our customers are willing to use the auto-quoting and auto-ordering online feature. This requires customers to generate CAD models and upload their models into our online quoting software. It always requires pre-payment with an online credit card submission.
Of course, AMF also works with large-sized customers that use traditional purchase orders and bid requests. These jobs often result in orders that are ten thousand to one hundred thousand dollar-sized jobs, spanning months of releases.
We aim to fill our customer pool with little, medium, big and super-big sized jobs.
Flat sheet laser cutting has its own set of nuances that many customers do not realize.
Some of the key issues that help us be successful include the following:
One, accurate and complete models. Incorrect models are often our biggest struggle. Multi-lines, unattached lines and BOM layers can often make life difficult when it comes to programming and nesting models for laser cutting.
Two, hole sizes are too small compared to the thickness of the metal. New fiber lasers are very good at cutting super small holes, even in very thick metal. The general rule, however, is that the hole size must not be smaller than the thickness of metal.
For example, a .250″ thick metal plate should not have holes that are less than .250″ diameter. This can be fudged within reason, but we often get hole sizes that are simply too small to cut accurately. For example, a .065 diameter hold will not successfully cut through .250″ thick metal plate.
Three, part drawings do not match model.
Four, hole sizes do not match downstream callouts for tapping or added fasteners like pem nuts or pem inserts. It is important for our customers to do the necessary research to allocate the right hole sizes for downstream processes.
This might be the most important question yet…😊. Give AMF a chance to prove our work. Again, we promise fantastic lead times, very competitive pricing and superb quality. All of that is aimed toward giving you, the customer, a stress-free, happy experience.
Sheet metal forming is a manufacturing process that transforms flat sheets of metal into three-dimensional shapes by applying force to deform the material without fracturing it. This is achieved through various techniques such as bending, deep drawing, stamping and roll forming, which bend, stretch or shape the metal. Suitable for a variety of metals, including steel, aluminum and stainless steel, this process is widely used in industries like automotive, aerospace, appliance manufacturing and construction. The primary goal is to produce parts with specific shapes, dimensions and properties.
Sheet metal forming is used extensively across numerous industries, including some key areas:
- Automotive: Body panels, chassis components and interior parts.
- Aerospace: Aircraft skins, structural components and engine parts.
- Appliance Manufacturing: Refrigerator doors, washing machine housings and oven components.
- Construction: Roofing, siding and structural elements.
- Electronics: Computer chassis, enclosures and electronic component housings.
- HVAC: Ductwork, ventilation systems and equipment housings.
- Consumer Goods: Cans, containers and various household items.
- Industrial Equipment: Machinery housings, enclosures and structural parts.
Essentially, any industry requiring precise, formed metal parts utilizes sheet metal forming.
Sheet metal is formed by applying force to deform it into desired shapes without breaking. This is accomplished through various processes:
- Bending: Applying pressure to create angles or curves.
- Deep drawing: Stretching the metal into a die to form cup or box-like shapes.
- Stamping: Using dies and presses to cut, bend or form the metal.
- Roll forming: Passing the metal through rollers to create continuous shapes.
- Other methods: Includes spinning, hydroforming and folding.
These processes use tools and machinery to manipulate the metal, achieving specific dimensions and shapes.
Forming aluminum sheet metal requires specific techniques due to its softness and tendency to crack if not handled properly. Common methods include:
- Bending: Use a press brake with the right tooling to prevent cracking.
- Rolling: Gradually shape aluminum into curved or cylindrical forms.
- Deep drawing: Slowly stretch aluminum into a die to form hollow shapes.
- Hammering or manual forming: Use hand tools to shape thinner aluminum sheets.
- Heat treatment (annealing): Apply heat to soften aluminum for easier forming without cracking.
Proper lubrication, slow forming speeds and controlled force help prevent damage and ensure precision in automotive, aerospace and manufacturing applications.
- Cost-effectiveness: Efficient for high-volume production.
- Versatility: Can create complex shapes and designs.
- Strength and durability: Formed parts are often strong and durable.
- Lightweight: Allows for the production of lightweight components.
- Consistency: Produces uniform parts with tight tolerances.
- Material efficiency: Minimizes waste through precise forming.
- High initial costs: Requires expensive tooling, machinery and setup.
- Material limitations: Some metals may crack, warp or require heat treatment.
- Design constraints: Complex shapes may need multiple forming steps.
- Thickness restrictions: Best suited for thin to medium-gauge metals.
- Springback effect: Metal may return slightly to its original shape after bending.
Despite these challenges, sheet metal forming remains a key process in automotive, aerospace and industrial manufacturing due to its strength and efficiency.
A tube laser uses a focused laser beam to precisely cut shapes and holes into tubes, pipes, angles, channels and beams. It’s a high-tech tool that allows for intricate cutting on a large variety of shapes, sizes and material types. Cutting is highly accurate, much more so than traditional saw cutting and drilling.
Tube lasers cut lengths of structural metal, including square tube, rectangular tube, round tube, pipe, angle and channel. Flat sheet laser cutting does a great job of cutting, yes, flat sheets. Tube laser cutting uses the same cutting technology, but it focuses on cutting structural lengths and shapes.
A tube laser cutting machine works by focusing a high-powered laser beam onto the surface of a tube. The tube is then precisely rotated and moved by the machine’s controls, allowing the laser to cut intricate shapes, holes and designs. The intense heat of the laser melts, burns or vaporizes the material, leaving a clean, precise cut.
A tube laser operator is a skilled technician who sets up, operates and maintains a tube laser cutting machine. Their responsibilities typically include:
- Programming: Inputting design specifications and instructions into the machine’s software.
- Setup: Loading materials, adjusting laser settings and ensuring proper machine calibration.
- Operation: Monitoring the cutting process, making adjustments as needed and ensuring quality control.
- Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
- Quality control: Inspecting the finished product to ensure it meets specifications.
Essentially, they are the people who translate designs into physical parts using advanced laser cutting technology.
Materials suitable for laser cutting at AMF include stainless steel, steel, aluminum.
What types of metal can a tube laser cut?
Tube laser cutters are versatile and can handle a variety of metals including these common materials:
- Steel: Includes mild steel, carbon steel and stainless steel.
- Aluminum: Known for its lightweight properties, aluminum is frequently processed by tube laser cutters.
- Other metals: Depending on the laser type (especially fiber lasers), materials like copper, brass and titanium can also be cut.
Essentially, modern tube laser technology, particularly fiber lasers, has expanded the range of workable metals significantly.
Typically, about .375″, depending on the size and shape being cut.
Tube laser machines can cut a wide variety of shapes, including:
- Simple shapes: Circles, squares, rectangles and triangles.
- Complex shapes: Intricate patterns, custom designs and precise holes.
- Contour cuts: Following the curve of the tube for complex profiles.
- Bevel cuts: Angled cuts for welding preparation.
- Notches and slots: For assembly and joining.
Essentially, if a shape can be programmed into the machine’s software, the tube laser can likely cut it.
5-axis tube laser cutting refers to a process where the laser head can move in five different axes simultaneously. This allows for:
- Complex geometries: The ability to cut intricate shapes and angles on tubes that traditional 2D or 3D laser cutters cannot handle.
- Bevel cuts and angled features: Creating precise angled cuts for welding preparation or complex assemblies.
- 3D profiling: Cutting along the contours of a 3D tube shape, not just on a single plane.
- Increased precision: Greater control over the cutting process, leading to higher accuracy and reduced errors.
Essentially, it’s a more advanced form of tube laser cutting that provides greater flexibility and precision for highly complex applications.
All Metals Fabrication has over 20 certified welders and weld expertise on everything from steel to aluminum and titanium.
TIG welding is used to weld thin pieces of stainless steel as well as magnesium, aluminum and copper alloys. MIG is generally used for thicker pieces of stainless steel, magnesium, aluminum and copper, as well as nickel, silicon bronze and carbon steel.
CWI stands for Certified Welding Inspector. AMF employs in-house CWIs that watch over all our welding standards and ensure welding quality that adheres to American Welding Society (AWS) standards.
WPS stands for Welding Procedure Specifications. It is, more or less, a welder’s guide to the applicable standards and requirements needed to make the weld successful. Many people compare it to a food recipe, which consists of both ingredients and directions that tell the chef how to apply, mix and cook the ingredients. For example, similar to including meat type, cooking temperature and cooking time in a recipe, the WPS gives welders information about base metal, amps, volts, welding travel speed and other details.
The combination of all these materials and instructions ensures that the welding process is repeatable and consistent.
PQR stands for Procedure Qualification Record and each WPS starts with a PQR. It is a test record and lists the values recorded during test piece welding. PQRs are proof of ability and WPS’ are the instructions to make sure the ability follows suit with the recipe.
MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas)
- Electrode: Uses a continuous wire feed.
- Shielding gas: Typically argon, CO₂ or a mix.
- Speed: Faster, ideal for large projects.
- Ease of use: Easier to learn, great for beginners.
- Best used for: Steel, stainless steel and aluminum, used in automotive, construction and fabrication.
- Electrode: Uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode.
- Shielding gas: Almost always 100% argon.
- Speed: Slower, but provides higher precision.
- Skill level: More difficult, requiring manual filler rod control.
- Best used for: Thin metals, stainless steel, aluminum and decorative welds, used in aerospace, automotive and fine fabrication.
MIG is faster and easier for general welding, while TIG offers greater precision and cleaner welds for detailed work.
The choice between TIG welding and MIG welding depends on the project requirements.
TIG Welding is best for precision, aesthetics and thin metals.
- Higher precision: Produces cleaner, stronger welds with better detail.
- Best for thin metals: Ideal for stainless steel, aluminum and non-ferrous metals.
- No spatter: Uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode, creating a neater weld.
- Slower process: Requires more skill and time.
MIG Welding is better for speed, thicker materials and general fabrication.
- Faster and easier: Uses a wire-fed electrode, making it efficient for large projects.
- Best for thick metals: Works well with steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
- Stronger on structural welds: Ideal for automotive, construction and manufacturing.
- More spatter: Requires cleanup and may not be as precise as TIG.
MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, also called gas metal arc welding or GMAW, is a welding process that uses a consumable wire electrode to join metals. An electric arc forms between the electrode and the workpiece, which heats the metal and causes it to fuse. A shielding gas is used to protect the weld from contamination.
A MIG welder is a welding machine that uses a continuous wire electrode fed through a welding gun to create a strong, clean weld. The process, known as MIG welding or GMAW, relies on a shielding gas (typically argon or a mix of argon and CO₂) to protect the weld from contamination.
Key features of MIG Welding:
- Easy to use: Ideal for beginners and professionals.
- Fast and efficient: Suitable for high-production work.
- Versatile: Works on steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
- Clean welds: Minimal spatter and no slag removal needed.
MIG welders are commonly used in automotive, construction and metal fabrication for their speed, precision and ease of use.
MIG welding is commonly used for welding steel and stainless steel, but it can also be used to weld aluminum and other metals. It is a versatile process that can be used for a wide variety of applications, including automotive repair, shipbuilding and construction.
MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding works by feeding a continuous wire electrode through a welding gun. An electric arc is created between this wire and the workpiece, melting both the wire and the base metal. Simultaneously, a shielding gas flows from the gun, protecting the molten weld pool from atmospheric contaminants like oxygen and nitrogen, which can weaken the weld. The molten metal then solidifies, forming a strong bond between the two pieces of metal.
MIG welding involves preparing the metal and welder, executing the weld and finishing the piece.
Here’s a quick, concise guide to TIG welding:
- Prep: Clean metal, select MIG gas (is used), wear safety gear.
- Setup: Set welder with correct wire, voltage and gas (if used)
- Weld: Strike arc, maintain steady travel speed.
- Finish: Inspect and clean weld.
Practicing, maintaining a steady hand and listening to the weld sound is vital. Training is highly recommended.
MIG welding was invented in 1948 by the Battelle Memorial Institute in collaboration with the Airco Company. Initially developed for welding aluminum and non-ferrous metals, the process evolved with the introduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) shielding gas in the 1950s, making it more versatile for steel welding. Today, MIG welding is widely used in automotive, construction and manufacturing due to its speed, ease of use and clean welds.
MIG welding uses a shielding gas to protect the weld from atmospheric contaminants. Common gases include:
- Argon: Often used for welding aluminum and stainless steel.
- CO2 (carbon dioxide): Cost-effective option for welding mild steel, though it can produce more spatter.
- Argon/CO2 mixtures: Popular blend that balances cost and weld quality for mild steel.
- Argon/oxygen mixtures: Used for some stainless steel applications.
- Argon/helium mixtures: Used for thicker aluminum and some stainless steel applications.
The specific gas used depends on the type of metal being welded and the desired weld characteristics.
Yes, you can MIG weld without gas, but it’s more accurately referred to as “flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)” when done this way. Here’s the difference:
- Traditional MIG (GMAW) uses a shielding gas from an external cylinder and requires a separate gas supply.
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) uses a special wire that contains a flux core which creates its own shielding gas, eliminating the need for an external gas cylinder. It includes dual shield flux core wires that do require an external shielding gas.
Key points to remember :
- “Gasless MIG” is a common term, but it’s technically FCAW.
- FCAW is often used outdoors or in windy conditions where shielding gas could be blown away.
- FCAW tends to create more spatter than traditional MIG.
TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, also called gas tungsten arc welding or GTAW, is a welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create an arc. The weld pool is protected from contamination by an inert gas. A separate filler rod is fed into the weld pool to add material.
A TIG welder is a welding machine used for TIG welding, also known as GTAW. It generates an electric arc between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the metal workpiece, while an inert gas (usually argon) shields the weld from contamination. TIG welders allow precise control over heat and weld quality, often using a foot pedal or amperage settings. They are commonly used for steel, stainless steel, aluminum and other non-ferrous metals, making them ideal for aerospace, automotive and precision fabrication.
TIG welding is often used for welding thin materials or for welding metals that are difficult to weld with other processes, such as aluminum and magnesium. It is also used for applications that require a high-quality weld, such as in aerospace and food processing.
TIG welding works by creating an electric arc between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the metal being welded. A constant flow of inert gas (usually argon) shields the weld area from contamination. The welder controls the heat using a foot pedal or amperage settings, while manually adding a filler rod if needed. The result is a clean, precise weld with minimal spatter, making TIG welding ideal for steel, stainless steel, aluminum and other non-ferrous metals.
Here’s a quick, concise guide to TIG welding:
- Prep: Clean metal, select tungsten/gas, set machine.
- Setup: Secure work, insert electrode, connect gas/ground.
- Weld: Strike arc, control amperage, feed filler, move torch.
- Finish: Cool, clean weld.
Shielding gas, tungsten, amperage control and practice are vital to TIG welding.
TIG welding was invented in the 1940s by Russell Meredith while working for the Northrop Aircraft Corporation. Originally called Heliarc welding, it revolutionized metal joining by using a non-consumable tungsten electrode and inert gas shielding to produce clean, high-quality welds. The process was crucial during World War II, particularly for welding magnesium and aluminum in aircraft manufacturing, and has since become widely used in automotive, aerospace and industrial fabrication.
The primary gas used for TIG welding is argon because it provides stable arc performance and protects the weld from contamination. Other gases may be used depending on the material:
- Argon (100%): Most common for steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
- Argon-helium mix: Improves heat input and penetration for thicker materials.
- Argon-hydrogen mix: Used for stainless steel to increase fluidity and penetration.
- Argon-nitrogen mix: Sometimes used for specialized stainless steel applications.
Using the correct shielding gas ensures clean, strong welds by preventing oxidation and impurities.
No, TIG welding cannot be done without gas. The shielding gas, typically argon or a mix of argon and helium, is essential for protecting the tungsten electrode, weld pool and filler metal from contamination. Without gas, the weld would be exposed to oxygen, nitrogen and moisture, leading to oxidation, porosity and weak welds. If gas is unavailable, alternative welding methods like stick (SMAW) or flux-cored (FCAW) welding, which is use flux for shielding, may be better options.
Other Services
Architectural metal refers to custom metalwork used in building design and construction for both functional and decorative purposes. It includes materials like copper, aluminum, stainless steel and galvanized steel, commonly shaped into roofing, gutters, wall panels, flashing, facades and decorative trims.
This type of metal is valued for its durability, weather resistance and aesthetic appeal, making it essential in commercial buildings, historical restorations and modern architectural designs.
Industrial metal fabrication work involves cutting, shaping, assembling and finishing metal to create structures, machinery and components for industrial use. This process includes welding, laser cutting, bending, stamping and machining to manufacture parts used in industries like construction, aerospace, automotive and manufacturing.
Fabrication shops work with materials such as steel, aluminum and stainless steel to produce custom metal parts, structural frames, piping systems and machinery components.
AMF offers a wide variety of ornamental or decorative architectural work. We work on projects up and down the Wasatch Front as well as throughout the country.
We specialize in ornamental railing, glass railing, stainless steel railing, artistic elements like steeples, pergolas, ornamental hoods, decorative columns, wall panels, meshes, perforated panels, etc. Visit our architectural web page to see examples and pictures of the work we do to make construction projects look great.
Most HVAC is fabricated from galvanized sheet metal. Sometimes the terms sheet metal and HVAC are used synonymously, but they are not, in fact, the same. HVAC is a niche in the sheet metal industry but many sheet metal types and sizes are used for fabrication and manufacturing that does not include HVAC.
Opinions vary, but we typically think metal sheet thickness over .250″ is in the category of plate metal and .187″ and under is in the category of traditional sheet metal.
We offer precision fabrication, tube laser cutting, flat sheet laser cutting, sheet metal forming and rolling, press brake forming, metal sawing, water jet cutting, MIG and TIG welding, deburring and finishing services. Our equipment includes flat lasers, press brakes, tube lasers, shears, welding machines, routers, rolls and saws. We service clientele in both industrial and architectural fabrication. Our niche is generally around .375″ material and lighter; although, we do heavier work for smaller-sized weldment assemblies.
With over twenty-five years in business, AMF has seen about everything. We have fabricated stainless steel benches for Ground Zero Museum in New York. We have fabricated conveyor components for the food industry, railing for the light transportation industry and construction industry, as well as enclosures, hoods, panels, hoists, guards, platforms, climbing walls, pipe supports, escalator cladding, countertops, storefronts, building envelopes, etc.
Fabricators can weld in multiple positions, make the difficult look easy and enjoy challenges and new jobs day-in and day-out.
Being a booth welder at AMF is not good enough—we hire advanced fabricators.
This might be one of the most important questions in the field. AMF works hard to hire fabricators, not just welders. Fabricators are the type of welders that can solve complex problems, look ahead to potential pitfalls, add grinding skills that make a perfectly welded part look fantastic with the finishing touches.
Fabricators can weld in multiple positions, make the difficult look easy and enjoy challenges and new jobs day-in and day-out.
Being a booth welder at AMF is not good enough—we hire advanced fabricators.
A water jet cutter can cut through a wide range of materials and thicknesses, depending on the machine and cutting pressure.
- Metals (steel, aluminum, titanium, etc.): Up to 12 inches (300 mm)
- Stone and ceramics: Typically up to 6 inches (150 mm).
- Plastics and composites: Varies, but usually up to several inches.
Water jet cutting is ideal for thick, heat-sensitive materials since it cuts without heat distortion or mechanical stress, making it widely used in aerospace, manufacturing and custom fabrication.
Water jet cutting is highly accurate, with tolerances typically ranging from ±0.003 to ±0.010 inches (±0.08 to ±0.25 mm), depending on material thickness and machine setup.
- Fine cutting (high precision machines): ±0.003 inches (±0.08 mm) for detailed work.
- Standard industrial cutting: ±0.005 to ±0.010 inches (±0.13 to ±0.25 mm) for general fabrication.
Water jets provide clean, precise cuts with no heat-affected zones (HAZ), making them ideal for metals, composites and delicate materials in aerospace, automotive and industrial fabrication.
Water jet cutting can cut through almost any material, but there are some limitations. It can easily cut metals, stone, glass, plastics, composites, ceramics and rubber—even up to 12 inches thick in some cases. However, it struggles with:
- Tempered glass: Shatters due to internal stress.
- Diamonds: Too hard for standard abrasives.
- Certain ceramics: Extremely brittle types may crack.
For most industrial, aerospace and fabrication applications, water jet cutting is one of the most versatile and precise cutting methods available.