TIG. MIG. Frames. Vessels. AWS compliant.

For small parts (<300mm): typically CNC from billet is cheaper. For large parts (>500mm): welded fabrication often more economical. Welded structure reduces material waste from machining. Critical features can be machined post-weld for precision. Weldment break-even depends on geometry, but welded saves material cost above ~500mm structures.

Carbon steel: MIG for production, TIG for precision. Stainless steel: TIG for food/medical/pharmaceutical (clean welds), MIG for general industrial. Aluminum: TIG for thin sheet (5052), MIG for thicker (6061). Specific filler materials per base metal grade. AWS standards specify proper combinations.

Aluminum welding is more difficult than steel — high thermal conductivity, oxide layer, distortion potential. We use AC TIG for aluminum (cleaning action removes oxide). Welder qualification on aluminum specifically required. Distortion managed with weld sequence, jigging, post-weld stress relief. For precision aluminum welding, expect higher cost than steel.

For food, pharmaceutical, biotech: sanitary stainless welds required. Smooth internal weld, no discoloration (oxidation), no crevices. Achieved with: orbital TIG welding (automated), back-purging (inert gas inside tube), proper procedure. For pharmaceutical ASME BPE compliance: orbital welding with full documentation. We coordinate sanitary welding with appropriate techniques.

Standard ASME pressure vessels require code stamp. We do not hold ASME U-stamp directly but partner with U-stamp shops for ASME-required vessels. Most of our pressure vessel work is non-ASME (lower pressures, non-stamped service). For coded vessels, work routed through partners; for non-coded pressure equipment, we fabricate directly.

Distortion managed by: (1) Pre-welding jig fixtures for alignment. (2) Symmetric weld sequences to balance heat. (3) Tack welding before continuous welding. (4) Post-weld stress relief at 500-650°C for steel. (5) Post-weld machining of critical features. (6) Welding sequence optimization with simulation if needed. For precision weldments, expect 0.5-2mm distortion accommodated by post-weld machining.