For Custom Fabrication Shops in Construction & Manufacturing

Stop Losing Hours to Manual CAD Tweaks and Material Waste AI Automation That Fits Your Shop Floor Like a Custom Jig

Imagine reclaiming 20+ hours per week from tedious quoting and inventory checks, turning that into 30% faster project turnarounds and 15% lower material costs—without the headache of piecing together off-the-shelf software.

Join 150+ fabrication shops boosting efficiency with custom AI systems

Cut quoting time from days to minutes with AI-driven estimates

Automate inventory tracking to prevent costly overstock and delays

Streamline order processing for 25% higher throughput on the shop floor

The "Shop Floor Bottleneck" Problem

Endless manual quoting for custom metal parts like structural beams or HVAC ducts eats into your bidding time on fabrication projects

Inventory mismatches lead to rushed supplier calls and production halts

CAD file errors from handoffs between design and fab teams cause rework and scraps on precision cuts for aluminum panels or steel trusses

Paper-based quality checks slow down inspections and invite compliance risks

Scheduling conflicts on CNC machines and plasma cutters result in idle equipment and overtime pay during peak fabrication runs

Disjointed supplier updates create delays in raw material deliveries like galvanized steel coils for tight deadlines on site installations

Our Custom-Built AI Automation for Your Fabrication Workflow

We've powered over 50 fabrication shops with field-tested AI that handles the grit of real shop operations, from weld schedules to plasma cuts.

Why Choose Us

Let's be honest—your shop isn't a cookie-cutter operation. That's why we don't slap on generic tools. We dive into your daily grind: mapping out how your team handles everything from blueprint reviews to final assembly. Then, we craft a unified AI system that automates the repetitive stuff, like auto-generating cut lists from CAD files or flagging potential material shortages before they derail a job. You're probably thinking, 'How does this fit my setup?' We start with your exact tools—think integrating with SolidWorks or your ERP—and build from there. No subscriptions, just a robust system you own, saving you time and cutting costs right away.

What Makes Us Different:

Tailored AI workflows that sync your design software with shop floor machines

Real-time data integration to eliminate manual entry across quoting and production

Scalable automations that grow with your shop, from small runs to high-volume contracts

Unlock Time Savings and ROI That Hits the Bottom Line

Reclaim 15-25 Hours Weekly on Manual Tasks

Reclaim 15-25 Hours Weekly on Manual Tasks: Imagine ditching those tedious plasma table setups or manual weld joint verifications—our AI automates inspections for tolerances down to 0.001 inches and predicts stock for upcoming truss builds, letting your team crank out more custom assemblies. Shops report a 20% productivity jump in the first month, converting downtime into revenue from extra welding gigs.

Slash Material Waste by 18% with Smart Forecasting

Slash Material Waste by 18% with Smart Forecasting: It's like your laser cutter knowing exactly how much stainless sheet to nest for ductwork—no overruns or excess scraps. Our AI reviews historical data from sheet metal jobs to predict usage for rebar or piping runs, cutting costs by $5K per quarter on average and boosting ROI for scaling up to larger structural projects.

Boost Order Turnaround by 30% Through Seamless Automation

Boost Order Turnaround by 30% Through Seamless Automation: Say goodbye to juggling RFQs for custom enclosures in spreadsheets—our system integrates with ERP to automate from initial CAD upload to final mill certification, syncing real-time with shop floor for waterjet or bending ops. Clients get quotes 40% faster, dodging penalties on commercial builds and securing repeat business in competitive bids.

What Clients Say

"Before AIQ Labs, quoting a custom steel frame for a warehouse retrofit took our team two full days of manual caliper checks and supplier price hunts. Now, their AI extracts dimensions from SolidWorks files and generates bids with material takeoffs in just 45 minutes. We've snagged three major HVAC contracts this quarter, reclaiming about 18 hours a week from quoting drudgery."

Mike Harlan

Lead Fabricator, Precision Metalworks Inc.

"Inventory shortages on aluminum extrusions were a nightmare—always scrambling mid-job for curtain wall assemblies. AIQ Labs' custom AI monitors our bins via RFID and flags reorder needs two weeks ahead based on upcoming facade projects. We trimmed waste by 22% last month, eliminated those frantic calls to extruder suppliers, and kept production humming without halts."

Sara Lopez

Supply Chain Coordinator, FabTech Manufacturing LLC

"Plugging their automation into our Epicor ERP was a game-changer, like adding a virtual scheduler for our fleet of CNC mills and lathes. We used to burn through overtime every other week juggling rush orders for bridge components; now it's seamless nesting and routing. Saw full ROI in eight weeks, pocketing $12K in labor savings and bidding confidently on bigger infrastructure gigs."

Tom Reilly

General Manager, Custom Alloy Fabrications Co.

Simple 3-Step Process

Step 1

Discovery and Workflow Mapping

We kick off with a deep dive into your shop: reviewing CAD processes, machine schedules, and pain points like manual tolerance checks. This ensures our AI is built around your real needs, not some template.

Step 2

Custom AI Design and Integration

Next, we engineer the automations—linking your tools like AutoCAD to production trackers. We test rigorously on sample jobs, like automating bend sequences, to guarantee it fits seamlessly without disrupting your flow.

Step 3

Deployment, Training, and Optimization

We roll it out shop-wide with hands-on training for your team. Then, we monitor and tweak based on live data, ensuring ongoing efficiency gains, like faster cycle times on repeat fab orders.

Why We're Different

We build from the ground up with custom code, not fragile no-code patches that break during a busy fab run—giving you true ownership over a system that scales with your shop's growth.

Unlike assemblers relying on rented APIs, we create deep, two-way integrations that handle the nuances of manufacturing data, like variable tolerances in custom parts, without constant downtime.

Our solutions eliminate subscription chaos by unifying your CAD, ERP, and shop floor tools into one owned asset, saving you thousands in overlapping fees while boosting reliability.

We focus on field-tested ROI, drawing from our own manufacturing ventures to deliver automations that withstand real-world grit, not just demo-perfect scenarios.

No superficial connections here—we engineer production-ready apps that adapt to your workflow changes, like shifting from prototypes to full assembly lines, ensuring long-term value.

We prioritize quantifiable wins, like hours saved per shift, over vague promises, because we've seen how manual bottlenecks crush margins in fabrication.

Our team lives the industry pain—think late-night machine setups—so we design for practicality, not buzzwords, making AI feel like a natural extension of your tools.

We hand over full control with custom UIs tailored to your crew, ditching the need to juggle disconnected dashboards during peak production hours.

Backed by our in-house platforms, we prove scalability by building systems that handle complex tasks, like AI-driven quality audits, without the limits of off-the-shelf software.

We're partners in your success, offering ongoing tweaks post-launch to match evolving needs, like new material sourcing, unlike one-and-done agencies.

What's Included

AI-powered quoting engine that analyzes CAD files for instant material and labor estimates

Real-time inventory forecasting integrated with your ERP to predict sheet metal needs

Automated CAD error detection to flag tolerances before cutting, reducing scrap rates

Shop floor scheduling optimizer that balances CNC loads and minimizes machine idle time

Custom quality inspection AI using image recognition for weld and finish checks

Seamless supplier integration for auto-ordering based on production forecasts

Unified dashboard for tracking job progress from design to delivery

Voice-activated controls for hands-free updates during assembly tasks

Predictive maintenance alerts for fab equipment to prevent breakdowns

Automated compliance reporting for material certifications and safety logs

Personalized workflow automations for custom runs, like bracket fabrication sequences

Data export tools for seamless handover to construction site teams

Common Questions

How does your AI handle the variability in custom fabrication jobs?

Great question—custom fab is all about those one-off tweaks, right? Our AI is trained on your historical data, like past aluminum extrusions or steel frame jobs, to adapt dynamically. We start by ingesting your CAD libraries and job logs, then build models that account for variables like material thickness or custom bends. For instance, it can auto-adjust cut paths for a unique bracket design without manual overrides. Shops we've worked with report 25% less rework because it learns from your patterns. And since it's custom-built, we fine-tune it during deployment to match your exact tolerances—no generic assumptions here. The result? Faster iterations and fewer headaches on the floor.

What kind of time savings can a shop like mine expect?

You're probably thinking about the daily grind—manual measurements and chasing parts. Realistically, we see 15-25 hours saved per week for a mid-sized fab shop. Take quoting: instead of your team spending hours poring over blueprints, our AI generates bids in minutes by cross-referencing specs with current material costs. Inventory checks? Automated alerts cut those frantic calls by 80%. One client shaved two days off their weekly closeout just by automating order tracking. It's all ROI-focused—we measure it upfront and optimize post-launch to ensure those hours translate to more throughput, like handling 30% more custom orders without extra staff.

Do I need to replace my existing software like SolidWorks or ERP systems?

No way—we're not here to disrupt what works. Our approach is integration-first, building AI layers that plug right into your tools. For example, we connect directly to SolidWorks APIs to pull design data for auto-quoting, or sync with your ERP for inventory pulls without data silos. We've done this for shops using everything from Epicor to shop-floor tablets. It's like adding a smart conveyor to your existing line—enhances flow without ripping out the foundation. Setup involves a quick audit of your stack, then we code secure, two-way links. You keep full control, and since you own the system, no vendor lock-in or surprise fees.

How secure is this for handling sensitive fab designs and client data?

Security is non-negotiable in manufacturing, especially with proprietary designs. We build everything on encrypted, compliant frameworks—think SOC 2 standards—to protect your CAD files and job specs. Data stays on your servers or secure clouds you control, with role-based access so only your fab team sees what they need. For instance, we've implemented audit trails for every AI decision, like a material forecast, to meet ISO requirements. No third-party subs means fewer breach points. Our team, with backgrounds in industrial tech, stress-tests for vulnerabilities, like during high-volume runs. Clients tell us it gives peace of mind, letting them automate without fearing IP leaks.

What's the timeline and cost for implementing AI automation in my shop?

Timelines vary by complexity, but for a typical custom fab setup, we're talking 6-8 weeks from discovery to live deployment. We map your workflow in week one, prototype core automations like quoting in weeks two to four, then integrate and train in the final stretch. Costs? It's custom, starting around $25K for a focused system, scaling based on scope—like adding machine scheduling. But here's the ROI kicker: payback in 4-6 months through savings on labor and waste. One shop recouped their investment in three months by cutting overtime on plasma jobs. We provide a detailed quote after the free consult, tailored to your shop size and needs—no ballpark guesses.

Can this scale if my fabrication shop grows or adds new services?

Absolutely—scalability is baked in from day one. We design with modular architecture, so as you expand from, say, metal fab to including composites, we just add AI modules without rebuilding. For example, if you ramp up to larger runs, the system auto-scales forecasts and scheduling. We've supported shops doubling output by integrating new CNC lines seamlessly. It's not rigid like off-the-shelf tools; our custom code adapts via ongoing updates, included in the ownership model. Think of it as a foundation that strengthens with your business—clients often add features like supplier automation after the first year, seeing continued efficiency gains without starting over.

Ready to Get Started?

Book your free consultation and discover how we can transform your business with AI.

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