Advanced Value Added Services (Robotic Coping, Forming, and Plate Burning)
As a structural steel service center, Delta Steel has established lasting, mutually beneficial relationships in nationwide metal fabrication and distribution markets. We utilize the most advanced structural steel cutting and forming technologies to achieve higher-quality products for structural steel fabricators.
Our forming, plate burning, and robotic coping machines improve efficiency and product consistency. These services add value to our core capabilities and make more complex structural steel fabrication services available to a wider range of manufacturing, construction, and other industries.
Robotic Coping
Structural steel fabrication often requires a coping process to ensure pipe, tube, and beam assemblies fit together as intended. By carefully cutting, slotting, and shaping materials, coping ensures components of all shapes and sizes fit into their settings without interference.
Manual coping is a lengthy and involved process, with little guarantee of accuracy. At Delta Steel, we use automated robotic coping machines to process structural steel components. By transferring all engineering data to a CNC robotic coping machine, we cut down on material preparation and coping time. Our robotic coping machines maximize productivity, enhance quality, improve safety, and lower costs.
Features of Our Robotic Coping Machine
We use 7-axis plasma cutting machines that provide unparalleled speed and accuracy for all shaping procedures, including weld preparation. This automated robotic coping machine maintains high production continuity, reduces dependence on manual operators, and can create highly complex geometries from raw materials.
Robotic Coping Applications
- Structural steel fabrication and processing
- Structural steel distribution services
- Process machinery and equipment
- Structural steel manufacturing & assembly
- Offshore energy operations
Advantages of Robotic Coping
- Greater production efficiency
- Higher quality
- Reduced costs
- Easier, safer operation
- Flexibility
Robotic Forming
Robotic forming involves bending a metal sheet or plate into a specific angle or curve, most often with a CNC hydraulic press brake and die. The press brake forces the metal into a die to achieve a desired shape (typically a “U”, “V”, “W”, or “Z”). In our facilities across the country, Delta Steel operates press brakes from 20 to 60 feet, capable of accommodating projects of almost any scale.
Forming Applications
- Marine
- Renewable energy
- Construction
Advantages of Robotic Forming
- Higher quality and consistency
- Adaptability
- Shorter lead times
- Safer operations
Plate Burning/Plasma Cutting
Plate burning, also called plasma cutting, uses a flame or electrical arc to ignite a gas or liquid to cut through various conductive metals. The plasma cutter converts an inert gas or compressed air into plasma, which heats the metal plate beyond its melting point. The melted material blows away, leaving a clean edge and reducing the need for finishing services. We use a CNC Hi-Def plasma cutting torch to cut up to 3-inch structural steel plates. These machines feature smaller nozzles that can create tighter tolerances than standard plasma cutters.
Features of Our Plasma Machines
Delta Steel primarily relies on plasma cutters, also known as combination plasma cutting machines, which utilize a multi-tool head to perform numerous functions. Plasma machines eliminate the need to transfer materials between stations, performing all drilling, milling, cutting, and other processes with a single machine.
Advantages of Plate Burning/Plasma Cutting
- Greater production efficiency
- Minimal downtime
- Reduced long-term expense
- Permanent reduction of labor costs
- Increased ROI
Plate Burning/Plasma Cutting Applications
Technicians primarily use plasma cutting for high-alloy steel, but it’s also effective for lower-alloy steels. This makes plasma cutting suitable for a wide range of industries, including industrial construction, marine and automotive repair/restoration, salvage and scrapping, and various manufacturing processes.
Why Choose Delta Steel
As one of America’s largest structural steel service centers, Delta Steel offers an extensive range of structural steel products and value added services. Each Delta Steel distribution center is custom-tailored to better serve its region, because we’re dedicated to providing the most value-adding services and high-quality materials wherever our customers need them.
To learn more, contact a Delta Steel facility near you for your coping, forming, and plasma cutting needs.
Demetres Steward – Shift Supervisor
Demetres Steward is the Second Shift Supervisor in Houston, TX.
Demetres Steward’s story is one of dedication, perseverance, and continuous growth within the steel industry. Starting as a crane operator with a competitor in 1996, Demetres’ career is marked by the positions he held.
From handling inventory intricacies to leading third-shift operations, including yard truck operations, material processing, and managing RMA processes, Demetres gained diverse experience in operations. Moving on from his crane operator role he joined the team at Metal Supply Company in 2002 as a crane operator and quickly moved to safety coordinator.
With a solid educational background and a keen eye for inventory adjustments, mill claims, and forklift operations, Demetres quickly proved his capabilities in the dynamic world of steel.
His journey with Delta Steel began in 2022 as an inventory control admin. In 2023 he worked took on a position as third shift leadman. Demetres’ two-week orientation and familiarity with inventory control at Metal Supply Company laid the foundation for his success. His training with the new inventory control software, coupled with learning from veteran colleagues, showcased his dedication to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
When asked about his role, Demetres emphasized:
“I like the camaraderie with my team, the challenge of efficiently managing the flow of steel in the warehouse, and the joy of working with colleagues I have known for over two decades.”
The safety-oriented culture at Delta Steel aligns with Demetres’ values, making it a workplace where he not only excels but also feels cared for. In just two years, he has risen through the ranks, showcasing his commitment to excellence.
Career Growth
Demetres has evolved and climbed the career ladder, reaching the position of Second Shift Supervisor at Delta Steel – Houston in August 2023. Overseeing a team of 16-18 employees, Demetres leads toolbox talks, manages timesheets, and makes critical decisions on material substitutions in collaboration with the sales department. His role involves not just the aforementioned responsibilities but also a strong focus on safety—a value deeply embedded in Delta Steel’s culture. Through his journey, Demetres has seen positive changes driven by increased safety initiatives, fostering an environment conducive to professional growth via open and honest communication amongst the entire organization.
“Delta is much more safety oriented than other companies I’ve worked for.”
Looking ahead, Demetres envisions a future with Delta Steel, aspiring to continue growing within the company. His goal is to contribute to the facility’s safety and possibly take on a role as an operations manager.
Hobbies
Outside of work, Demetres enjoys family time, with his son (20) and daughter (10). Married for eight years, he finds joy in activities like bowling, bike rides, walks, and beach outings.
Quotation
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”