American Wood Council Beam Design Formulas

Software falling under this category includes X-Steel (SDS/2), Tekla Structures (StruCAD), DetailCAD and SteelCAD. All 3-D modeling software exports the DSTV file which is then seamlessly imported into Voortman.

The basic unit is a semi-automatic, oxy-fuel coping machine. The operator positions the workpiece, finetunes it, starts the cut and adjusts the torch height while cutting. (There is an automated option for a laser to auto probe and set the torch height.) The basic unit comes with powered conveyors where the operator manually measures and marks the X length on the feed stock prior to cutting. (There is also an optional automated measuring system via Laser measuring of the feed stock.) The interface allows the operator to input material type to be cut. The operator scrolls through a list of options via pictorial representations on the computer touch screen. The computer is programmed with all the AISC structural steel dimensions. A fully dimensioned cope drawing is displayed simplifying programing, saving time and minimizing operator input error. The operator can override and customize the input as needed, and it can be stored as a new program, if desired. The machine can also be pre-programmed from the office through DSTV exported drawings. There is a wireless remote control that the operator uses to start, stop and operate the equipment. This allows the Operator to freely walk around viewing from any angle needed to verify operations and maintain accuracy. The operator makes his mark on the material, moves the material into position, and hydraulically clamps the material to be cut into place. The operator lines the laser to the mark and begins the cycle. The torch ignites, pre-heating the material. The operator manually initiates the cutting process and finishes the cut as he maintains the proper torch height.

Voortman is able to import DXF files. They can be used to create 3-D shapes as long the steel has been detailed according to certain rules. You might need to adjust some of these rules to match the details you are currently using. This process may not be as seamless as 3-D modeling software.

Voortman uses the Voortman's torch nozzle. The nozzle is specially engineered to last 3 - 6 month depending on how hot your machine runs. The torch nozzle is difficult to bend due to the head breakaway that deflects it. The heat of the gases through the nozzle eventually causes nozzles to become worn. Replacement torch tips are available for $75 per tip.

The Voortman beam coping machine is equipped with extended rigid and durable torch tips that enable accurate positioning inside flanges. In addition, the closed loop system allows the torch head to break away in the event that the torch head contacts an unexpected obstruction, such as slag build-up.

The main reason is cost. A plasma-cutting process can produce a high level of carcinogenic dust. This dust must be captured in an extraction filtering system. This and the cost to completely cover the machine to evacuate it raise the price significantly beyond what an average fabricator is willing to pay to get a beam coping solution.

Voortman CNC Beam Coper works very well and was used by most of our floor operators. The installation requires no prior computer knowledge.

For those who may have questions as to the standards of our Robotic coping and profiling machine, we can confidently say that ours has scaled the most vital fabrication tests successfully; hardness, surface texture, beam flange weld access hole quality, bolt hole sizing, positioning and perpendicularity. As always, we have through our stocking made available the Voortman CNC coping and profiling machine, which is designed to an exceptional standard just for you, hence its outstanding capacities.