NEWS & INFORMATION

Delta 4P – Chief Automation Officer (CAO) Program

In June we introduced ourDelta 4P – Chief Automation Officer program that is designed to give companies automation help and guidance that is technology agnostic.

To demonstrate what we mean, let me provide a simple example:

A mid-sized company wants to introduce robotic automation to its process to cut costs, improve quality, and reduce the operational risk of future employee interruptions. These are all very valid reasons to look at robotics. So, the Director of Operations calls a few automation companies and they come in and look at the process, and everyone will tell them that their robot is the best for this operation.

Watch the Video

But how does this company decide what is their best option for their unique automation challenges?

Often it falls to lowest cost, or best sales pitch. However, this approach does not consider the complexity and options in today’s automation world. Without taking into account the options and variables the risk in the automation projects increases, and the probability of having a failed or orphaned project goes up.

The Delta 4P program is designed to provide a better way. Just like you are the expert at what you do, Delta is the expert at automation. Delta 4P provides companies with access to our experience and automation expertise as if we were their “Chief Automation Officer”. We can help guide you through these tough decisions and link your automation strategy between the capital equipment, manufacturing and strategic plans. Furthermore, by charging a modest retainer consulting fee, we can stay technology agnostic. Additionally, if you decide to have Delta do some of the work the retainer can be used directly towards your project.

The choice is yours.

Here are some of the comments we’ve received so far about our program:

- “I believe every company must consider this approach…”
- “I can see where this would be beneficial to companies with automation projects…”
- “the big difference with Delta is that you are not solving an isolated problem, you are using our knowledge to build a solution that will grow with our needs…”

I believe that it’s time to think differently about automation. The Delta 4P approach is long overdue for companies that see the need to automate, and the roadmap that links the strategic plans together is vital to get it done.

Take 2 minutes, check out the video, and give us a call to find out how Delta 4P can work for your business.

Lyle Rusanowski, CEO

Six Reasons to Choose Local Manufacturing

Your project is approaching the long-awaited stage of materialization, and your next step is the manufacturing phase. Perhaps you aren’t comfortable sending your product off to be produced in a faraway facility. You need a trusted manufacturer to partner with through the entire process – What better way to do this than with someone close to home? Shopping local isn’t just for the consumer!

We all know the most efficient manufacturers are automated. Just as important as the choice of your manufacturing partner, the proximity of the manufacturer’s automation partner is equally vital. A high-tech factory requires readily available automation support. To achieve optimum performance, the closer the partner the better.

Read the 6 Reasons

Executive Profile: Larry Miller

Larry Miller, Director of Engineering and Acting Director of Operations, joined Delta almost two years ago. Having received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from BYU Provo, he went on to earn a master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Florida. Larry started his career in Boeing’s space shuttle program at Kennedy Space Center. There he served as a systems engineer working specifically on cranes, doors, and elevators, as well as a lifting and handling engineer for payloads. Following his time at Boeing, Larry continued in the same industry becoming a mechanical design engineer for United Space Alliance (USA), with his responsibilities focused on GSE (ground support equipment). After his five-year tenure at USA, and with the closing of the Space Shuttle program, he decided to move on, and started an 8-year stint working at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio as a research engineer, and industries that benefitted from his R&D work include power, oil and gas, and nuclear.

Larry was seeking a change, and while discussing it with family, he learned about Delta Technology. It was actually a family member that facilitated the introductions between Larry and Lyle Rusanowski, Delta’s CEO/Owner. Soon after, Larry joined the team. It was important for him to learn the business, as Lyle was interested in him for the Director of Engineering position. First though, Larry worked as a project manager for six months to become familiar with the day-to-day operations, processes and procedures, and Delta’s areas of expertise. In March 2019, he was named the Director of Engineering.

A typical day for Larry is quite busy, between his engineering leadership role and as Acting Director of Operations. He oversees the engineering groups, which includes employees specializing in mechanical design and control, and works with them to set processes for work at Delta; he also handles all personnel issues like hiring and interviewing. Larry’s Director of Operations responsibilities are similar, but in this role, he works more closely with different team members. In addition to making sure builds and assemblies are scheduled and prioritized properly, he supervises floor operations and employees, and ensures there are no issues that could impact production or quality.

When asked what he likes most about working at Delta, Larry revealed, “I like the variety of projects we do at Delta. We might have some small, tabletop piece of equipment that we’re working on, or a 12-foot robot moving mattresses around, and everything in between. And we are always working with or involved in the newest innovations in the world of automation. To learn all that, and to talk with vendors about their upcoming projects, is exciting and interesting.”

Larry believes his broad, general knowledge of the field of engineering has probably helped him the most in his career, along with knowing and comprehending the mechanical side of projects. His varied background and experiences have proven highly beneficial in understanding his current role. This busy family man is the father of six children, two of whom have also worked for Delta Technology. One of the ways Larry maintains a work-life balance is by being as active as possible, with wakeboarding and running being his preferred sports.

Meet Delta’s Interns

At Delta Technology, we believe in giving students an opportunity to gain real-world experience in our modern engineering and manufacturing environment. Working with and being mentored by our experienced engineers, and involving this next generation of automation experts in solving real problems for customers, helps ensure the bright future of our industry.

We feel it’s not only our duty, but a privilege as well. Currently, we have two interns from the ASU School of Engineering, and as we hope to hire them at the end of their internships (as we have done many times in the past), we’d like to share what Brandon and Benjamin have to say about being here at Delta Technology.

“I am thankful for this internship at Delta Technology and excited to prove the level of knowledge that ASU Polytechnic has helped me achieve. Being here, I know that I am on the right path to expand this knowledge and open up more opportunities by proving my worth to this company. I am very excited to grow alongside this company and take pride in knowing that I am contributing to this growth.” – Brandon Vano, 2020 graduate

“I have gained real world experience that classroom lectures could never provide. I have been part of every step of an automation project, from talking with customers to meetings with possible suppliers, and so much more. All of these things have exposed me to what a real career would look like as an engineer…and to think about physical applications of manufacturing parts or assemblies I design virtually. I am greatly appreciative for the knowledge, experience, and opportunities Delta has created for me. Not only am I learning things I couldn’t anywhere else but as a company Delta is a pleasure to work for, they have great morals, a safe and fun work environment, and the people are caring and hardworking.” – Benjamin Michael Van Hook, 3^rd year

History of the Electric Drill

Thankfully, in the course of human history, we’ve come a long way from the first hand tool that had the same main purpose as today’s electric drill does – simply drilling holes. Homo sapiens used a pointed rock to grind away at whatever material they wanted a hole in, and one can only imagine the time investment required. Next came a smoothed stick (sometimes with a flint at the point).

True machines assembled for drilling followed, with bow / strap drills, core drills, pump drills, hollow-borer tip, auger, gimlet (smaller version of an auger), churn drills, and early drill presses (bow drills using power generated by water or wind). Every single iteration of the drill is considered an innovation, but the invention of the electric motor would allow this tool to eventually evolve into a household toolkit essential.

Two Australians, Arthur James Arnot and William Blanch Brain, are credited for the invention of the electric drill, and patented their creation in 1889. William and Carl Fein, brothers from Germany, saw the value in the ability to hold an electric drill with the hand, so in 1895, that’s exactly what they invented. These machines were still cumbersome, big, and fixed in place, as they were used solely for industry and manufacturing.

In 1917, tool giant Black & Decker received the patent on their further innovation of this tool, which was a ½-inch portable drill – it was quite the upgrade, since it only took one person to operate. Running on either AC or DC power, it had smart features found on electric drills to this day – a pistol-grip handle that made it convenient to hold and a trigger, making it easier to control. It was still intended for industrial use, as the cost was prohibitive for consumers, and at the time, there was no home improvement craze.

There were still “honey-do” lists at the time though, and when Black & Decker saw their employees borrowing the drills to work on small projects at home, the company realized there might be a market in these early-adopting DIYers.

Advertisements by Black & Decker to capture the attention of these potential consumers began in the early 1920s, and in 1923, their portable electric drill was marketed to home users at a more affordable price. 1946 brought their initial home power tools product line, which consisted of two electric drills (1/4” and 1/2”), drill stands, and other related accessories. Contrary to what some believe, NASA did not invent the cordless drill. Black & Decker came up with this incredibly handy, indispensable must-have for any home handyman (or handywoman) in 1961.

Great Things Are Happening at PREM Group!

Who doesn’t love Phoenix Children’s Hospital? They’re impossible not to love, right? PREM received a request from our friends at PCH to help supply PPE that was in short supply. Using our wonderful, valued network (maybe some of you are reading this), we delivered over 50,000 pieces of PPE. PREM Group continues to protect and serve healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients of all ages, races, genders, and nationalities being true to our name and mission, PREM = LOVE! We also shared love these last couple weeks with both returning and new, local medical groups in need of PPE! Awesome! We are proud to protect you and we thank you for your support in purchasing PPE. As you know, we offer PPE at our cost, and every penny is reinvested to make more isolation gowns to protect others! It’s a big circle of PREM!

What’s That Color?

Whoa! What happened to the color of PREM isolation gowns? The first 4,000 PREM isolation gowns donated were fully transparent. Now, they’re really cool! Yup, cool-blue, and still translucent! Patients and HCPs LOVE that our gowns are see-through! Why? It eases patient stress and fear by allowing them to see the HCP’s smiling picture, name, and title on their badge right through the gown! Even if the HCP is covered head to toe with bouffant cap, face shield, mask, scrubs, gloves, and bootie covers, their smiling face and details can be seen right through PREM isolation gowns! Even other staff members can quickly identify the HCP that’s 3 feet in front of them without stripping off all their PPE. And, PREM gowns, even with their cool new blue tint, still offer tremendous barrier protection! How tremendous, you ask? Well, it turns out maybe even better than we initially thought! Read on!

Huh? These Gowns Protect How Well?

We’re often told our gowns are great (awww, shucks), but it seems they are even better than we thought! PREM Group started manufacturing gowns fast to save as many lives as possible as quickly as possible knowing our gowns were accepted under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization. We believed our high quality gowns were at least AAMI level 1 and to quickly make an impact, we didn’t have formal testing performed. Of course, testing and certification are also expensive ($6,000) and we didn’t have that either. We still don’t. However, working recently with our incredible film manufacturer, FilmTechLLC, and our trusted FDA consultant, Amy, we identified that our material likely exceeds the standards for AAMI level 3. That’s huge! Why? It means we have protected, and continue to protect, front-line medical personnel, their families, and their patients at an even higher level than we thought! Now we are trying to raise $6,000 to pay the FDA required fee for the paper certification so we can help even more medical facilities who require formally AAMI certified PPE.

Price Only Covers Costs? Yup!

PREM Group has now donated thousands of pieces of PPE all across the state, to facilities including hospices, hospitals, pediatric clinics, elder care facilities, nonprofits, family clinics, and Indian Communities. We are very proud to be a part of the solution and keep you safe! The average market price of a disposable isolation gown is over $3 each. Some are as high as $7 each. PREM Group, as a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting medical workers, offers isolation gowns to our customers for only $1.85 each. This covers costs to sustain PREM. Every penny is reinvested back into making more high-barrier, American made gowns to protect front-line medical workers. We appreciate all of our new and returning customers! Please keep coming.

Wait, You Offer Additional PPE?

Yes!! Since last we met here in email, PREM Group has partnered with other local manufacturers of critical PPE. We now offer amazing, reusable N95 masks (reuse them dozens/hundreds of times), face shields, ear savers, and sterile nasopharyngeal swabs. All PREM PPE is now available on our website at https://premgroup.org/shop/

Want To Help and Get A Tax Deduction? That’s NEW!

It’s easy! Support PREM Group in protecting cherished front-line medical workers across the USA battling deadly viruses to save lives; lives that may include yours, your family, your friends and your neighbors one day. How? Simply purchase PPE for your medical group from PREM, sign up as a volunteer to come have fun and make gowns (we love our volunteers!) or give a generous 501(c)3 tax deductible donation.

YES! PREM Group is currently finalizing a partnership with our sponsoring 501(c)3 organization and your donations, even those already made, are tax deductible!

THANK YOU in advance for your purchase of PPE, signing up to volunteer and donating at www.PREMGroup.org

Delta Technology and Fuji Robotics Form a New Partnership

Delta Technology, an integrator and automation expert for complex manufacturing, and Fuji Robotics, a manufacturer of the fastest palletizing robots worldwide, recently forges a partnership to offer robotic palletizing systems.

The demand for End-of-Line Automation has been rising recently due to increased labor costs. Companies in various industries nowadays require fast, cost-effective, reliable, and flexible solutions to keep constantly improving.

Robotic Palletizing is used in a wide range of industries like agriculture, food and beverages, powders and bulk solids, milling, etc. If the products come inside a bag, box, or pail, they can be easily palletized.

This technology is flexible and could be quickly adapted if there are any changes in the production lines, packaging, or palletizing patterns. Since this solution is fully automated, the robots are always reliable and can work 24/7.

The benefits of robotic palletizing for the end of the line, compared to other palletizing solutions, are flexibility, higher outputs, lower energy consumption, and cost savings.

Delta Technology is now offering its customers Fuji robots, as well as the complete solution, integrated into new production lines and existing ones. “Delta Technology is very pleased about the new partnership with the fastest palletizing robots in the world,” said Matt Lanfrankie, Director of Sales at Delta Technology. “This partnership provides us with a valuable new tool to expand Delta’s custom automation solutions to our current and future clients,” he added.

Michael Smilansky, Director of Engineering at Fuji Robotics said, “We at Fuji Robotics value Delta Technology’s experience with vision guided robotics and other various types of automation systems. First joint projects already show that our companies have the same dedication to customer support and creativity in finding the right automation solutions.”

Look for Our New Machine Tending Platform Soon!

Machine tending is quickly moving toward becoming a large market segment within automation. Delta Technology will be announcing a flexible machine tending platform that allows our customers to choose both the level of automation we provide and the capabilities our customers can contribute.

Partners will be able to get real time pricing while maintaining control of the overall scope of the project. Look forward to more information in the next few weeks and be sure to catch our July newsletter’s featured article about machine tending.