Our Projects
Structural steel, custom metals, and specialty fabrication delivered across San Diego County, Orange County, and Los Angeles County. A selection of commercial, industrial, architectural, and specialty projects from our shop floor to the field.
Project Case Study
Emergency Live Bottom Rework —
Wastewater Treatment Facility
Industry: Wastewater Treatment
Scope: Chute fabrication & live bottom drive-end rework
Material: 316 stainless steel
Services: CNC cutting · in-situ welding · mechanical re-engineering
Overview
South Coast Iron was brought in to rework and rebuild critical conveyor systems at a wastewater treatment facility after the original installation failed on initial startup. The job called for a full mechanical redesign and precision re-engineering of the live bottom conveyors and chute assemblies — diagnosed, rebuilt, and returned to service under real operational pressure.
The Challenge
The existing bins and live bottoms had failed the moment they were started up, creating urgent pressure to diagnose the problem, redesign the failed components, and rebuild — without a long shutdown. The scope demanded:
Precise re-engineering of the drive end and motor drivetrain to resolve the mechanical failure
Accurate cutting and fitting of 316 stainless steel chutes into the existing tub assemblies
Structural welding and balancing of heavy screw assemblies in situ
Integration of additional slide gate frames within the existing bin structures
Our Solution
Live bottom screw assembly — We fabricated new motor drivetrain brackets and pin-welded the three screw assemblies together, then mounted and balanced each screw inside the live bottom bin — a clean, precise installation running the full length of the bin, achieved through careful in-situ fabrication and alignment.
Drive end & motor installation — All twelve motors were removed, the existing drive ends extracted, and newly fabricated drive ends installed. Motors were reinstalled with two splice welds per screw, in place. Four live bottom units were fully stripped, re-engineered, and rebuilt — loaded and offloaded with precision on site.
Chute fabrication & slide gate integration — We fabricated twelve 316 stainless steel chutes to suit the existing tub assemblies, cut on our CNC system for clean, accurate profiles to exact tolerance. Each chute was formed, fitted, and welded in place, with every weld finished through pickle and passivation to meet corrosion-resistance standards. Two additional slide gate frames were cut into the bottom of each bin dump.
Outcome
South Coast Iron delivered a complete mechanical rework of a failed installation under live operational pressure. Combining precision CNC cutting, expert in-situ welding, and full re-engineering of the drive system, the live bottoms were returned to full working order. The 316 stainless steel construction, finished throughout with pickle and passivation, ensures the long-term corrosion resistance a wastewater environment demands.
The project is a clear demonstration of SCI's ability to respond fast to critical failures, re-engineer solutions on the fly, and deliver high-quality fabrication and installation to exacting standards — on time and with precision.
| Scope Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Chute Fabrication — 316SS (cut, fit, weld, pickle & passivate) | 12 |
| Live Bottom Rework — Drive End Fabrication & Screw Install | 4 |
| Motor Removal & Reinstallation | 12 |
| Splice Welds In-Place (2 per screw) | 12 |
| Slide Gate Frame Fabrication & Integration | 2/bin |
| Live Bottom Onload & Offload | 4 |
Trusted by contractors and project teams across Southern California.
Precision Metal Fabrication & Structural Steel Solutions
South Coast Iron brings advanced laser cutting and tube fabrication together with experienced craftsmen to produce every weld, cut, and assembly to exact tolerances. Serving contractors and project teams from San Diego County to Los Angeles County.
No surprises
Clear scopes, accurate pricing, and real timelines, established before a single piece of steel is cut.
Built to exact spec
Tube laser and profile cutting with tight tolerances. Every weld and assembly verified before it leaves the shop.
Ready to install
Disciplined production schedules and field-ready QC, so your crew isn't waiting on fabrication.
Fabricating for the teams that build Southern California.
From hospital systems and industrial warehouses to mixed-use developments and civic projects — South Coast Iron has delivered structural steel and specialty metals for contractors and project teams across San Diego County, Orange County, and Los Angeles County.
Send us your drawings or scope. We'll align on pricing and schedule before any work begins.
