Iron Worker – One Machine for Multiple Uses

An ironworker is possibly a universal instrument for a metal-worker and, therefore, synonymous with its affordability, is certainly considered among the first machines a metal workshop will own.

It is a multipurpose machine that can handle various tasks. These machines do the work of punching, shearing, and notching. Their size and capacity differ and are available as systems with one or two operators.

What is an Ironworker?

Ironworker Machine is a category of tool that offers a mechanical advantage by performing multiple tasks like punching, shearing, shaping, or bending and cutting out metal by pulling a lever or pushing a button. With these tools, you can execute these operations quite simply without using a drill or an abrasive-cutting tool.

Industrial Applications of an Ironworker

Punching

Punching occurs when a hardened punch is passed through a material to form a hole. Punched holes are usually round; however, it form can be square, oblong, or custom-shaped, depending on the punch or die’s shape. The size of the hole and the punch will be the same. Punching comprises of 3 elements that are added to the standard Ironworker; Punch, Stripper and Die.

Punch: It is mounted to the Ram of an Ironworker. A punch is a solid form of tool steel that can tolerate the tons of force needed to push it through stainless steel or aluminum and steel plates.

Stripper: The stripper is the device that holds down the material to be punched.

Die: This is the tool in which the punch is inserted into before it can be used to force a punch into any materials.

Angle Shearing

An ironworker also includes shearing function. In the case, the angle shearing will deliver a distortion-free and burr-free shear cut to mild steel angle material into any dimension.

Bar Shearing

An ironworker is equipped with a shear blade that cuts the metal sheet or plate into any given dimension. A metal plate is placed in-between 2 blades and is held in place by a mechanical device named a hold-down, which securely holds the material before the scissor-like act of the shearing blade.

Notching

Notching is a cutting procedure by which small pieces of metals are taken out to provide relief for molding or other needs. The process is also called “coping” when it involves shaped material like tubes. Many machines are solely designed for this purpose but ironworker provides the benefits of performing this task along with several others.

Plate Shearing

The shearing function of an Ironworker machine works in different ways. Just like a bar shear, plate shearing also involves cutting a sheet metal using shearing force to produce straight-line cuts.

The Demand of Ironworker Machine in the Industry

Their suitability, adaptability, and function have made an ironworker machine an essential tool in lots of fabrication workshop. Ironworker machinery is a cost-saving substitute for other equipment for a variety of reasons.

It is more cost-effective to buy an Ironworking Machine than the three separate machines that it replaces. Metal fabricators also use an ironworker as it saves money because they take up less space, operate faster, and can save time consumption also.

Ironworker’s advantage makes it ideal for both smaller businesses with fewer employees and for busy operations that need all possible productivity advantages. For fabricators of all sizes, an ironworker machine may be a precious asset that delivers benefits for both the short and long term.