Ironworkers

Example

Small (<50 ton) ironworker from Northern Tool:

About

Documentation

• http://www.docstoc.com/docs/16819551/The-Marvels-of-Hydraulic-Ironworker-Bending-Machine-and-Punching-Machine
• can someone please copy/jailbreak this document into a lmore accessible format?

• http://www.articlelarder.co.cc/?p=292
• this has the original article by Issac Wang

• >> fix as you like...

steps are---> (XP machine) screen capture--->paint---Cut out relevant sub-image

• go here: http://www.free-ocr.com/
• submit - type in captcha etc
• paste into Open Office, correct, paste into Wiki!!

The Marvels of Hydraulic Ironworker, Bending Machine and Punching Machine

Ironworker machines can shear, punch holes and notch In steel plates. These machines generate force using hydraulic systems or mechanical leverage. Modern systems make use of hydraulic rams that are powered by heavy alternating current electric motors.

Incidentally, the hydraulic ironworker is an engineering marvel. It is not to be mistaken for a single machine. It is the amalgamation of 5 machines clubbed into a single engineering wonder. It comprises of a punching machine, a plate shear, a section shear, a punch and shear machine and a coper-notcher.

Irrespective of the size of any fabricator’s workshop, an ironworker forms the backbone. It is a versatile machine. It is an important tool in a metal workers shop. Very often, a cheap hydraulic ironworker is constructed. This leads to erosion of the die and the punch on the front rims. Higher quality machines are a must because they ensure durability and productivity. It ensures tooling longevity and helps you capitalize on the machine's total tonnage.

Selecting a right hydraulic ironworker from an OEM/ODM manufacturer for your application can be taxing job. There are some key pointers like versatility and safety features that you need to keep In mind. Consider its quality and capacity as well. The material thickness is another important aspect to be considered. It indicates whether you should use a trim press or an ironworker. An ironworker is capable of punching plate up to 1 inch. Usually, trim presses are used on sheet material 1/4 in. and thinner. ironworker machines are opted for shorter production runs and those applications for which tolerances are not too critical.

Ironworker machines are usually rated by tonnage at the punch station. it is essential to ascertain the maximum material thickness so that you can establish the tonnage range required for your punching application. You need to also examine the product and the steel rack that you need to fabricate. Make sure you determine the maximum hole diameter that needs to be punched. Don’t forget to focus on the maximum width and thickness of the angle, channel and rod to be bent or sheared.

You can also look out for a bending machine and options like larger press brake bending attachments. These machines are capable of using a larger variety of tooling as compared to those with built-in stations, however, you need time to switch from one operation to the other.

when choosing an ironworker from an OEM_ODM manufacturer or exporter, 'safety' should be your top most concern. Addressing safety issues is extremely Important. While there are many OEM/ODM manufacturers in the business, especially In Taiwan, you an make sure that you select the hydraulic ironworker and bending machine that meets ANSI B 11-5 standards.

It is necessary no examine the guarding as well. Make sure it is adjustable and it complies with the ANSI standard. Be careful of hydraulic ironworker and punching machine with automatic urethane hold-downs The Blade is dangerous and it can hurt you in the process. ‘Adjustable Stroke Control’ another feature to look out for. This ensures safety as well as productivity. It minimizes machine movements and reduces the number of pinch points. It also increases your productions and strokes per minute. It is a crucial factor in bending and special tool applications. The upstroke and downstroke need to be adjusted.

Thanks to ironworkers, punching holes of different sizes and shapes has never been so easy. From cutting to notching, from shearing to bending bars, you can do it all!

Examples

http://www.edwardsironworkers.com/60ton.html

Hole Punch Dies

• Manual machine and hole punch set, $400 - [1]
• Grainger self-centering hole dies - [2]

Companies

• Cleveland Punch and Die - [3]
• Metalpro - cheap ironworkers - http://www.metalprocorp.com/viewProduct.jsp?id=24
• Fabtec - metal workers and parts - [4]

Standard Metal Punch Units

• Complete unit? [5] Yes, but only sheet metal.

Hand Punch

• [6]
• Raileigh shears, punches, ironworkers catalogue - [7]

Manual shears from Reileigh catalogue - feature 2 heavy blades just like in a paper cutter.

Parts

• Parts for Buffalo Ironworker - blades - [8]
• Punch stems and mounting nuts - [9]

Operating Tips

• Metal punching tips - [10]
• Tonnage calculator for punches - [11]

Metal Punch Fabrication Strategy

Using s punch stem and coupling nut [12], combined with a punch and die standard [13] - we are ready to put together a metal punching assembly, provided that